Perhaps the only thing you need to know about Tiffany Dufu is this: she has dedicated her life’s work to advance women and girls. We’re sold. Her commitment to coaching, supporting, and lifting women up is not only her inspiring “day job,” it is in the very fabric of who she is and that’s what makes her such an incredible force.

Tiffany, a mother of two, is also the author of Drop the Ball, her memoir and manifesto that shows women how to cultivate the “ability to let go” and thrive. She was named to Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women, was a founding team member to Lean In, served as the Chief Leadership Officer at Levo, a professional networking platform for millennials, and just recently announced the launch of her peer coaching service, The Cru. In short, Tiffany is busy — busy taking over the world and busy helping other women and girls do the same. We were excited to ask her about motherhood, work-life balance, and her power-mom crush. Here’s what she had to say.

From your book to executive leadership to The Cru, what has been the most rewarding part of your job? 

The satisfaction that comes with knowing that something I said, wrote, or did helped a woman to create a life she’s passionate about.

As someone who juggles a demanding career with motherhood and everything else in between — what are your thoughts on “having it all”?

It’s essential that we each determine what this means for us. For me, having it all means I’ve got an impactful career, a juicy marriage, kids that are on their way to being conscious global citizens, and that on most days, I’m healthy and joyful. I’ve learned that I can have it all but I can’t do it all. I wrote Drop the Ball to help other women come to this realization as well.

What does it mean to be a mom in 2018? 

The same thing it’s always meant: that you’re blessed with the gift and responsibility of stewarding another soul through their journey in this lifetime.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d share with new moms? 

Don’t parent with the expectation that you have control over your children’s future stories. My son might grow up and credit me with his feminism. He might say that I taught him through example how to live your passion and purpose. My daughter might grow up and blame me for her dysfunctional relationships. She might say that I traveled too much and that even though I fought for all girls, the one girl I didn’t pay enough attention to was her.

Both of these stories would be true. Neither one would have anything to do with me. Your children have the right to tell the stories that serve them. So don’t stress yourself trying to control those stories. As in, “I want them to have fond memories of our family’s organic meals.” Just focus on doing the best you can in any given moment.

DRESS: MARA HOFFMAN

What do you do to maintain work-life balance?

Dance to Beyoncé, LUSH bath bomb baths, and long catch-up conversations with my girlfriends.

How has being a mom influenced your personal style (if at all)? 

I dropped the ball on any outfit with multiple parts. Now, I throw on a dress and wear the same diamond studs every day.

From one inspiring woman to the next: who’s your power-mom crush? 

Who would respond to this question with anyone other than Michelle Obama?

We believe in women supporting other women and in this series, we focus on the exceptional women who represent innovation, risk-taking, leadership, and style. These women raise the bar for themselves and others, redefining motherhood for the better as they pursue their professional careers and personal projects. They are the Women of the Future.