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Meghan Markle opened up about the realities of balancing work and motherhood in the second episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder. The episode, which aired on April 15, features a conversation with Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Both Meghan and Saujani, who are mothers of two, discussed the challenges of managing their careers while parenting young children.
At the time of the recording, Meghan shared that her children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, were both unwell, with one suffering from RSV and the other from influenza A. Meghan spoke about the sleepless nights she was experiencing, caring for her children during their illnesses. Despite the exhaustion, she emphasized the importance of showing up for both her family and her work.
Meghan noted that it’s okay to be open about the struggles, saying, “Just be honest in the journey of it. And say, ‘Yeah, today, I’m gonna show up for you, but I’m showing up for you in my sweatshirt because I’ve been up all night with my babies.’” She continued by stressing that both her work and her family were essential to her well-being, helping “keep my cup full.”
Reshma Saujani also highlighted the lessons from the pandemic, particularly how flexibility allows working mothers to manage both career and family responsibilities. She pointed out that granting women more control over their time could lead to a major shift in how society supports working parents.
Although juggling work and motherhood is demanding, both women expressed that being mothers remains their most cherished role. Meghan admitted that taking breaks can be tough, and she often finds herself scrolling through photos of her children. She also shared how her husband, Prince Harry, encourages her to take moments for self-care, like exercising or taking a bath, but Meghan confessed that she usually prefers to spend that time cuddling with her kids.
Meghan’s podcast, which is part of her media venture with Lemonada Media, is linked to her forthcoming lifestyle brand, As Ever. The podcast offers insights into her experiences as a female entrepreneur and features discussions with other women who lead successful businesses.