In May 2021, after a surge in demand for digital services that prompted high valuations for startups across the Canadian tech sector, Saskatchewan-based Vendasta entered the final stages of the initial public offering (IPO) process. COO Jacqueline Cook had invested her life savings in stock options and, even though she was not a founder, was just as excited as any other executive. However, some executives saw warnings signs that contradicted bankers' rosy predictions for the IPO. Additionally, Cook had just given birth to her second child, and was wrestling with whether and how to balance her chaotic home life with her increasing responsibilities.