In a world that often asks women to choose between career ambition and family life, Stachura is forging a path that embraces both in the fast-moving career of telecommunications. Life is a constant blend of structure and spontaneity raising three kids —Wyatt (7), Olivia (6) and Miles (4) — and helping her husband, Ted, grow his small business. Stachura brings the same leadership mindset to every role she plays.
You’re balancing a high-level leadership role in telecommunications with raising three kids. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you manage the juggle?
Organized chaos! I try to put as much structure in place as possible, but I’ve learned that flexibility matters just as much. Early mornings are my anchor. I’m up around 5[a.m.]/5:30 [a.m.] to catch up on work or enjoy a quiet coffee before the day starts. Once the kids are up, it’s a full sprint. We pick out clothes the night before and talk through the next day to cut down on surprises. After school, we tackle [homework] right away. Yes, my kids complain, and yes, they don’t love it; however, there’s nothing a snack can’t help. We eat dinner before activities, which is admittedly an ongoing work in progress, and then divide and conquer sports so Ted and I can both stay present. At the end of the day, it’s about showing up, staying flexible and remembering that a little chaos just comes with the territory.
What values or skills from your role in leadership have you brought into your parenting —and vice versa?
Whether it’s work or home, I think perspective is what allows you to show up as your best self. Chasing perfection isn’t realistic, but showing up with intention and effort always is. It’s a balancing act you must get comfortable with. Curiosity, accountability and resilience are values that carry across both worlds. In my career, they shape how I lead and problem-solve. At home, they shape what I hope to model for my kids. Curiosity shows them the importance of asking questions and staying open. Accountability teaches them that words and actions matter. And resilience reminds them that things won’t always go as planned but we can adjust and keep moving forward.
In the midst of busy work weeks and family life, what are you most thankful for right now?
My kids are happy, healthy and thriving. I also have a husband who shares all the responsibilities with me, and that partnership is what allows both of us to have careers and be present for our kids. And coffee. I’m really thankful for coffee.
How do you approach setting boundaries between work and family time, especially in a role that may demand being “always connected?”
Time with my kids and being present for all their activities. It’s non-negotiable for me. I am primarily not available for work between 5 [p.m. to] 8 p.m. Of course, there are one-off instances, however they are the exception and not the norm. That’s precious time I don’t get back with my kids. They are only this young for such a short period of time, and I won’t miss those moments. That might mean I’m working in the evenings or early mornings, but that’s the tradeoff and balance.
What advice would you give to other working moms aspiring to leadership positions without compromising on the kind of parent they want to be?
Creating space for yourself. Who I am as a person (not just a mom, a wife, a leader) deserves attention, too. It’s important to stay connected and grounded to the version of me that exists without those titles. Time with friends, trips that recharge me, quiet mornings with coffee all help me stay centered. They help me return to those other roles more grounded, more patient and more present.
FAMILY FAVORITES:
Weekend Activity: All the sports activities with three kids!
Sports Team: Steelers, but my husband would argue it’s the Bears
Family Movie: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Date Night Plans: We try our best to do one date night a month. We love going out to dinner for adult time!
Family Restaurant: Lorenzo’s Pub and Pizza in McMurray. They have a cute patio area with games for the kids!
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and Pittsburgh mama of two.
