In Practice, with Molly Stetler, MS, CGC
Showcasing the voices of ambitious, multi-passionate women navigating the tensions between career and care.
Welcome to In Practice, a monthly interview feature that brings you real stories and hard-earned wisdom from women balancing career ambitions with caregiving roles. These conversations offer a window into the challenges and triumphs of navigating professional life while nurturing family and self.
Each month, you’ll meet an inspiring woman who shares candid reflections, practical strategies, and heartfelt insights that help her stay grounded. I hope that this feature will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered in your own journey. Let’s get into it.
Intro
Molly is a genetic counselor located in Charlotte, North Carolina. She currently works as a medical science liaison in the rare disease division of a genetics company. With over 8 years of experience, Molly is passionate about educating medical providers across diverse clinical settings about the value of genetic testing and genetic information in patient care. She is also a first-time mom to a 2-month-old boy, an avid sports fan (Go, Vols! Go, Braves!), and a group exercise enthusiast.
In this interview, Molly shares how she is navigating the transition of being a new mom and adjusting her perspective and routine in preparation of returning to work later this summer.
What does “success” look like for you right now?
Success for me right now looks very different than it used to – and that’s okay. These days, it’s about caring for my son by keeping him safe, well fed, and comforted as best I can. It’s staying relatively on top of my emails, replying to supportive messages from friends, taking a stroller walk around the neighborhood, and running simple errands. It’s also about managing my own frustration when things feel hard and showing up for my family with patience and grace. My husband and I are learning how to be partners in this new season of life, and if at the end of the day our baby is loved and care for and I’ve found a few small moments of connection or calm, that feels like success to me.
What’s one piece of career or life advice that actually holds up in real life?
One piece of advice that I admittedly am still working on incorporating routinely is asking for what I need – kindly, clearly, and without apology. In my career, advocating for what I need, whether it’s more clarity, growth, flexibility, etc., has helped me build healthier boundaries and stronger relationships. Postpartum, it’s meant asking for help, space, rest, and reassurance, even when I feel like I should be able to do it all. In both spaces, I’ve learned that people are more willing to show up for you when you give them the chance.
What’s something you’ve had to unlearn to thrive?
One of the biggest things I’ve had to unlearn to truly thrive is the habit of people-pleasing. For a long time, I equated being helpful, agreeable, and always available with being a good teammate, friend, or employee. But over time, I realized that constantly trying to meet everyone else’s expectations – often at the expense of my own priorities or wellbeing – was unsustainable. I’ve learned that setting boundaries and being honest about my capacity isn’t selfish; it’s necessary and has helped me build more authentic relationships.
Favorite workwear or ritual that makes you feel grounded?
I work from home, so my workwear tends to be simple – usually a work-appropriate top for virtual meetings paired with comfortable pants or leggings. When I do travel to client meetings, I’m a sucker for a midi-dress or skirt paired with sneakers. One grounding ritual that I truly look forward to is my morning coffee. Depending on the day, that might mean brewing a fresh pot first thing or making a cozy decaf latte after my son’s first morning feed. I love everything about the ritual – it’s quiet, comforting, and helps me ease into the day. In many ways, I find that it replaces the mental transition of a traditional “commute” to work.
What are you reading or listening to lately that’s feeding you?
Lately, what’s feeding me might not be the most profound piece of literature and answer – but its honest! I’ve been really into sports podcasts, especially Hammer Territory, which covers the Atlanta Braves. I’m able to stream their games here in Charlotte this season, and with more time at home with a newborn, I’ve been watching a lot of baseball. At the end of each series, it’s fun to hear the hosts’ takes on the games and player performances. It’s a lighthearted shift from the intensity of motherhood and helps me unwind and reconnect with a part of myself that has nothing to do with diapers or “wake windows.”
What’s a recent win, personal or professional, that made you proud?
A recent win that made me proud was going back to cardio dance classes at six weeks postpartum. Attending these classes take a good amount of coordination to maintain our routine, and even more self-encouragement to trust that I can leave the house, but I always thoroughly enjoy them. This class is something I loved pre-baby, and it has been fulfilling to return to an activity that helps me feel like myself again. I look forward to gradually reintegrating a few more pieces of my old routine while also embracing this new chapter.
In Practice is a recurring interview series highlighting how multidimensional women live their values across career and life.
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I love this interview! What an honest, realistic perspective on motherhood and striving for balance. Thanks for sharing, Molly.