Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.
Heather Redisch is up to something truly life-changing and she means business. In her new venture, Adulting101 Masterclass, the bright Highland Park mom of three who has forged a 25-year career in the recruiting space, is bundling all that extraordinary experience into classes that focus on professional education and empowerment expertly curated for Gen Z grads. Heather explains, ” I’ve witnessed firsthand the widening gap in social, emotional, and financial literacy among Gen Z. It’s concerning to see graduates from prestigious institutions lacking basic life skills: Handling tough conversations; understanding paycheck deductions; navigating workplace challenges; and building professional networks.” With a focus on easing the transition from student into adulthood, Heather leverages her extensive experience to provide essential tools, resources, and community support to equip young adults with confidence and independence.
In Chicago North Shore Moms’ exclusive interview with Heather, learn more about the entrepreneur’s passion for supporting the Gen Z community, details about what to expect from the program and a mantra we should all remember. Welcome Heather!
Photo credit: Jody Garland Photography
Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hi! My name is Heather Redisch, I was born and raised in Highland Park and moved back here with my husband (Detroit native) to raise our three girls- ages 15, 13 and 10 years old.
You’re a mama! Tell us about your children and feel free to brag away!
I am the proudest mama! I was convinced I was going to be a boy mom and instead I’ve been front row to sisterhood. My girls are all unbelievably different. My oldest is a tender-hearted teenager, eager to drive, and great with little kids. My middle is our timekeeper, organizer, and shines in dance. My youngest, our comedian, thrills us in soccer and basketball. Each daughter uniquely enriches our family, making it whole.
What are one or two fun or interesting facts to know about you?
My husband and I met 20 years ago when I worked at his company as a recruiter. He loves bagels more than anyone I know, so on his first birthday that we worked together, I had a dozen New York Ess-a-Bagels shipped to him, and then I think he got the hint. We worked together for a year and the day after I resigned we started dating. Nine months later we were engaged.
Your mantra?
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent (more listed the better here)?
I’m a regular (have been since a teenager) at Country Kitchen for Wednesday lunches with my best friend. Twice a week, I enjoy a Reggie Salad and a Decaf Cinnamon Honey Oat Milk Latte from Hometown, and I rarely miss a week stopping for peanut butter yogurt with rainbow sprinkles from Loves Yogurt with my girls. Washington Gardens is our go-to for family dinners or date nights. You’ll often see me working at Cafe Central, The Little French Guy or the newest addition Double Cup Coffee. Supporting local shops is important to me.
What gets you through a tough day?
A McDonald’s Diet Coke, my Cavapoos Harry and Gerty, a Smartless Podcast, 10 minutes with Headspace, a Peloton run, and undistracted time with friends (wine always preferred).
Let’s get down to business. Congratulations on the recent launch of your new business, Adulting101 Masterclass. What is your focus here?
Thank you! My mission is to ease the transition from college to adulthood for graduates by providing them with tools, resources, and community support, thereby boosting their self-confidence and independence for making life’s important decisions.
Can you share more about the pivotal moment that inspired you to turn your idea into a reality? What made you realize the need for a comprehensive resource like this for recent college grads?
For nearly 25 years, I’ve worked closely with college graduates as an interviewer, coach, mentor, and manager. I’ve witnessed firsthand the widening gap in social, emotional, and financial literacy among Gen Z. It’s concerning to see graduates from prestigious institutions lacking basic life skills, such as handling tough conversations, understanding paycheck deductions, navigating workplace challenges, and building professional networks. The rise of technology and the impacts of COVID-19 have only intensified their reliance on digital communication and parental support, often at the cost of developing crucial independent life skills.
Inspired by a coaching session with a bright graduate from the University of Wisconsin, I decided it was time to act. I drafted a curriculum, launched a website, and laid the groundwork for a community designed to bridge this gap. And so, the journey began.
Your background in recruiting gives you a unique perspective on the challenges young adults face as they transition into the workforce. How do you leverage your experience to tailor the content of your coaching and Bootcamp to meet the specific needs of recent graduates?
My career encompasses recruiting, talent management, and people operations. In these roles, I’ve been involved in the full spectrum of the employment process—from identifying and interviewing candidates to onboarding and tracking their success. I’ve also coached managers on engaging and communicating with Gen Z employees to maintain motivation and performance.
Often meeting students around their graduation—one of their life’s pivotal moments—I developed my coaching and bootcamp based on their frequent interview, onboarding, and employment questions. Manager feedback further shaped the curriculum, focusing on effective communication and professional etiquette.
Photo credit: Shay James Photography
Adulting encompasses a wide range of topics, from finances to mental health and beyond. How do you ensure that you cover all the essential areas that recent grads need to navigate successfully?
Adulting spans everything from managing finances and navigating mental health to building a career and communicating professionally. That’s why I designed both my Adulting101 Bootcamp and 1:1 coaching to be practical, comprehensive, and tailored to real-life challenges.
The bootcamp gives recent grads a structured, step-by-step foundation across essential topics like job searching, financial literacy, workplace communication, and emotional intelligence. It’s intentionally digestible and interactive, so students can immediately apply what they learn.
In my 1:1 coaching, I go deeper offering personalized guidance that meets each student exactly where they are. Some are focused on self-advocacy and managing up at work, others are navigating post-grad anxiety, budgeting, or setting professional boundaries for the first time.
While students often come in thinking they need help with interviewing or career planning, we quickly uncover how critical things like emotional regulation, communication, and executive functioning are to their success. And across the board—whether you’re a student, parent, or employer—mental health and confidence are common threads.
As a mom and a business owner, how do you balance the demands of running Adulting101 Masterclass and The Talent Maven with your personal life? Any advice to moms out there?
My week has two must-dos: a post-drop-off workout and Wednesday lunch with a best friend, plus another lunch with a friend or my mom during the week. It might sound cliché, but treating personal time like essential appointments fosters consistency and enjoyment.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for Adulting101 Masterclass? How do you envision the business evolving and expanding its impact on young adults across the country?
In the next five years, I see Adulting101 Masterclass becoming the go-to community for young adults who want real-world guidance. My goal is to expand our Bootcamp and 1:1 coaching programs while continuing to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and surrounded by people who get it.
What sets Adulting101 apart is the human connection—live workshops, real conversations, and access to experts who can speak to the realities of adult life, from mental health and personal finance to communication, career growth, and beyond. I plan to bring in a rotating roster of guest experts—financial planners, therapists, career coaches, and more—so my students (both current and alumni) have continued access to trusted voices well into their mid to late 20’s and early 30’s.
More than anything, I want to build a tight-knit community that normalizes the messy parts of adulthood and replaces overwhelm with action. A place where young adults can build their confidence, develop critical life and workplace skills, and know they’re not doing it alone.
Because adulting isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a lifelong process. And no one should have to figure it out on their own.
Photo credit: Shay James Photography
Before starting Adulting101 Masterclass you’ve worked in and own a recruiting company- The Talent Maven. Can you tell us a bit more about that company and are still running it?
Yes, The Talent Maven specializes in executive search and talent management Consulting, partnering with various companies to pinpoint top talent, develop internal processes, and scale teams. Alongside my husband, I ensure my expertise for Adulting101 stays sharp by keeping abreast of job market trends and the evolving landscape of Human Capital Management.
What has been the hardest part of being a small business owner?
Balancing the pursuit of new customers with my passion for educating young adults is a constant challenge as a business owner. When you are a business owner, you must always be thinking strategically about how to attract new customers, keep the business relevant, and of course be profitable!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?
Helping others achieve milestones like accepting new jobs or making first investments fills me with joy and highlights the reward in my work. Equally, I aim to inspire my daughters through my example as a working mom, teaching them that hard work, dedication, and consistency can achieve anything. Their pride in The Talent Maven and Adulting 101 Masterclass means the world to me.
How does one get started?
Interested in joining the community? Submit your resume or LinkedIn profile through the website for a quick chat, after which you’ll be assigned to a cohort
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your business?
I founded this business driven by my deep concern for young adults facing tough transitions. To me, every participant is like family, deserving of unwavering support and the tools to succeed. I understand the emotional challenges and conflicts parents face; my goal is to ease these tensions, guide your children, and boost their confidence.
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
