IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

Find The Can-Do Attitude with Candace Parker

September 17, 2025

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  • Candace Parker's "The Can Do Mindset" emphasizes resilience, self-belief, and the importance of embracing challenges and the journey over solely focusing on the destination. 
  • The conversation highlights the evolution of support systems for female athletes and mothers, from the lack of maternity leave in the WNBA to the ongoing need for greater societal value and opportunity for women in sports and leadership. 
  • The importance of parental guidance in fostering a "best you can be" mindset, allowing for self-discovery, and providing unconditional support is a recurring theme, shaping Candace Parker's personal and professional growth. 

Segments

Oval Office Nursing Experience
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: President Obama’s understanding and accommodation of a nursing mother in the Oval Office highlights a moment of unexpected empathy and support in a high-profile setting.
  • Summary: The speaker recounts a personal experience of nursing her infant daughter in the Oval Office during President Obama’s tenure, emphasizing his graciousness and understanding of motherhood.
Candace Parker’s “Can Do Mindset”
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(00:02:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Candace Parker’s book, “The Can Do Mindset,” explores cultivating resilience, following one’s heart, and fighting for passion, drawing from her extensive athletic career and life experiences.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce Candace Parker and her book, “The Can Do Mindset,” praising its insightful read and the author’s authentic voice, and discussing its themes of resilience and passion.
Parental Influence and “Best You Can Be”
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(00:06:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Candace Parker attributes her drive and self-expectation to her parents’ “best you can be” philosophy, which encouraged her to be herself and strive for excellence in all endeavors.
  • Summary: Candace Parker discusses the profound impact of her parents’ upbringing, emphasizing their role in fostering her independence and a mindset of continuous self-improvement, even when it meant pushing her to achieve beyond perceived limits.
Transition to Professional Sports
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(00:21:11)
  • Key Takeaway: The transition from college athletics to professional sports, particularly for women, involves a rapid shift from a supportive, family-like environment to a more transactional, business-oriented reality, often compounded by personal life events like pregnancy.
  • Summary: The conversation delves into the challenging transition from college to the WNBA, highlighting the immediate demands of professional life, endorsement deals, and the unexpected pregnancy Candace Parker experienced during her rookie year, which she navigated while achieving significant success.
Navigating Motherhood and Career
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(00:26:14)
  • Key Takeaway: The WNBA, despite being a league for women, historically lacked adequate support for mothers, forcing players to make significant personal and financial sacrifices to balance career and family.
  • Summary: Candace Parker details the difficulties faced by WNBA players regarding maternity leave and support, sharing her own experiences of having to pay for her mother’s travel and accommodation to help with her baby, underscoring the need for better systems.
Building Wealth Through Homeownership
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(00:20:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Homeownership is presented as a powerful wealth-building tool, with Progressive Insurance offering resources and initiatives to help homeowners leverage their equity for future opportunities.
  • Summary: This segment, sponsored by Progressive Insurance, discusses the financial benefits of homeownership and how the company supports homeowners in maximizing their property’s value and creating a legacy.
Love and Acceptance in Relationships
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(00:39:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Authentic love and acceptance can emerge unexpectedly, requiring personal growth and the courage to embrace one’s true self, even when it challenges societal norms and personal expectations.
  • Summary: Candace Parker shares the story of meeting and falling in love with her wife, Anya, detailing their journey from friendship to a committed relationship, the challenges they faced, and the importance of self-acceptance and family support.
Embracing New Chapters and Growth
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(00:49:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Continuous personal and professional growth requires actively seeking challenges and embracing new chapters, rather than fearing the unknown or settling for stagnation.
  • Summary: The hosts and Candace Parker address a listener’s question about career stagnation, advising to embrace new challenges, be open to different life chapters, and understand that growth often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Value of Women in Sports
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(00:56:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Women in sports are often judged by external factors rather than their athletic prowess, but the WNBA is fostering an environment where female athletes can be their authentic, competitive selves, influencing societal perceptions.
  • Summary: Candace Parker discusses the societal pressures and judgments faced by female athletes, contrasting them with the empowering environment of the WNBA, and advocating for greater recognition and opportunity for women in sports and leadership roles.