Why Less Could Be More: The Surprising Fertility Lesson from Senior Leaders' One-on-One Meetings

Ever feel like you're spending too much time on the little things and missing out on the big picture? Well, senior leaders are facing the same dilemma — especially when it comes to those endless one-on-one meetings. A recent Harvard Business Review article titled Why Senior Leaders Should Stop Having So Many One-on-Ones revealed that switching to small, cross-functional “capability meetings” actually boosts productivity. But what does this corporate productivity hack have to do with your fertility journey? More than you might think.

Let's unpack this surprising parallel.

The Fertility Journey: More Than Just Micromanaging Every Step

Trying to conceive, especially through at-home methods, can often feel like a never-ending series of appointments, tests, and tiny rituals. The temptation to control every minute detail is strong — from timing ovulation to tracking every symptom, to the how-to of insemination techniques. But what if, like those senior leaders, taking a step back and simplifying the process could actually boost your chances?

One-on-One Obsession: A Time Suck in the Boardroom and the Bedroom?

The article points out that senior leaders’ obsession with 1:1 meetings often leads to fragmented, repetitive conversations that consume valuable time without delivering fresh insights. Similarly, obsessing over every single fertility detail might drain energy, increase stress, and ironically reduce your overall chances of conception.

So, what’s the fertility-friendly alternative? Think big-picture strategy instead of micromanagement.

Capability Meetings for Your Fertility Game Plan

Just as executives benefit from focused, collaborative sessions, you can benefit from planning your fertility efforts in a more streamlined, efficient way. This might mean setting clear, flexible plans around insemination windows rather than daily panic, or investing in reliable, user-friendly tools that take the guesswork out of the process.

For example, products like the BabyMaker at-home insemination kit from MakeAMom are designed to simplify and empower your at-home conception journey. Their kits cater to real-world challenges — like sensitivities or conditions such as vaginismus — making the process less stressful and more effective. Plus, with an average reported success rate of 67%, they’re proven to help many hopeful parents take control without the clinical overwhelm.

Why Simplify? Because Stress is Fertility’s Frenemy

Stress is no friend to fertility. When we spend too much time obsessing over every detail, stress hormones can spike, potentially disrupting ovulation or sperm health. By embracing a less-is-more mindset, you’re not only respecting your time but also your body’s natural rhythms.

Here Are 3 Ways to Embrace the “Less But Better” Mentality:

• Schedule, Don't Scramble: Set a few key insemination days and stick to them, rather than monitoring obsessively every hour.
• Choose Tools That Work for YOU: Look for inclusive, reusable kits tailored to your needs — like MakeAMom’s CryoBaby, Impregnator, or BabyMaker kits — designed with a deep understanding of diverse fertility challenges.
• Create Your Own Support “Capability Group”: Instead of isolated one-on-one conversations (with yourself or others), engage in small community forums or chats where shared experiences and tips can flow.

The Takeaway? Work Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you're a high-powered exec or a hopeful parent on your fertility journey, it's clear: more meetings or more micromanagement isn't always the answer. Cutting through the clutter, focusing your energy on meaningful actions, and using tools designed to empower you can turn what feels like a cumbersome process into an encouraging adventure.

So, next time you find yourself overwhelmed by “what ifs” and “what now,” channel your inner senior leader. Step back, simplify, and strategize. Your time—and your fertility—will thank you.

Feeling inspired? Dive deeper into how streamlined, smart home insemination kits can make your journey smoother at MakeAMom’s BabyMaker at-home insemination kit.

And hey, what’s your biggest “less but better” hack when trying to conceive? Drop it in the comments below – let’s keep the conversation going!

Inspired by the insightful read from Harvard Business Review: Why Senior Leaders Should Stop Having So Many One-on-Ones.