Given that women are hardwired to nurture babies and support them as they grow, no wonder they bring a certain je ne sais quoi to their careers. Aside from the children who are their pride and joy, countless women in our community also make their work a labour of love.
Does it take gumption to put heart and soul in both career and parenting? For sure. Can women do it? Of course… but is it easy?
Look Local asked four local moms — who happen to excel in their careers — how they navigate this dual role. Their responses were candid and inspiring.
“Being present for my children while also showing up fully in my career requires constant adjustment and prioritization,” says Caroline Shutt, Family Wealth Advisor at Bellwether. “Some seasons demand more from one than the other. Learning to navigate that without feeling like you’re falling short somewhere has been the hardest part.”
For Hamilton jewellery designer Laura Tedesco, switching out of business mode at the end of the day can be a challenge. “My career is like another baby to me; it deserves attention and focus, and my clients mean everything to me… although I’ve learned to set boundaries and not overextend myself, so I can be fully there in my most important role as a mother.”
Wearing two hats
There is no prescribed way to balance motherhood and a career. Some women keep the two roles quite separate while, for others, the lines are more blurred.
“Structuring my business to be appointment-based has made a huge difference,” says Tedesco. She builds flexibility into her schedule so that she can pick up her children from school, volunteer, and be there for the everyday moments. “They’re only young once, and I really try to cherish this special time.”
For Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington, the calendar is a powerful tool. “The role of Mayor is 24/7, so you have to be intentional about making space for family,” Meed Ward says. “It’s essential to book time in your calendar to reserve it for family, the same as you would book time for work events.”
Juliana Berrio and her husband, Luis Velasquez, have always involved their daughters in their restaurant, Familia Fine Foods. “When they were little, they helped with simple tasks, sold lemonade at the restaurant,” Berrio says. “As they’ve grown, so has their role. They have responsibilities, they work alongside us, they sit in on strategic meetings, and they always have a voice.”
Shutt usually focuses on work while at work, and switches to mom mode at home. Occasionally, though, family and career intersect and that’s okay. “Some days will be organized and productive, while others might involve answering emails with one hand while helping with homework or figuring out dinner at the last minute,” Shutt says. “That’s real life.”
Dare to be imperfect
Sometimes, the secret to being fabulous is to remember you’re only human. These women have learned to be kind to themselves on the rough and messy days.
“Give yourself grace and release yourself from the pressure to ‘do it all’ and to do it perfectly,” says Mayor Meed Ward. That means sometimes saying “no.” When she can’t meet requests from the community, Meed Ward offers alternatives. “I get invited to a lot of events that often conflict and I can’t be personally present at them all,” she says. “But instead of just declining, we offer a range of alternatives — promoting an event in other ways, sending a video greeting, sending remarks or a certificate, or asking a Deputy Mayor or Ward Councillor to attend.
“Perfection isn’t the goal,” Meed Ward says. “Intention, showing up, and making time for both community and family is the goal.”
As a financial advisor, Shutt works with a lot of working mothers and sees firsthand the load they carry. “My advice would be to let go of the idea of being a ‘Super Mom’ and focus on being a present one,” she says. “Your kids don’t need perfection; they just need you.”Berrio’s advice for both motherhood and work is as soul-feeding as her restaurant’s Latin-inspired food: “Do everything — big or small — with love, with respect, and with the intention of always giving your best. Have a clear purpose in your life, and follow your heart.”
By Michelle Morra
