I can’t be a mom and…

Throughout my career I found I constantly experienced this pervading thought of "I can’t be a mom and…"

• Get an MBA

• Be in management

• Work second shift

• Travel for work

• Be a business owner

I always overcame these thoughts, but sometimes people’s comments would bring those thoughts that lead to guilt back into my mind. For example, an older woman asked me who takes care of my kids when I’m traveling. I logically knew my kids were taken care of, but a tinge of guilt from thinking I couldn’t be good at both crept in. 

In reality, being a mom has made me a better leader. It has given me a "why" of wanting to help companies grow so my kids and other people's children have incredible companies to work at. I want to help create teams and work environments that grow high-performing employees, but in a way that fully supports them so they can still go home and contribute to their families.

I now think being present with my children helps me grow as a leader. They are true models of:

• Curiosity

• Willingness to take risks

• Failure

• Massive action

• Play

• Inventiveness

I have grown my career not in spite of having children, but because I have them. They are part of my "why" of wanting to help facilitate the growth of my teams at the companies I worked for, and now my own company. 

What are the sneaky thoughts that have held you back?