Meet this mom: Heidi Scott Giusto

In today’s Meet This Mom post, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Heidi Scott Giusto, Ph.D. I first met Heidi in the midst of the pandemic while we sipped coffee outdoors. I knew immediately that we were cut from the same cloth because she so easily chatted through the highs and lows that accompany the lifestyle of all career-minded mothers.

It was about halfway through our conversation when I thought, “Wow…this gal is going places.” Not only did she earn her doctorate from Duke – a feat in and of itself – she was also (at that time) editing a book manuscript, in the early stages of co-authoring another work, and running a successful client-focused business…all while raising a family. As a peer, I’m still not entirely sure how sure how she does it, but I’m thankful to be in her orbit – and to share a snapshot of her story with you.

What’s your name, and in what part of the Triangle do you spend most of your time?

My name is Heidi Scott Giusto, and I’ve lived in Apex for almost eight years. Prior, I lived in Durham for almost 10 years.

Tell us a little about your family and one activity you enjoy together. (Please don’t give any identifiable details – like schools, daycares or full names of your children.)

My husband and I have two children — an eighth and fifth grader, and we love to travel. We have a family mission to take the kids to all 50 states before they go to college. So far, they’ve been to 34 states and two US territories. We camp for most of our trips.

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up in your current position. (full-time/part-time, employer, entrepreneur v. employee, function within your team, etc.)

I own and operate Career Path Writing Solutions, a communications consulting firm dedicated to helping people communicate when it matters most. I launched Career Path Writing Solutions shortly after graduating from Duke University with my Ph.D. in History. For 10 years, I’ve been working full-time helping job seekers with resumes, LinkedIn, and interview prep, and I’m a speaker and trainer in the areas of career management and professional writing. Writing and editing is a core skillset, and I also edit non-fiction books. I have a book coming out this year that I’ve co-authored with Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI.

What’s your favorite activity to do with your family?

Spending a day outdoors, whether on the beach or in the woods.

What do you love about parenting as a working mother?

I’ve never thought about this question before. I suppose I love that I’m being a role model for my children (at least I would like to think I am). I’ve grown a business for 10 consecutive years, and I hope my kids will see they can have both a family and work they love. I have intentionally designed my business to serve others while being intellectually rewarding to me. I’m filled with gratitude and hopeful my kids will achieve their dreams, too, whatever they may be.

Tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome as a mother in the workplace.

Like so many other parents and entrepreneurs, sometimes it is hard for me to walk away from my work—especially because my office is in my home! I’ve gotten better about this over the years by creating boundaries for myself.

What are you passionate about outside of work and family?

Health, fitness, and travel. I am especially grateful to have discovered rucking, which is simply walking with a weighted backpack. Shout out to my fellow members of the Apex Ruck Club!

What is one book, podcast, article, social media account, blog or other resource you can recommend for moms?

I recommend Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. It prompted me to deeply contemplate how I want to spend my time. (Four thousand weeks is what we get, on average, to live. It’s not that long!!) I think other moms can also use it to help them decide what activities really matter in their lives and to let go of those that don’t.

If you have a favorite go-to spot in the Triangle, what is it? (dining, park, activity, entertainment venue – anything!)

When I have a spare weekend afternoon, I like hiking at Jordan Lake.

Stephanie Llorente is a mother of two children and a regular WRAL Family contributor. She owns Prep Communications and Restored, a community for career-minded mothers who care deeply about faith and family.