THE FINE LINE | with Marina Middleton
The Fine Line | with MARINA MIDDLETON
Marina Middleton is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder, and CEO and Partner of Create & Cultivate. Together with founder Jaclyn Johnson, Marina helps women step into their authority by owning their story and building a personal brand that aligns with their values. As a podcast host, speaker, and former executive at Empowered Confidence, Marina has become a leading voice in the conversation around identity, motherhood, and entrepreneurship — proving that women can pursue ambition without apology.
Rooted in a mission to empower, Marina’s work reaches across platforms and industries. Through coaching, content, and community, she guides women to lead with clarity and intention, whether they’re launching a business, reinventing their careers, or navigating the many roles they play in life. She believes personal branding is not about performance, but alignment: showing up fully, with confidence and compassion, in every space you occupy.
Motherhood transformed Marina’s leadership style, sharpening her focus and redefining her relationship with time. She now leads with more intention, compassion, and efficiency, creating a culture that champions flexibility and empowers women at all stages of life. Her approach to balance is rooted in presence and boundaries, choosing quality over quantity, and making the moments that matter count.
In this conversation for The Fine Line, Marina opens up about the grace, grit, and growth that come with being a working mom and a mission-driven entrepreneur. She shares why protecting your time is an act of self-respect, how delegating can be a superpower, and why your dreams deserve just as much care as your to-do list. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that when women lead with both purpose and presence, they don’t just build businesses — they model bold, expansive lives for the next generation.
How did becoming a mom shape your perspective as a business owner and influence your career in a positive way?
Becoming a mom completely shifted my perspective on leadership, time management, and what truly matters. It made me more intentional in how I run my business, focusing on impact over busy-ness and ensuring that every decision aligns with my values. It also deepened my appreciation for flexibility and the importance of creating a work culture that supports women at every stage of life. I’ve become more efficient, more strategic, and most importantly, more compassionate as a leader. Motherhood teaches resilience, patience, and adaptability — all qualities that directly contribute to success in business.
How do you prioritize time with your family while managing the demands of being a serial entrepreneur, CEO of Create & Cultivate, podcast host, etc.?
I prioritize my family the same way I prioritize any other critical aspect of my business — by being intentional with my time. I structure my schedule to ensure I’m present, whether that means carving out mornings and evenings or dedicating weekends to quality time. I also set clear boundaries. For instance, when I’m with my son, I’m with my son, not checking emails or multitasking. It’s not always perfect, but I remind myself that balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about making the moments that matter count. I lean on a strong support system, delegate where I can, and focus on high-impact work instead of getting caught in the small stuff.
What advice do you have for working moms?
First, give yourself grace. There’s no such thing as perfect balance, and that’s okay.
Second, build a strong support system — whether that’s your partner, family, friends, or a network of other working moms.
Third, set boundaries unapologetically. Your career and your family can both thrive, but only if you protect your time and energy.
And finally, don’t lose yourself in the process. Your ambitions, passions, and goals matter. When you take care of yourself and continue to pursue your dreams, you set an incredible example for your kids.
FOLLOW ALONG
Follow Marina at @marinamiddleton, and follow Create & Cultivate at @createcultivate.
Follow Brigade Events and stay tuned for the next iteration of The Fine Line at @brigadeevents.
We’d be honored to include you — or a woman you admire — in this series. If you or someone you know has a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at carly@ingoodcompanypr.com. Together, we can uplift, support, and redefine leadership for the next generation.
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