Meet Priya Rednam-waldo | CEO/Coach/Keynote Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priya Rednam-waldo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priya, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
In the whirlwind of motherhood, career ambitions, and personal dreams, the greatest gift I try to offer my children is a commitment to my own wellness and life balance. By focusing on my health—through rest, nutritious eating, regular exercise, and indulging in the joy of reading—I make sure to I show up as my best self, not just in my roles as a CEO and coach but also as a mother. It’s the daily practice of nurturing my mind, body, and goals that make sure a difference for me and creates a positive ripple effect on each of my four kids and our whole family.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I absolutely love what I do! I am a dedicated coach, advocate and strategist for high-achieving women who are navigating the profound transition into motherhood. My clients—spanning c-suite executives, top surgeons, VPs, and high-powered attorneys—benefit from my extensive expertise as the CEO of a flourishing mental health practice, Healing Home Counseling Group, and decades of experience in public health and U.S. Army leadership.

Time and again, I’ve witnessed accomplished women, who are leaders in their professional spheres, grapple with the complexities of becoming mothers. It is a privilege to serve as their coach, sounding board, and cheerleader during this pivotal life transition. My clients can seamlessly blend the joys of new motherhood with their career aspirations and personal dreams, equipped with the support they need.

I am deeply proud to be at the forefront of this transformative movement. Women no longer have to choose between their professional ambitions and personal fulfillment; they simply need the right tools and expert guidance to navigate the unique time in early parenthood.

My personal journey as a mother of 4, daughter of Indian Immigrants and married into an Irish Immigrant family—marked by both personal and professional highs and lows—has given me with a profound understanding of the diverse experiences of new families. I support new mothers in balancing their professional goals with their own evolving and beautifully complex personal lives.

I remain anchored to my core values, driven by an insatiable desire to learn and a steadfast confidence in my character and integrity. I am deeply grateful for my incredible village of support and the wisdom and resilience I have gained as a mother and leader over the years. My commitment is to take the lessons I learned in my own life along with my niche expertise to walk alongside and empower women to thrive both in motherhood and in their careers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a proud Detroiter, I’m thrilled to share the magic of my city with you. Detroit is a place where history, culture, and an indomitable spirit of resilience blend to create a truly unique experience. Having traveled the world and cherished every adventure, I find a special joy in showcasing my beloved city, especially through the eyes of a new mother.

Whether you’re exploring with your little ones or taking some time for yourself, Detroit offers countless memorable experiences. Here’s a sample itinerary that I would choose for a visit for one of my mom clients and friends.

Day 1: Start the Detroit adventure at Belle Isle Park. This scenic island park offers breathtaking views of the Detroit River and is home to the oldest operating aquarium in North America. As a new mother, I have fond memories of exploring the aquatic wonders with my children. It’s a serene spot where you can unwind and let your little ones explore.

After exploring Belle Isle, definitely head over to The Hudson Café on Woodward Avenue for brunch. The energy of this downtown spot, combined with its decadent brunch, makes it perfect spot for a leisurely meal.

Then, stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk. This revitalized area is ideal for both peaceful reflection and outdoor family fun. Enjoy the scenic views, open spaces, and vibrant atmosphere as you take in the sights and sounds of the city.

For dinner, indulge in a classic Detroit experience at Buddy’s Pizza with its iconic square slices. Head to Campus Martius Park next for some local music and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Simple pleasures like these are what make Detroit so special.

A visit to the Detroit Public Library on another day is a must. The grandeur of the building, with its artful mosaics and the comforting smell of old books, creates a magical atmosphere. As a new mother, reconnecting with my love of reading was essential for my well-being and this is the perfect place to get lost in the best possible way.

Just around the corner, stop by Avalon Bakery for a light lunch and some of the best mid-day lattes and sea-salt chocolate chip cookies. A short walk away is the majestic Detroit Institute of Arts. This museum is a treasure trove of art and culture for parents and families. The diverse exhibits and never-ending galleries make it a wonderful place to explore.

For a fancier but still cozy dinner, Selden Standard or SheWolf are amazing. Both offer a unique blend of luxury and local flavor and are perfect for a special evening out.

The remainder of the visit has to be a choose your direction and adventure. If you head north, the Motown Museum is an absolute must-see. Music is a huge part of my identity as an individual and mother, and sharing the Motown legacy with my children has been a joy.

You get a special drive through Boston-Edison to take in the historic architecture of this beautiful neighborhood and then can stop for a comforting meal at the Polish Village Café—a place that all of my kids love.

If you head west, visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village where every year my family enjoys the fascinating look into American history. As a parent, I love a spot where there are ways for kids and adults to feel enriched and engaged. Al Ameer is absolutely the right choice for dinner after the day of exploring.

For a southeast adventure, the sheds at Eastern Market are so much fun and my children get to learn about the joy of fresh foods and flowers. This area is great for shopping, people-watching, and soaking in the Detroit culture. You can follow the time up with dinner at Cadieux Café or Coriander Kitchen and Farm, both of which offer never disappoint.

If you choose to head southwest, Corktown is a really unique blend of shopping and dining. This neighborhood holds a special place in my heart since it’s the first place where my husband’s grandfather landed after departing his homeland of Ireland. You can dine on delicious Italian food at Ottava Via or after a visit to Clark Park or the historic Basilica of Ste. Anne have a flavorful meal at Barzon or Xochimilco..

If you have energy left and the timing is right, catch a game at Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, or Ford Field. Attending a Tigers, Red Wings, or Lions game is a thrilling way to experience Detroit’s sports culture. Since living in this city, I have loved sharing that excitement of sports with my kids.

Detroit’s charm really is in its unparalleled blend of history, culture, and community spirit. This itinerary is just a glimpse of what makes this city so special and makes me so I’m grateful to call it home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a CEO and wellness coach working with amazing women transitioning from pregnancy to postpartum, I get how crucial it is to have a strong village of support. I’m no exception, and I’m excited to give a shoutout to the incredible people that have been my personal support network.

First off, a huge thank you to my husband, Michael Waldo, and our awesome kids—Jack, Leela, Rohan, and Andrian. They’re my biggest cheerleaders. My parents, Chandra and Krishna Rednam, and my brother and sister, Dr. Surya Rednam and Dr. Rukmini Rednam, have always been there for me and their encouragement has made all the difference. And I cannot forget my fabulous in-laws, the Waldo family, who’ve been incredibly supportive of all of my dreams.

I also want to acknowledge my friends and colleagues who feel like family. They’ve been key in helping me find balance and tackle the challenges that come with chasing big dreams. A special thanks to Dr. Hasti Raveau, Mariam Saparamandu, Heather Vercellino, Rachael Johanson and the Healing Home team. Their connection reminds me that reaching my goals is just a matter of when, not if.

And of course, all the amazing women I’ve had the pleasure of coaching are a huge inspiration. The energy and motivation I get from working with them as they move into the awesome world of motherhood, are truly priceless. Their stories and successes fuel my passion and drive to keep making a difference.

Website: https://www.priyarednamwaldo.com

Instagram: @priyarednamwaldo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo

Image Credits
Jesse Volk