Balancing the dual roles of motherhood and leadership — whether as an entrepreneur, within a corporation or in other professional obligations, requires not just skill and resilience, but an unwavering commitment to your authentic self. Add the complexities of navigating a fertility or adoption journey, and the challenges can seem insurmountable.
However, I’ve learned that it is through these very challenges that we find our true strength as leaders — and as women. From one professional juggling some big life things to another, here’s how you can embrace your unique needs and prioritize what truly matters in your life while showing up successfully as a leader.
Tip #1: Own Your Story
For some, motherhood comes easy. For others, not so much. I’ve been very open over the past few years about how I am in the latter group.
Whatever your struggles, aspirations or life circumstances, I’ve found owning my story has been a powerful part of claiming who I am and allowing me to show up authentically. This has been tremendously helpful in giving myself grace when my endometriosis flares up; when the mental stress of another unsuccessful round of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was too much; and now, when I’m actively in the throes of home visits, meetings and obligations associated with my journey to adopt.
Owning my story hasn’t just been helpful for me, but for those who look to me for leadership and with whom I engage professionally. My authenticity allows them to show up the same. My story gives them the space to share theirs.
Tip #2: Prioritize What Matters Most
In both motherhood and entrepreneurship, it’s essential to identify and prioritize what truly matters. Hard? Of course. Necessary? Absolutely. The hard truth is that if you don’t do it for yourself, no one will.
The pressures of business can sometimes overshadow the precious moments of motherhood and everyday life. Conversely, the demands of parenthood and personal obligations can cloud your professional endeavors. Finding a balance means setting clear priorities and boundaries in both areas.
To do this requires honesty. What’s most important right now? What do you need to do — or not do — to keep that at the forefront? From clear time boundaries between work and home to passing up that next promotion or big project (or, asking for help at home so you can step into those opportunities) being honest about what’s top priority doesn’t make these decisions any easier, but it does make them clearer.
Tip #3: Lead with Empathy
Life happens.To be a quality leader, you must understand this and empathize with those you serve. This is equally true of how you approach the way you treat yourself.
For me, the journey to motherhood has been fraught with emotional highs and lows. I’ve had to learn to be kind to myself during these moments.
Most of us are hard-wired to believe that when something doesn’t work out, it means we’re a failure. That simply isn’t true. By giving yourself and your people the space to do what you need to do in order to show up as your best version, the outcomes will ultimately result in your favor.
Where You Are Right Now is Where You’re Meant to Be
Balancing motherhood and leadership, especially while navigating a fertility or adoption journey, is undoubtedly challenging. As a result, it can feel like everything else in your life is also failing. (Tip #4: It’s not!) Balance is an elusive goal that is always changing. Showing up authentically in all areas of your life and being empathetic to yourself and others will help you keep a pulse on what matters most to you in this stage of your life — and give you the clarity to do what you need to do to achieve that.
Your journey is unique, and your story can pave the way not just for you, but for others to follow as inspiration for their own journeys, too.
I share my story — my life, my family dynamics, my motherhood journey, my health and so much more — on podcasts and elsewhere. Check out my recent media appearances.
