High-Achievers, Motherhood, And Divorce

In this conversation, Mardi Winder-Adams welcomes Kate Kripke, a licensed clinical social worker and PMH-C, to talk about what it’s really like for high-achieving moms who find themselves facing divorce while trying to keep everything else on track. Kate speaks from both professional expertise and personal experience, sharing how her own upbringing, her parents’ divorce, and her struggles with anxiety and post-partum challenges shaped her commitment to supporting mothers and families navigating big transitions.

Kate sheds light on the silent pressure so many women feel to perform as the best mom, partner, employee, and more. She points out how this constant push can make it hard for women to slow down, check in with their own feelings, and actually allow space for emotion, particularly during a divorce. Rather than focusing solely on “doing,” Kate encourages moms to pay attention to “how” they’re experiencing emotions, something she’s learned makes all the difference in both adult and child mental health.

Mardi and Kate talk about how moms often fear their children’s difficult emotions during divorce, wanting to protect them from sadness or anger. Kate reassures listeners that it’s not only normal for kids to feel upset, but that moving through those feelings is vital. She emphasizes that being steady and supportive, even if you don’t have all the answers, helps kids build resilience and feel secure through change. She also challenges the idea of labeling a marriage as “failed,” highlighting that sometimes relationships simply run their course, and it doesn’t need to be seen as a disaster.

Throughout the episode, Kate shares practical thoughts on how parents can create small moments of connection and security, even when families are splitting time between homes. She reminds listeners that kids don’t need perfection, but rather a steady presence who’s willing to listen and be real. To support moms further, Kate offers her “Calm Mama Reset,” a 21-day guide full of realistic, bite-sized strategies for anyone looking to regain some calm and steadiness during stressful times.

About the Guest:

Kate Kripke, LCSW, PMH-C, helps high-achieving women break free from emotional overwhelm, guilt, and burnout in motherhood. As a maternal mental health expert and transformative coach, she guides mothers in shifting old patterns, regulating their emotions, and reconnecting with their intuition—so they can feel calm, confident, and in control while balancing both career and motherhood.

Kate believes that thriving as a mother doesn’t mean sacrificing personal success, and she equips women with the tools to build deep, lasting connections with their children while continuing to pursue their passions.

For Kate’s gift: https://itlist.co/i/3453/the-calm-mama-reset-21-day-interactive-wellness-challenge

To connect with Kate:

Website: https://www.katekripke.com/

IG @katekripke, https://www.instagram.com/katekripke/

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce.

Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test".

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

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