Balancing motherhood, partnership, and entrepreneurship takes more than ambition—it requires boundaries, intention, and habits that align with your values. Jodi Silverman, founder of the DARE Method, has built her life and work around helping women dare more, doubt less, and live fully. In this conversation, she shares the practices that keep her grounded, her evolving definition of success, the role of community, and the legacy she hopes to leave.
Building a Life Around Boundaries and Intention
What are the habits that allow you to show up as a great mom, partner, and businesswoman?
First, there are boundaries. You have to have boundaries. One of the biggest boundaries missing for entrepreneurs and business owners today is work hours—and honoring those. I’m guilty of this, too. For example, responding to an email on a Saturday. If I don’t want to work Saturdays, I can schedule my response for Monday.
One boundary I recently put into place is having an out-of-office message all the time. It clearly states my office hours and that emails sent outside those hours will be responded to on Monday. If you don’t hear from me within 24 to 48 hours during office hours, ping me again because something’s wrong.
Other habits that keep me focused include starting the day by asking myself, “How do I want to feel today? Do I want to feel accomplished? Do I want to feel busy?” Sometimes, I do want to feel busy. For example, I had a project I really wanted to complete. I asked myself, “If I don’t finish this today, how will I feel?” The answer was anxious and stressed. So, I decided today would be the day. I blocked off time and finished it.
This habit of aligning my actions with how I want to feel helps me show up for myself and others.
Redefining Success Beyond the Bank Account
How do you define success today?
The definition of success has changed so much for me. I had to learn that what I once thought was success wasn’t really what I wanted.
Now, success is waking up every day excited about what I do. If I can wake up thinking, “Today I get to pitch this women’s organization to hire me to speak,” that joy means everything.
What I do makes a difference in my life, but also in the lives of women in my community. That’s deeply fulfilling.
Yes, I want to make money. Profit matters, but my bank account is no longer the definition of success. And when you do something impactful, your bank account balance follows.
The Power of Community and Finding Your Team
How has community supported you in your endeavors?
Community is everything. I had a huge “aha” moment about 12 years ago when I joined a multi-level marketing business opportunity. That’s when I realized most people don’t have a true community.
I live in a bubble—a really good one—and I recognize that. When I say community is everything, I don’t mean a large group; it could just be two really good people in your life. You need at least one or two people who will hold your hand, call you out (productively), and push you forward.
For me, community has been invaluable. I’ve always had family and friends to rely on, from my sorority sisters who graduated with me in 1988 to my high school friends. But the entrepreneurial community has been a game-changer. When I feel stuck or want to quit, I have people I can call who will remind me of my purpose.
I get referrals, give referrals, and love building connections. I’ll happily introduce others to people in my network because life is not meant to be done alone. I don’t recommend it. Find your team.
Why Fear of Success Holds Women Back
What keeps women from taking opportunities?
There’s a fear of success. People often talk about fear of failure, but fear of success is real, too.
For example, I’m preparing to pitch myself to speak at conferences for International Women’s Day. I didn’t do it last year and was upset with myself. Why didn’t I do it? Because if they said yes, I’d actually have to do it! Ridiculous, I know.
That fear of reaching a “new level, new devil” keeps many of us from putting ourselves out there. We think, “What if I can’t show up? What if I don’t make a difference?”
To quiet that voice, I look at my track record. I can’t think of a time I gave a talk and didn’t receive positive feedback. I even keep a “feel-good” folder on my computer, full of screenshots of kind messages people have sent me.
We need those reminders. Often, it’s not fear of failure—it’s fear of realizing how good we are and thinking we’ll have to keep getting better. But you don’t need to change. You’re already getting hired because you’re great at what you do.
Creating a Legacy of Confidence and Courage
What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?
When I think of legacy, I ask myself: What do I want people to say about me when I’m not in the room?
I want them to remember me for using my superpower of optimism for good. I hope I’ve helped women everywhere feel more confident, ask for what they want, and dare to try something new.
My goal is to use my gifts to create a lasting impact, helping women thrive and navigate fear—not eliminate it, but understand it and push through.
Legacy, for me, is about inspiring women to achieve what matters most to them, whether it’s financial success, joy, or simply daring more, doubting less, and living fully.
Jodi Silverman is the founder and creator of the DARE method which empowers women in midlife to dare more, doubt less, and live fully by learning how to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams, while supporting others in the process. Jodi challenges women to move past fear, discover their purpose and identify and explore new opportunities. Through her high-energy talks, inspiring coaching program, and supportive membership community, Jodi helps women step out of their comfort zones and embrace the next chapter in their lives. Above all, Jodi sees your potential and will inspire—or DARE—you to move forward and create a life you truly love!
