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Explore SolutionsAs May unfolds, it’s time to honor the profound influence of motherhood. This topic is very sensitive to some and there is no discounting that, this is just a mere reflection of my journey. My perspective has shifted, while transitioning from a demanding corporate role to a more purposeful and flexible consulting capacity, prompted by the arrival of my daughter.
The weight of motherhood, a responsibility I do not take lightly, compelled me to redefine how I spend my time and energy. As someone who has always been driven by ambition, I’ve come to realize that shaping the next generation holds a more impactful significance, far greater than any professional accolade, for me at this moment in time.
My birthday, coinciding with Mother’s Day this year, serves as a poignant reminder of my own mother’s invaluable influence. With my daughter nearing her second birthday, this holiday gains newfound significance, underscoring the role of maternal love and guidance in shaping who I am today. This profound responsibility, coupled with the joys of motherhood, has spurred me to advocate for better support and recognition of mothers in the workforce.
My journey into motherhood was eased by the opportunity for significant maternity leave, a luxury too often scarce in the United States. Despite being grateful for this respite, I’m acutely aware of the stark contrast in parental leave policies worldwide. Conversations with expectant parents abroad highlighted government-backed support systems, emphasizing the need for similar provisions domestically.
Consequently, parental leave often burdens employers, straining resources and perpetuating challenges for businesses. Stories of discrimination and layoffs surrounding pregnancy underscore the urgency for systemic change. This is truly a moment where leadership sets the tone on how these impactful situations are handled ranging from paid leave resources provided to employees or separation packages, even down to the ongoing debate of how to define a hybrid workforce.
This reality check propelled me towards a more flexible and strategic consulting approach, enabling me to navigate motherhood’s demands while pursuing professional fulfillment on my terms. Advocating for better support for parents in the workforce, I find it heartening to see a range of companies prioritizing the needs of working parents, offering resources and opportunities for those balancing career and family life.
A sample of brands focused on this approach include:
- Lean In is a global community dedicated to helping foster leadership, advancement, & inclusion for women in the workplace.
- Mother Untitled is the leading resource for ambitious women choosing to pause or shift careers to make room for family life, while also discovering space for herself along the way.
- The Mom Project is a top digital platform that helps women stay active in the workforce and partners with employers invested in designing better workplaces.
- Fairygodboss is the largest online career community for women. Find the jobs, advice, and support you need to achieve your career goals.
- The Skimm recently introduced #ShowUsYourChildCare dedicated to addressing the care crisis in our country by calling on companies to show up for their employees and open up about their childcare policies.
- Morgan Stanley launched #MSWomenWithoutLimits to empower women and girls through financial literacy and professional development.
As we embrace Mother’s Day, let’s not only honor the remarkable women who shape our lives, but also acknowledge the pressing need for greater support and recognition of mothers in the workplace. Through cultural shifts, acts of kindness or policy reform, let’s strive for a world where motherhood is celebrated, supported and valued in all its complexity. Let’s commit to building a future where every mother can thrive, both at home and in the workplace, because uplifting mothers uplifts the generations to follow.
