Episode Description
In today’s episode, Erica sits down with Dr. Corinne Low — a brilliant mind from the Wharton School who’s redefining what it truly means for women to “have it all.” In her new book, Having It All, Corinne blends rigorous data with deeply personal stories to uncover the truth about ambition, fulfillment, and the myths that hold women back.
From the burnout she experienced while juggling parenting and academia, to her powerful “life as a series of deals” framework, Corinne offers a fresh, research-backed lens for rethinking balance, success, and self-worth. This episode is an empowering, honest, and highly relatable conversation for any woman who’s ever tried to “do it all.”
Key Takeaways
- Burnout as a Wake-Up Call: Corinne shares a deeply personal story about reaching a breaking point while juggling motherhood, marriage, and an academic career — and how that moment reshaped her entire perspective on success and fulfillment.
- The “Deal” Framework: In her new book Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women’s Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours, Corinne introduces the idea that every major life decision — career, partnership, family — is a “deal.” Understanding and renegotiating these deals can empower women to design lives that actually serve them.
- Blending Data with Real Life: Corinne bridges the gap between economics and lived experience, using data to unpack societal expectations — and her own personal stories to make the findings relatable and actionable.
- Transforming Guilt into Growth: Many women experience guilt when chasing ambition. Corinne reframes guilt as a signal rather than a setback — an invitation to reassess priorities and boundaries, not abandon them.
- The Time Divide: Research shows women still spend double the time with children compared to men, often at the expense of career growth and self-care. Corinne explores the structural and cultural shifts needed to level the playing field.
- Redefining Success: Forget one-size-fits-all definitions. Corinne urges women to define success on their own terms — aligned with values, purpose, and joy rather than external validation.
- Can We Really “Have It All”? Corinne offers a modern, data-driven take on the age-old question — revealing that “having it all” isn’t about doing it all, but choosing well and making intentional trade-offs.
- A Call for Structural Change: From workplace flexibility to cultural norms, Corinne envisions a world where women can thrive in both career and family life without sacrificing their well-being.
About Dr. Corinne Low
Dr. Corinne Low is a Wharton School professor, economist, and author of the new book Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women’s Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours. She combines rigorous research with personal storytelling to explore the myths and realities of ambition, success, and fulfillment. Her work challenges conventional ideas about “having it all” and offers practical insights for women striving to design lives that truly work for them—on their own terms.
Links
Learn More about Your Host
On a mission to redefine self-care globally, Erica Diamond is a sought-after Media Expert, Professional Speaker, Bestselling Author of List Your Goals Journal, Host of The Erica Diamond Podcast, Founder of Bliss Essential Oils (BlissEssential.co), Course Creator of Busy To Bliss (http://BusyToBliss.com), Certified Life & Career Coach, Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and Founder & Editor-In-Chief of the Award-Winning Lifestyle Platform EricaDiamond.com® (previously WomenOnTheFence.com®).
Erica Diamond has been named to the coveted list of The Top 20 Women in Canada, FORBES Magazine’s Top 100 Sites for Women and a Profit Hot 50 Canadian Company. Erica is a busy mom of two boys, ‘bad cook,’ and new drummer!
To learn more about Erica Diamond, visit her website EricaDiamond.com
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