Hello Lindsay, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do, how old are your children and what happens with your kids when you are at work?
Lindsay Fleming, I am COO of a start-up called The Bear Can Read. The Bear Can Read is a London-based female led small business that provides learn-to-read subscription boxes in partnership with Oxford University Press. I’m also mum to Charlotte (age 11) and Natalie (age 8). Natalie is at a primary school which is around the corner from my office –very convenient. Charlotte has recently started secondary school and is now independently commuting to/from school with a friend; which is a big adjustment – but makes logistics so much easier!
1. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE HOW BEING A WOMO MAKES YOU FEEL?
It’s something that is just for me. Becoming a mother caused a massive adjustment to my sense of identify – both personally and within society. Returning to work after having children has enabled me to claim back some of feeling of “self”.
2. WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD JUGGLING KIDS AND WORK?
What comes to mind immediately is all the saddest experiences to be honest. There were a lot of times earlier in my career and as a young mum, when I didn’t stand up for what I needed in order to juggle both. I regret not speaking up. Working at The Bear Can Read as a start-up I’m finally in control of my time. Although the work is constant, I’m less stressed as I’m empowered to work when it works for me – not against me.
3. WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD OFFER ANOTHER WOMO?
I wish I could let things go, and not let my past mistakes haunt me. I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. Own your mistakes and move on.
4. WHAT’S THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SLEEP YOU’VE GONE TO WORK ON AND HOW DID YOU COPE?
I’m not a great sleeper to begin with, but just last night I probably got only 3 or 4 hours’ worth of sleep. I allowed myself some extra time in the morning because I had stayed late the night before. Lots of coffee. And set myself reasonable expectations of what I would accomplish today because the day before had been so extensive.
5. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A WOMO?
I value my time and how I spend it; so I’m selective with how I use it. It’s critical to carve out personal time – find something that re-engerises you. It can’t always be work and kids. I prioritise my weekly spin + yoga class because it’s like therapy to me. I always feel a bit guilty booking that time off, but I know it is worth it which keeps me going.
6. IF YOU HAD A WORKING MOTHER’S ANTHEM OR MANTRA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I can, I am, I will, I’m able.
7. WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TO COMBAT WOMO GUILT THE BEST?
Netflix
8. WOULD YOU RATHER BE DEALING WITH A TANTRUM OR PRESENTING IN A BOARD MEETING?
Tantrum –eventually there’s cuddles afterwards.
9. IF YOU ASKED YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOUR JOB IS, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
"My mum works for The Bear Can Read". She with her partner Camilla help children in the UK with reading. She gets books and worksheets and surprises and puts them into boxes and sends them off". Natalie, age 8.
10. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOU BECAME A WOMO?
I was struggling when I was looking for the perfect solution to enable me to return to work. When I stopped looking, the perfect job found me.
11. TO DATE, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST WOMO ACHIEVEMENT?
That feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day –both professionally and personally. It’s not every day, but being mindful of those moments of when you feel truly productive.
12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT WORKING MOTHERS?
You can have it all, but maybe not necessarily all at the same time. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
IG the_bear_can
Website: The bear can read