The Invisible Work of a Meaningful Life with Kari Selander

Ep 18 - Can you build a meaningful career, raise a family, and stay true to yourself along the way? In this episode of Live Like it Matters, Elissa Kalver sits down with Dr. Kari Selander, a global policy strategist, institution-builder, mother of two, and creator of the Mutha Life podcast. On paper, Kari's career is remarkable. She has worked alongside government ministers across Africa and South Asia, built international programs from the ground up, secured partnerships with some of the world's most influential philanthropic organizations, and now focuses on the future of AI governance and global development. But this conversation isn't about titles or achievements. It's about the reality behind them. Together, Elissa and Kari explore the tension between ambition and presence, purpose and responsibility, career growth and family life. They discuss what it means to pursue meaningful work while navigating motherhood, relationships, identity shifts, and the constant pressure to do it all. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why the idea of "having it all" may be setting us up to fail • What motherhood has taught Kari about leadership and resilience • The hidden emotional labor behind successful careers • How to navigate seasons when priorities inevitably shift • Why meaningful impact starts with honest conversations • What it really looks like to build a life aligned with your values Kari also shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Mutha Life, where she explores the intersection of ambition, parenthood, partnership, identity, and modern life. Through candid conversations, she creates space for the conversations many parents are already having privately—but rarely hear publicly. This episode is a reminder that living a meaningful life isn't about achieving perfect balance. It's about making intentional choices, embracing life's contradictions, and staying connected to what matters most. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Kari Selander Follow Kari for thoughtful conversations on leadership, motherhood, ambition, AI, global development, and building a meaningful life. 📲 Instagram: @mutha.life 🎙️ Mutha Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📰 Newsletter: muthalife.substack.com 📧 Contact: [email protected] 🎙️ Connect with Elissa Kalver 📲 Instagram: @elissakalver | @wegotthisorg Subscribe to Live Like it Matters for conversations about resilience, leadership, personal growth, and the moments that shape who we become. 💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone navigating the balance between ambition, family, and building a meaningful life.