Balancing the roles of being a mom and a CEO of my own company can be challenging, but I've found that having a clear strategy and setting boundaries is key to achieving this balance. One of my best tips is to prioritize time management and delegation. I make sure to set realistic goals and deadlines, both at work and at home. Communication is always key when it comes to balancing these roles so I make sure to be transparent with my team and family about my priorities and expectations. I’ve found that this helps create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. I've also learned to be flexible and adaptable. Unexpected situations always happen, so being able to pivot and adjust my schedule or priorities accordingly has been crucial. Prioritizing self-care and time for activities that recharge me personally so that I can be the best version of myself both as a mom and a CEO are very important. Finding a balance between being a mom and a CEO requires intentionality, organization, flexibility, and effective communication. By prioritizing these strategies and making self-care a priority, I've been able to navigate the demands of both roles more successfully and lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.
I started Melospeech to have more time with my new baby and only child. Previously, I was working 70 hours a week as a manager, which left little room for family time. As a CEO, I now set my own schedule, and I make it a point to be unavailable during my off-hours, which has been wonderful for spending time with my now 4-year-old. To achieve this flexibility, I built a strong team and established processes that don't require my daily input. We also honed in on a niche area we excel in, ensuring our operations are replicable. Additionally, having a personal assistant manage my calendar and prioritize tasks has been a game-changer.
I prioritize being present by switching off cell phones during dedicated family time and fostering meaningful connections without distractions. This allows me to be fully present and focused. Turning off my phone also reduces my stress and allows me to relax, reducing strain on my family relationships. It also helps to prevent me from doing what my kids call "phubbing" which is snubbing others when my phone dings or overreacting to being interrupted.
Years ago, I sat in a lecture by motivational speaker Luly B. about her book, “Balance is Bull$h!t” (https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Bull-Being-Entrepreneur-Taught-ebook/dp/B00BL09BZI). As a mom of three young tots and founder of a Miami PR firm, I realized at that moment the simultaneous juggle of home and profession was no easy feat, and the constant calibration of both to reach a so-called equilibrium was an impossible task. It simply doesn’t exist. That said, here are some of the strategies I enact to bring stability (and sanity) to my life: * You don’t need to be Wonder Woman to everyone at the same time. Something must give; showing your superpowers in a new business pitch, for example, means you’ve filled that bucket for the day, and it’s okay to remove the guilt of bringing the same energy to every task. Women are often framed as needing to do everything, which is a false notion that sets us up for failure. * Surround yourself with people smarter than you, so they can help sail your ship forward. You may still be navigating the waters (some with higher seas), but your crew is just as important to reach the final destination. * Avoid over commitments by learning to say “yes” and “no” with equal comfort. We are all guilty of piling on more tasks than necessary, or even feasible. It is important to look at your weekly calendar and ponder which obligations are most pressing and necessary. While booking your calendar can feel productive, we also need to find comfort in white space that allows us to reset. * Don’t overthink about accomplishing everything. Often, we get distracted by the sheer overwhelmingness of trying to balance our lives. Instead, think of the “mini wins” --- what did we achieve in the last hour or today?
As a mom and CEO, I've tried all sorts of strategies to capture "balance." Setting work boundaries was my initial go-to—I was NOT going to be that mom glued to her phone at lacrosse games. I brought in help to do household chores and delegated more at work. But the real game-changer? Involving my kids in my business. Opening up space for them in my work made a difference. We'd talk about my business challenges over dinner, and I'd sometimes let them listen in on sales calls. Their fresh perspectives not only brought such value but also bridged the gap I felt when work seemed to pull me away from them. This strategy has not only enhanced my business but also deepened our relationship. It’s amazing to see them apply these experiences in their own lives, creating their own paths and achieving their goals. This has also helped me feel more connected and present both as a mom and a CEO. It’s more than just finding balance; it’s about creating shared experiences that teach, bond, and grow us as a family.
Many ambitious working moms, CEOs, and entrepreneurs pour their hearts out into driving company success and being present and fully engaged parents. Unknowingly, as moms and CEOs, we try to show up in our professional roles as if we don't have a family and with our families as if we don't work. We subconsciously internalize societal expectations between those two roles, which creates an internal conflict leading to feelings of guilt that men and dads do not feel. That creates a lot of internal pressure and stress that eventually may lead to lack of fulfillment and burnout. What I coach my clients is to reframe balance and this is incredibly important. Creating meaningful work-life balance is less about time management but about energy management. Getting intimate and honest about what brings you energy and what drains you of it, professionally and personally, and then unapologetically taking charge of your well-being by setting boundaries to protect your needs is the key to creating sustainable "balance." Meaningful balance is about the quality of our actions and the quality of our presence, and that applies to being a Mom as much as a CEO. Reframing balance from time management to energy management and changing our expectations to lead at work like we don't have families and raise our families as if we don't work will take a lot of the underlying pressure off that otherwise would lead to a lack of fulfillment or burnout.
What balance? Ha! In all seriousness though, working remotely has been a game-changer for me. It's like having my cake and eating it too — I can keep the business going while still being there for my family. Us mums, we kind of evolve into multitasking ninjas, juggling tasks left and right with some sort of supernatural skill! The ability to work from anywhere means that I can transition between my responsibilities as a CEO and a Mom without having to compromise on either. For instance, I can start my day by checking emails and planning my work tasks, then take a break to drop my kids off at school or engage in a morning activity with them. Throughout the day, I can alternate between attending to business needs and spending quality time with my family. This flexibility is invaluable. Multitasking is practically my middle name. It’s about being smart with my priorities and knowing when to switch hats from CEO to Mom in a blink.
Certified Pediatric Sleep and Toddler Behavior Consultant at Slumberland Solutions
Answered 2 years ago
As a working mom of 3 children, I always found that it's important to set boundaries and create schedules both in your work and family life. I work from home, and I like to separate my office from my home. I shower and dress before going to my home office, so my state of mind is in "work mode." I try to be present when I'm with my family, and not look at work emails. During the workday, I focus on what I'm accomplishing, and try to set goals to complete tasks by a specific time so that I can turn my laptop off at a reasonable hour. I have always found that getting up before my family and giving myself some "me time", for coffee and a workout, allows me to start my day in the best frame of mind. I also firmly believe in getting as much ready as possible the night before, so that the morning scramble isn't as chaotic. We all pack our backpacks with homework and any other essentials before bed. We choose our clothes and get them ready before we go to bed. We even pack lunches and so they're ready to grab on our way out the door. By establishing routines and schedules in work and home life, you will find that your days are not as chaotic and you will be spending quality time with your family while achieving your work goals. For more tips and tricks on how to achieve a work/life balance as a Mom and CEO, reach out at any time. Sweet Dreams!😴👶