I was invited to attend a “big mouth meeting” at Hyperion Books this morning. The publisher is about to launch a new book titled, “INFLUENCE: How Women’s Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better” by demographer Maddy Dychtwald. The author gave a short presentation and then attendees were asked to share their thoughts, ideas and questions. The participants comprised journalists (e.g. Carol Hymowitz of Forbes), authors (including Leslie Bennetts who wrote “The Feminine Mistake”), bookstore owners and academics, as well as entrepreneurs like me.

The bottom-line message was this: Women across the globe have achieved a remarkable level of financial independence and feel they’re finally in a position to have a say in our society – but our influence is still disproportionate to that of our male counterparts.

According to Dychtwald, 73 percent of high school valedictorians last year were women. Twenty two percent of women now out-earn their husbands. In fact, women make up 57 percent of all professional workers in our country.

But only 18 percent of our nation’s top corporate leaders are women. And the numbers look similar in politics, on newspaper editorial boards and other places where important public debate occurs.

Dychtwald described the evolution as going from survival to independence to influence. We’re somewhere between independence and influence. The book apparently discusses how women will use this power to “improve society in ways we can only begin to imagine.” Sounds promising. Now that I have a proof of the book (available wherever books are sold on May 4), I’ll give it a read and report back what I learn.

Tracey and soon-to-be big brother Kyle

When I was pregnant with my first child, I remember people frequently asking me if I would return to work. And I remember thinking… yes of course I’m going to return to work (it’s part of who I am and what I love) but also being torn that I didn’t want my newborn with a nanny or in daycare full-time.

Fast forward two and a half years, and I’m about five weeks away from delivering my second child and preparing for maternity leave this summer. With my impending departure and Mother’s Day around the corner, I find myself reflecting upon my current status as a working mom with a flexible schedule. My situation enables me to spend a good amount of time with my son every week while remaining an active participant in the workforce. I am very fortunate and recognize that I am in a rare situation. I honestly feel that I have the best of both worlds.

I strongly believe that I’ve been able to transcend the heated “mommy wars” because of my situation. Some days I’m in the office focusing on PR strategy and immersed in the ever-changing media landscape while other days I’m out dancing the hokey pokey and finger painting with toddlers.

Flexible work schedules and job shares are more common today than they were a decade ago. However, the economic climate has forced companies to make some difficult decisions, which has certainly impacted moms in similar roles.

The founder of Rose Communications, Rosemary Ostmann, has always been a big proponent of an entrepreneurial environment. In doing so she’s created one of the best places for moms to work. I am passionate about my job, clients and company and honestly feel that I am more productive here than I’ve ever been. It’s not about clocking in and logging hours –it’s about producing value for our clients and that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to burn the midnight oil five to seven days a week. Being a mom is a wonderful, awe-inspiring experience and if it’s taught me nothing else, it’s taught me to be a better multi-tasker. This skill set is beneficial both at home and in the office.

With my second child on the way, I’m hopeful that I can keep the balancing act going. Certainly technology, in particular my coveted Blackberry, helps to facilitate the juggle. Also working in a supportive environment– one that doesn’t mind breast milk stored in the fridge or a late morning arrival because of a toddler music class– helps. In my mind, it is possible to be a working mom who still spends a good amount of time at home with her child.

Occasionally my worlds collide where I’m singing Music Together songs at work or thinking about a complex work issue on the playground but more often than not I’ve been able to keep things separate.

What I’ve learned over the past two years is there doesn’t have to be a hard line drawn in the sand — in 2009 we can all redefine for ourselves what it means to be a working mother. For me it’s a hybrid and I love every minute of it.