“If we shift our thinking to a both/and approach it enables us to open up all kinds of different possibilities and to use these tensions as a source of creativity.”Today we are delighted to welcome Wendy K Smith to the podcast. Wendy is the Emma Smith Morris Professor of Management and academic director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business & Economics.  Wendy is also the co-author of the brilliant book Both/And Thinking, which challenges the perception that we have to choose between pursuing two things we love. Instead, the book sets out the ways that we can be both/and instead of either/or,  including providing tools for coping with multiple tensions at the same time.Wendy and Verena discuss both/and thinking in the context of progressing your career whilst enjoying your young family and share practical tips on focusing on the bigger picture goals and learning to find comfort in the discomfort.We hope you enjoy the conversation.  Find out more about Both/And thinking, including where to order a copy of the book via bothandthinking.net.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus, including details of our award-winning Fellowship Programmes and our latest events by signing up to receive our emails at leadersplus.org.uk/newsletter.Applications close 23rd March - take a bold step for your career and family today.The Leaders Plus Fellowship (cross-sector) is an award-winning Programme open to parents from all sectors who are progressing careers in leadership and management. Our Fellowship supports you to pursue ambitious roles whilst balancing home life, equipping you with the essential tools to thrive at work whilst still enjoying time with your family. Fellows get: access to a courageous community of peers who are also juggling work and parenthood expert guidance from your own dedicated career Mentor world-class training from industry thought leaders on developing your career support to deal with the practical challenges of being a working parent that arise day-to-day The Fellowship is open to all parents internationally who have children 0-11. Our Programme is inclusive and welcoming of all family set ups. We encourage applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in leadership positions and offer online/ blended course options and hardship fund places to help facilitate this.