The Real Answer to "Can Women Have It All?" Came From a Mother of 12

Can a woman truly “have it all”? It’s the age-old question that has sparked countless debates, self-help books, and panel discussions. But if you want a definitive answer, you don’t look to a corporate boardroom—you look to Rivka Ravitz.

Rivka is an ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman, a wife of 32 years, a mother of 12 children, and the former Chief of Staff to the President of Israel. She quite literally ran a country by day while managing a massive household by… also day.

In our latest episode, she sits down to share the raw, unfiltered truth behind her chaotic, beautiful, and boundary-breaking life.

12 Kids, One High-Powered Career, Zero Apologies

When Rivka first entered the political sphere, she was a trailblazer. Very few Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) women were working in high-profile government positions, let alone managing campaigns and leading a president’s inner bureau.

But what makes Rivka’s story so remarkable isn’t just the heights she reached—it’s that she reached them without ever compromising her values. From wearing modest clothing to skipping staff-bonding nights out, she anchored her demanding career inside strict religious boundaries.

“I didn’t think my studies would help me in my day-to-day routines, but they did. Every day I learned something new and was able to apply it somewhere.” (On balancing her MBA with a household of 10 children at the time!)

When World Leaders Break Protocol: The Biden Bow

You’ve probably seen the viral photos, but hearing the backstories will give you absolute chills.

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Because of her religious commitment to shomer negiah (the practice of refraining from physical contact with the opposite sex), Rivka does not shake hands with men. When she visited the global stage, world leaders didn’t just accommodate her—they honored her resilience.

President Joe Biden: When Israel’s President Rivlin introduced Rivka in the Oval Office and mentioned she was a mother of 12, Biden didn’t just extend a hand. Amazed, he dropped to his knees and bowed in respect.
Pope Francis: During an official delegation visit to the Vatican, a similar moment occurred. Upon learning of her religious boundaries and immense family, the Pope bowed to her—transforming what could have been a quick, transactional greeting into a deep, five-minute conversation.

How She Handled the Ultimate Balancing Act

How do you manage a staff of 70 high-level government officials, coordinate international diplomatic trips, and still make it home for bedtime? Rivka breaks down her daily survival guide, including:

The 3:00 AM Routine: How she carved out quiet hours to study for her degrees while her kids were fast asleep.
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: Stepping into the Chief of Staff role at just 37 years old, right after giving birth to her 11th child, while managing officials twenty years her senior.
The Secret Support System: Why having a completely aligned partner and a strong community infrastructure makes the impossible, possible.

Watch the Full Episode Now

Whether you are trying to balance a career and a toddler, or simply trying to figure out how to stand firm in your personal convictions when the world pushes back, Rivka’s insights are a masterclass in leadership, grace, and priorities.

👉 Click here to watch the full interview on YouTube!