Welcome to our special interview series, Women Who Lead. In partnership with White House Black Market, we’re celebrating five women teaching us to think differently, speak louder, and live better. No career is the same, and that’s just how we like it. These women are leading by example and living by their own rules.

Hitha Palepu might have started her career in pharmaceuticals, but travel was her first passion. Now it's also her calling. After deciding to take her wildly popular blog Hitha on the Go full-time, she dove head-first into entrepreneurship (while also experiencing motherhood for the first time). Never one to monotask, since breaking from the traditional career model, she's also written a book, demonstrates her dedication to activism by serving on non-profit boards, and broken into a male-dominated realm by stepping up to fund various non-profits. All in a day's work, right? Here's Hitha on that and more:

"I’ve been traveling for as long as I can remember (and even before—my first flight was to England at five months old!). As a kid, I would often get more excited about the flight instead of the actual destination—the visit to the cockpit, the little soaps and cups (that used to be) in airplane bathrooms, the seemingly endless supply of sodas. My first trip to Japan at 12 years old was when I fell in love with traveling. It was the first time I became immersed in a culture that was completely different from my own. It was challenging, difficult, and I loved every minute of it.

On Starting A Business And Becoming A Mother At The Same Damn Time 

In 2014, I left the pharmaceutical industry to focus on growing Hitha On The Go and pursue other projects. My pregnancy was what caused me to take the plunge—I knew what I wanted my life as a mother and a businesswoman to look like, and my job didn’t fit in that picture. It was a combination of planning (financial and business), taking on consulting projects, and bravery that led to where I am now.

[Now], I’m an author, entrepreneur, and activist. I literally wrote the book on packing, How To Pack, and run the lifestyle website Hitha On The Go. I’m also an advisor and investor to several startup companies and serve on the board of Sundara Fund, a nonprofit that recycles and distributes soap and hygiene training to the developing world.

On Launching A Startup, Making Rent, and Staying Sane 

For someone who’s considering taking the entrepreneurial plunge, I would work at both jobs until you’ve saved enough money to support yourself for six months, with another three months of projected income lined up. Feeling financially insecure can be a massive stress (on top of the stress you’ll have launching a business), and it can be prevented.

Market research is the most important part of any new business. Figure out who your target customer is, and talk to them—constantly. Make sure whatever you’re creating is something that brings value to them, and is something that they’ll pay for.

Time management is the most essential skill during these early days—be very selective with how you spend your time, whether it’s at your day job or your new business. And make sure you take time to properly rest and recharge!

On Work-Life (Im)Balance

I account for every single minute of my time—spending time with my family, writing, emails and administrative work, even my social media breaks. Having done this for over a year, I know how much time I need to meet my weekly goals—publishing five blog posts and one newsletter, having two fundraising meetings, reading one book, and making progress on a new project—videos, podcasts, etc.

On Fridays, I review what I accomplished that week, what I want to accomplish the following week, and break them down into individual tasks and schedule them for the following week. My weekends are reserved for my family and the occasional friend date. Friday nights are for burgers and a bottle of red wine with my husband, and Sundays are our opportunity to explore something new in the city as a family.

There is no magic app, book, or tip that will give you balance. For me, it’s more like work-life integration—I have a home office so I can have lunch with my son, and I hop on my laptop after he goes to bed some nights to finish the work that didn’t get done earlier. Every day is different, and I’m fine with that.

For any woman who’s juggling a full life, I would recommend that you stop multitasking and give the one person or task your full attention at any given time. When you’re with your family, be with them. Put down your phone. When you’re at work, give your all to that one task that absolutely needs to get done.

On Finding Her Support System—And Creating Your Own

Mentors are everything. My father was my first mentor and shared his passion for developing life-saving drugs and the business world since I was a little girl. I’m also lucky to have been mentored by some incredible women in the technology and pharmaceutical fields—women who forged the path for myself and others and helped me navigate those worlds.

These days, I have an informal board of advisors—peers, mentors, and people I admire who I can call on when I’m facing a new challenge or problem and need some guidance. These women and men are there for me, whether it’s a quick introduction or hashing out a problem over dinner.

If you’re just starting out in cultivating your network, you need to read Tiffany Dufu’s Drop The Ball. Not only will it answer all the questions you may have about work-life balance and juggling it all, but it’s the best primer on developing mentor relationships and growing your network."

Hitha is wearing White House Black Market's Red Ruffle Blouse, Black Ponte Slim Ankle Pants, Blue Ponte Slim Ankle Pants, Poplin Tie Front Shirt, Floral Printed Shift Dress, and the Ella Exotic Print D'Orsay Pump.