Tips for Working Mothers on the Path to Leadership
Takeaways from the Moms First Summit: Part 2
Hi there!
I’m back with some more takeaways from the Moms First Summit. It’s no secret that there’s a lack of representation in high-level positions and that working moms aren’t exactly set up for success to manage high-pressure jobs while caring for their families.
The women in leadership panel had a few tips worth sharing for mamas also looking to maintain their career track:
Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange, recommends:
Be honest about the challenges you have as a working mom - there’s no need to pretend to be the person who has it all figured out.
As mentioned in my last post, sometimes being the squeaky wheel is the only way for others to come close to understanding what you’re going through. Doing so in a constructive way can enable support and productive problem-solving.
Tiffany Dufu, President of the Tory Burch Foundation, suggests:
Write your own job description. Don’t accept society’s. Define what success looks like for you, and engage others to make it happen.
She has a point. How often do you refer back to your original JD? Was it even written by your hiring manager or someone who understands your role? Taking a stand on your own growth and development trajectory, and how that positively impacts your organization, shows initiative, and allows you to align your work with your own special sauce.
Olivia Walton, Founder & CEO of Ingeborg Investments, advises:
Control your own finances. And invest in other women.
Women earn $0.83 for every dollar a man makes, according to PayScale’s 2023 State of the Gender Pay Gap, and women founders (particularly women of color) raise a fraction of available venture capital dollars. Investment strategies can provide ways of leveling the playing field. Tip: check out Ellevest for women-first investing and financial planning advice and tools.
Kathryn Kaminsky, Incoming Chief Commercial Officer of PWC US, speaks from personal experience when offering:
Advocate for what you need in returning to work, especially if the alternative is not going back to your job.
While your company policy may not be in your control, there’s often more wiggle room, not to mention legally required accommodations, than employees think. If a slow on-ramp, flexible schedule, remote work, or something else is the structure you need, they may be within reach. Find allies in your organization to help you make that happen, and think beyond your manager if they’re the one putting up the resistance. (More on this topic coming soon!)
Olivia and Lynn also stressed the importance of mentorship - both receiving and giving:
Find a mentor or coach - they can be key to making it possible to return to your career.
Find your younger self in your organization. Encourage those women. They’re the future.
So many of us go it alone, but we often stop short of our goals when we lack support, because the odds are stacked against us. Guidance and backing from those who have been in our shoes enable us to see around and beyond the walls blocking our progress.
If you’re navigating the working parenthood journey at any stage–expecting, on leave, or returning to work–schedule a complimentary coaching session to gain support in navigating–and thriving in–your dual identities as a worker AND a parent.