Meet Kim Patten | Author & advocate for Career Driven Moms

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Patten and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Leaving my corporate job to become a stay-at-home mom was a significant challenge. I feared losing my career and the independence it provided since I had experienced a divorce prior. Society often undervalues stay-at-home mothers, and even my own mom reinforced that negative view. But with the unwavering support of my husband, friends and strong answers from my prayers, I took the leap, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I realized that I didn’t want to miss out on those precious early years with my children. Now, I returned to my corporate job (which proves my fears about losing my career are not real) and I’m passionate about helping other moms navigate the challenges of balancing work and family. I want to empower them to make the choices that are right for them, whether that’s returning to work or staying home. My long-term goal is to advocate for standardized maternity leave and greater gender equality in the workplace. I believe that supporting mothers and families benefits everyone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey has been anything but easy, but every challenge has shaped who I am today. It began with a bold move: flying solo from Taiwan to Brigham Young University, armed with two suitcases and a relentless drive. That drive was tested early. I faced language barriers, a professor who doubted my abilities, and a rejection from my dream business school. But I refused to be deterred. I studied tirelessly, graduated, and moved to San Diego, where I started as a Marketing Specialist. Even with an MBA, I faced the limitations of not having U.S. citizenship, working long hours for minimal pay and navigating some truly difficult bosses. However, these challenges fueled my determination. I worked 60 hours a week, bought my own house, earned my citizenship, and eventually landed a coveted Project Manager role at Avery Dennison. What sets me apart is this unwavering perseverance. I’m most proud of overcoming those early obstacles and refusing to let anyone define my potential. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience is key. I want the world to know that with determination and hard work, you can achieve anything, no matter the obstacles. My brand and story are about empowering others to push beyond their perceived limitations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Dallas Arrival & Arboretum: Start with the Dallas Arboretum, especially the children’s garden.
Day 2: Perot Museum & BBQ: Perot Museum for hands-on learning, followed by Hard Eight BBQ.
Day 3: Fort Worth Zoo: A day at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Day 4: Frisco Fun: Choose between KidZania, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco Library or the National Videogame Museum in Frisco.
Day 5: Lagoon Day!: Enjoy a full day at the Windsong Ranch Lagoon (we are Windsong Ranch Residents)
Day 6: Austin Splash: Day trip to Austin, focusing on Barton Springs Pool.
Day 7: Prosper Relaxation & Farewell: Enjoy a relaxed brunch in Prosper such as Birdie or First Watch.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband. my children and my incredible friends. Their unwavering belief in my message and their constant encouragement to keep sharing it has been absolutely essential. Learning the marketing side of things was a real challenge, and there were times I wanted to cry, hide, and eat ice cream! But they kept reminding me that the message in Pivot needed to be heard, and their support helped me navigate the process.

Website: https://www.thepivotmom.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-patten/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571740074870&sk=about

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1DP2XYX

Image Credits
One of the profile pictures was from Brittany Michelle Photography