Navigating Mom Life with Bobbie CEO Laura Modi
While dealing with her first bout of mastitis, Bobbie CEO and co-founder Laura Modi identified a hole in the infant formula market. The products available at her local U.S. drugstore were steeped in corn syrup, fillers, and palm oil – ingredients she herself wouldn’t eat. Fast forward to today and Laura is now the only female CEO and mom in the infant formula space. Bobbie, a European-style organic infant formula, has quickly become a leader in its category, supporting parents and helping expand the conversation around modern-day motherhood.
What does your morning routine look like?
It varies with three young kids. If they wake me early, then I will enjoy the morning with them and have breakfast together. If they don't and I happen to get the morning alone, I like to get a bit of exercise in before the day kicks off. Breakfast usually looks like three cups of coffee and catching up on morning news before the day starts. Then again, it’s never the same – tomorrow could be different.
What does a typical work day look like?
At the speed at which Bobbie is growing, my work day is ever-changing. Last year it was very hands-on, in-the-weeds work. Fast forward to today, given a recent acquisition and growth in the business, I am creating more space in my days to be heads-down strategic about where the business is going over the next three years.
How do you and your husband divide up labor in your home?
[Laughs]...we don’t. We have a very tight infrastructure and clarity of roles. Nevertheless, there’s always something unexpected that comes up – whether related to the kids or household items – and we usually play rock-paper-scissors to determine who takes it. And I always win.
Who is helping you get life done each day?
My right hand, Kendra. Who is literally leveraged to every part of every minute I spend each day. And my household team, which is an army of nannies and support staff to make sure my life doesn't fall apart.
What did maternity leave look like for you?
They all varied. The first one was four months as I worked for a fast growing company that was able to afford me great maternity leave.
The next two were two weeks each. I was in a position where my fourth baby, Bobbie, needed just as much care as my newborns at the time. I was mentally prepared for this – I designed it – and had the infrastructure and support to be able to make it happen.
How do you find time for yourself?
I reset my mindset that time for myself doesn’t always mean time by myself. (I can't remember the last time I showered alone). Time for myself mostly means refilling my cup with family or friend time. For me it’s getting undivided time and attention with my kids.
How do you find time for your husband?
My husband is also a founder and CEO, so one of the biggest benefits of our relationship is, we get each other. We embrace every part of it – even if that means we don't get as much time together as we typically would. But when we do, we know how to support each other, whether that's over a quick dinner in the evening, pillow talk at night, or going for a walk around the block.
What are you most proud of?
Outside of the obvious – the impact Bobbie has had and is having – I’m most proud of my ability to do everything that I want at this time in my life; I’m not leaving any stone unturned. Really being able to accomplish what I need and balance the personal and professional. I’m also acknowledging that it is a moment that may not last forever.
What are you reading and listening to these days?
Book I’m reading for me: Great by Choice, by Jim Collins.
Book I’m reading with my kids: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. It has soundbites that would make anyone–at any age–remember what is important in life. And for a child, it has that early education on remembering who you are. It’s an excellent book with gorgeous illustrations.
Podcast I’m listening to: Acquired. Three-hour listens on the history of companies from ideation to becoming a Goliath.
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
Seeing things through a kid’s perspective. I love being reminded of the innocence and naivety we all started with. I also feel honored to be able to encourage it – I get to shape that curiosity and guide these little humans. It’s an incredible honor.
On Our Radar
A few of the things we’re bookmarking, buying, and gifting right now.
PLAY The only toy subscription you need.
MANAGE Maternal separation anxiety. It’s a real thing.
BOOKMARK Where to travel with your kids by age.
CONSIDER A new way to transport breastmilk.
BUY A “downstairs” changing table.
READ It's time to bring stay-at-home mothers into the conversation.
TRY Add a few lemons to your grocery list.
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