A Single Mom at the Top: Leading Billion-Dollar Brands While Raising a Child Alone

In today's episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I'm joined by Gretchen de Castellane, a former corporate leader who spent more than 20 years leading creative teams at Mattel for billion-dollar brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels, all while raising her child as a single mom.

It was exciting, meaningful work but over time she poured so much of herself into the role that she lost sight of who she really was. Eventually, life gave her the nudge she didn't know she needed. The career chapter she thought would always define her suddenly came to a close. But that ending became the doorway to something new.

In this honest conversation we talk about:

• what burnout really looked like behind the scenes of a high-level corporate career
• the emotional toll of being the only parent while leading at work
• shifting beliefs about what it means to be a “good mom” and a “successful woman”
• unique challenges working moms face when they don't have a partner to share the load
• misconceptions and the things often misunderstood about being a single mom
• small changes that can make the biggest difference
• practical first steps to create, “a next act that truly fits who you are now”

For more than 20 years, Gretchen led creative teams at Mattel for billion-dollar brands like Hot Wheels and Barbie. What once felt exciting and meaningful eventually led to severe burnout, especially as she navigated single motherhood.

When the career chapter she thought would define her came to an unexpected close, she found herself rebuilding from the ground up. Through neuroscience, flow psychology, and spiritual practices, she became a certified High Flow Coach and now helps leaders and change-makers reignite their spark and create work and lives that feel aligned and sustainable.

Find Gretchen at:

Website: https://www.riteofpassagecoaching.com/

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

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

Looking for extra support? You can find me at:

www.christigmyrcoaching.com

Facebook: Christi Gmyr Coaching

Free Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmom

Want to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9

You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast