Meet Sarah O'Leary, the CEO at Willow Innovations, Inc., the femtech company that revolutionized the breast pumping experience and invented the first all-in-one wearable breast pump, and mom of two.
Super Mom: If you could choose one superpower to improve mothers' experiences, what would it be?
I wish moms had the superpower to quickly look into the future to see that it will be ok and that this too shall pass. We put so much pressure on ourselves as moms, especially during the early motherhood phase. It was really hard for me to learn to worry less and trust that I would eventually sleep through the night, my kid would learn to swim, they wouldn't cry at daycare drop-off after a few days, and so on. Those early years really go by fast, and your current challenge or stage won't last forever. If we could see that everything eventually works out, we would learn to ride the wave.
Magic Wand: With a magic wand, what’s the one major challenge in maternal care you’d solve?
The maternal experience in America needs to be transformed to provide equitable support and healthcare for all moms. The U.S. maternal health outcomes are not OK, and they are especially troubling for Black moms and moms on Medicaid.
Oscar Moment: In 2034, you’ve won an award for a maternal care solution. What initiative did you create, and how did it change the industry?
It would be an initiative to advocate and secure better insurance coverage for high-quality postpartum products and services. Moms shouldn’t have to use old technology or low-quality breast pumps because it’s the only option covered by private insurance companies and Medicaid. Every mom should have access to the best tools, resources, and support, including lactation services, doula care, and mental health support, to ensure they receive the care and guidance they need after having a baby.
Inspire Moms: What message would you send to all moms?
Motherhood can feel isolating, especially those early days when you feel like you’re the only one up in the middle of the night or you think that you’re the only one who doesn’t know what they’re doing. I have always found inspiration in the idea that while we may be “alone” at the moment, there is this worldwide community of moms who are all doing the same thing at the same time. I think there’s so much power in motherhood - this essential power of giving life and nurturing families. I like to imagine how we can shape the world if we recognize and lean into that collective power.
Boss Mom: What traits or habits do mothers have that would make them great CEOs?
Nothing prepares you to be a CEO quite like being a mom, in my opinion! Moms are master multitaskers, empathetic listeners, and peacemakers. We are responsible for setting guardrails and are often the “culture builders” of our families. Our kids watch us to understand what to make of the world, which is the core of the definition of leadership. I’ve honed more leadership skills as a mom of two young kids than when getting my MBA!
Balancing Act: As a CEO and mother, what are three things you’ve done to stay grounded?
To help me in both roles, I try to keep perspective by reading (fiction!), spending time outside, and cooking. There’s something so soothing about chopping vegetables after a long day at work that helps me relax and transition from “CEO” to “mom!"
Crystal Ball: What do you see for the future of maternal care?
Women are starting to take more control of their own health and fill in the gap where the healthcare system isn't working with tools like tracking apps, digital communities, and content creators. We have a long way to go but when we demand better for our health and well-being, we help create systematic change.
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