In this special feature, EO Portland mothers and founders reflect on the ways motherhood has transformed how they lead, define success, take risks, and build community. Their stories are honest, thoughtful, and deeply personal, filled with lessons on resilience, boundaries, ambition, presence, and purpose.

EO Portland Board Member and CEO of Casework, Casey Keasler, asked Talie Smith two questions about her experience as a mother and entrepreneur.

What advice would you give your younger self about balancing business growth with raising a family?

I have focused deeply on how best to truly respect my children and allow them to own their self-view. This is harder than it seems, as parents often want to protect their kids from a harsh world. For me, this looks like setting aside my own goals and personal needs in parenting and encouraging my kids to decide for themselves when, for instance, to feel internal pride. It has taken a lot of personal work and therapy on my part to keep my issues out of their way. 

What lesson(s) has motherhood taught you about leadership?

Motherhood has pushed me to evolve and grow more than any other endeavor in my life. I love how it has created opportunities to stop the legacies of pain in my lineage and become the best version of myself. I can absolutely see how it has been a key experience to becoming a good leader.