Hello Karishma, tell us about you. What do you do and how old are your children and what happens with your kids when you are at work?
I am a mindset coach with a focus on working parents and a soft spot for new mums. I help women transition back to work following maternity leave, in a way that gives them the freedom to enjoy their family, while showing up powerfully at work. I also help parents thrive through transitions in their life, managing the impact on family and oneself.
My daughter is 9 and my son is 6, so they are now at an age where they are at school for most of my working day. I tend to plan my day so that coaching sessions are held during their school hours, as interruptions when a client is on their way to a breakthrough would be a disservice to my clients! Once I pick them up from school and spend at least 1 hour with them, I can then jump onto collaborative work calls, do my own personal work, etc.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Being a WoMo makes me feel proud. Not only do I get to set an example for my children, that mothers are capable and allowed to do things for themselves, but I can be that example for other mothers out there. Not only do I appreciate how challenging it is to be a WoMo, I have done so much personal work that I can support other women through the challenges they are faced with. This contribution towards my fellow working mothers is something I take great pride in.
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
The funniest experience I had while working with the kids around would have had to be during a prospective corporate client meeting. My son swung the door wide open to ask for water (which he is fully capable of getting himself. In fact, he normally insists on getting it himself!). As he swung the door open, my eyes had widened and the laptop froze with my eyes wide open in horror! Although I could hear the laughter on the other end of the call, I was mortified as this was my first experience like this. Lucky for me, it was also my last and I’ve been very lucky working with my kids around!
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
You are very important. Although you have your ‘work’ role and your ‘mother’ role, YOU are enough as you are. Make time for yourself and appreciate who you are. Identify with yourself, before you identify with your roles and it will make all the difference in how you show up but professionally and at home.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
The least amount of sleep I’ve gone to work on would have to be about 2 hours. There were a few of these times, but I managed it differently each time, depending on what the day required of me. I have rescheduled meetings where possible, as my input is much more valuable when I’m alert and focused. Other times, if it was a light day, I could carry on with lighter tasks.
I’ve learned that it is irrational to push when your energy is too low. That our time is much better spent towards rest or tasks that require less of you. If not, we end up worrying about how we appeared, which only drains more energy!
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
That everything is connected and compartmentalising is a lot harder than it sounds! How we show up at work impacts how we show up at home, and vice versa. This has changed how I focus, prioritise and respond to the people and events around me.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Happiness comes in waves, and that’s OK.
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
A sheet mask in the evening with lemon drizzle flavoured Border Biscuits (my mouth is watering already).
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Presenting in a board meeting.
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
“Help people wash out all the bad thoughts and feel more confident about work.” – My nine-year-old.
“Coach people to feel better” – My 6-year-old.
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
There is no such thing as a perfect balance and that everyday requires the weighing scale to look a little different.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Having the courage to start my own business, which not only supports but also empowers working mothers to live a more fulfilling life without guilt.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
Mothers are more than just mothers. They are people first, and can have their own ambitions outside of the role as a parent. Wanting to work, run a business, or even engage in extra curriculars has absolutely nothing to do with how much a parent loves their children. I want to teach my children that mothers are still individuals who have a number of needs and talents outside of being a parent.