With Gabs Hayes, Founder of Overwhelmed & Over It
What if the most powerful move a leader can make… is choosing to do less?
When Natalie Benamou connected with Gabs Hayes, Founder of Overwhelmed & Over It, through Entreprenista, it was clear from the start that Gabs was building something remarkable—a space where parents, especially mothers, could step away from the pressure to do it all and find support rooted in honesty, empathy, and connection.
Gabs’s path from corporate executive to community leader was shaped by deep personal loss, cross-country moves, and a growing awareness that chasing titles wasn’t the only version of success. Her work today is centered around helping caregivers and entrepreneurs navigate the complexity of life and business with more intention and far less burnout.
Her story is a powerful reminder: slowing down can be a strategic act—and when done together, it creates a ripple effect that reaches families, communities, and future generations.
Why Doing Less Matters Now
Many women—especially those balancing caregiving and leadership—feel like they’re carrying everything. Gabs shares a bold perspective: doing less, on purpose, can actually lead to more.
More clarity.
More connection.
More presence with the people who matter most.
And it starts with one powerful mindset shift: You don’t need to do everything to be enough.
Three Takeaways
1. Focus on one thing that matters.
Instead of trying to juggle a mile-long to-do list, choose one priority. Let it be enough for the day or even the week.
2. Create space to define a start and end to the day.
Whether it’s lighting a candle to start the workday or closing the laptop with intention, small rituals help signal transitions and protect your energy.
3. Talk about what’s real.
Gabs believes in naming hard things—burnout, grief, overwhelm—because speaking them aloud is how healing and connection begin. Honest conversations create permission for others to do the same.
Quotes to Reflect On
“If you're resting but feeling guilty the whole time, you're not actually resting.” — Gabs Hayes
“The journey is the celebration. We don’t have to wait for the outcome to be proud of ourselves.” — Gabs Hayes
“Every parent who says yes to themselves is saying yes to their kids—and that’s where the ripple effect begins.” — Gabs Hayes
Building a Different Kind of Community
Through The Village, Gabs has created a space for parents to feel supported and seen. What started with 36 members is growing steadily, but she’s quick to point out—this isn’t about volume. It’s about depth.
Each new member isn’t just joining a platform. They’re stepping into a ripple effect: one where rest is normalized, honesty is welcomed, and leadership looks more like listening than performing.
The pressure to “do it all” is real—but there’s another way forward. One that starts with permission. One that starts with less.
Natalie Benamou and Gabs Hayes invite women everywhere to rethink the pace, the pressure, and the expectations and to remember: support is out there, and you don’t have to do this alone.
Gabs’s message is clear: We don’t have to carry it all by ourselves.
🔗 Learn more about Gabs and The Village: gabshayes.com/village
About Gabs Hayes
Gabs Hayes is a mentor for parent entrepreneurs, helping them build focused, burnout-free businesses. After losing her son, she redefined success around time, family, and purpose. Now she leads Overwhelmed & Over It, a village for founders who refuse to choose between raising kids and building a business.
Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.
👋 Connect with Natalie Benamou
Connect with Natalie Benamou, founder of HerCsuite®, the Portfolio Company for Executive Women, and host of Women Leaders on the Move—a Top 25 Women's Leadership podcast by Feedspot. She helps women in the second half of their careers navigate board service, portfolio careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership transitions. Work with Natalie as a strategic advisor or fractional Chief Growth Officer. She also serves as President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit advancing women’s health outcomes.
