Confessions of a Recovering Work Addict
Summary
Host Jessica Mendoza interviews Laura Mayer, author of the memoir *Try Hard*, about her career as a podcast executive and her struggle with work addiction. Mayer discusses how her intense drive led to burnout and the "corporate mommy" trap before she learned to set boundaries for her family. The conversation explores redefining ambition and finding balance between professional effort and personal well-being.
Topics discussed
Intro: Defining the 'try hard' and meeting Laura Mayer
Sponsor: Accenture and Spotify ad operations
Childhood: Managing her mother's alcoholism
Work as addiction and the need to 'show your work'
Early career: Ambition and gender dynamics
The 'corporate mommy' trap in middle management
Preview: Founding a startup and breaking point
Sponsor: Workday enterprise AI platform
Co-founding a podcast company and feeling 'proven'
Imposter syndrome and the cost of overworking
Quitting ABC News and setting boundaries
Parenting: Her daughter's view on work
Raising a 'try hard' and changing identity
Advice for tryhards: You are more than your work
Outro and credits
Sponsor: Silicon Valley Bank and First Citizens
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