You know that scene from Friends where Ross, Chandler and Rachel are trying to move in Ross’ new couch and Ross keeps shouting pivot, pivot, pivot? I must think of that at least once a day as I feel like I’m constantly pivoting and re-prioritizing. Hearing Deepti’s story about how her company, Food to Eat, had to make a drastic pivot because of Covid while simultaneously juggling the lack of childcare gave me a whole new perspective. Her story gives me hope that even when it may feel like you’re totally out of options, you can still find a way to pivot because that’s what working moms do. We find a way to get it done.
Watch + Listen to the whole conversation:
Deepti’s career centers on her passions- food, community and advocacy. She is unafraid to pivot to figure out a new solution to make less than ideal circumstances work- both at home and in her career. And you know what’s most inspiring? Deepti continues to chase her dreams. She always knew that she wanted to have a greater impact in her community so she ran for City Council in New York City last year. I hope we all seek a bit of inspiration from Deepti. Becoming a mom really can open new paths and opportunities for us.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I think we need more moms and working parents in office. I think we also need more small business owners in office, because if you think about who’s legislating or who’s actually writing the legislation, it has to be people that are experiencing the societal problems firsthand. I get excited when I hear that a teacher or a nurse is running because they have endured the problems and they’re going to be the ones that are going to help write the legislation to fix them.
Can you share a story that convinces us you’re human and you’re not this super woman?
I wish I could just show you my floor right now. There are blocks, juice boxes that probably spilled, leggos, and just about everything else. This is so representative of real motherhood. The camera angle makes it seem like everything is great on the surface. And you go below and it’s just like a deep dive into the messiness of what parenting really can be like.
What do you tell yourself on hard days?
I try to remind myself that I need to remember who I am. I try to gain inspiration from myself and my previous experiences. I think we always seek outside validation when we should remember that we are enough for ourselves. Especially moms- we’re freaking heroes and we should know it.
Bridget Garsh
Co-founder & COO
Bridget is mom to two little boys, Hudson and Brooks, and a champion of working moms everywhere. NeighborSchools itself was borne out of Bridget’s challenge to find high-quality yet affordable child care, and the realization that so many parents struggle with these same issues every day.
Read more from Bridget, follow her on IG, and check out her new series, Work Like a Mother.
