For a lot of working parents, balance can feel more like a moving target than something you ever fully achieve, especially in an industry as demanding and unpredictable as music. For Carly Klassen, executive director of Alberta Music and mom of two, motherhood completely reshaped the way she approaches both work and life.

In this episode, Carly opens up about navigating postpartum depression during the pandemic, returning to work after maternity leave, and learning how to build a career that works with her family instead of against it. We talk about the pressure to constantly be available, the emotional weight of leadership, and the ongoing challenge of setting boundaries in careers that rarely slow down.

She shares how becoming a parent changed her definition of success, why flexibility has become essential in both her work and home life, and how community and support systems can make all the difference.

We get into:

• Navigating motherhood while leading within the music industry
• Returning to work after maternity leave
• The reality of mom guilt and work-life boundaries
• Building flexibility into demanding careers
• How COVID shifted perspectives on parenting and productivity
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and redefining success
• Why supportive workplaces matter for parents in music and the arts

Throughout the conversation, Carly reflects on how motherhood has influenced her leadership style and strengthened her desire to create more inclusive, sustainable spaces within the industry.

This episode is for working parents, industry professionals, creatives, and anyone trying to build a career without losing themselves in the process. It’s an honest conversation about ambition, boundaries, mental health, and learning that balance doesn’t have to look perfect to still work for you.

Thanks for being part of this conversation. Mother Makes Music is all about honesty, connection, and reminding each other that we’re not doing this alone. If this episode spoke to you, we’d love for you to share it and keep the conversation going.

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @mothermakesmusic

Mother Makes Music is hosted by Megan McKay
Podcast Artwork by Emily Pond
Podcast Theme by Matty McKay
Funding generously provided by Calgary Arts Development