Hi Katie, tell us about yourself. What do you do, how old are your children and what happens with your kids when you are at work?
I have a 16 month old daughter, Grace and step mum to an 11 year old and 8 year old. I am Director at Mode Search, a boutique recruitment agency. I am lucky as I only work 4 days a week, Grace goes to nursery 2 days a week and my mum looks after her 2 days a week.
1.One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Proud
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
Going to London for a client meeting and realising just before going in that Grace had squashed banana all down the side of my top. Luckily I was able to wash it off. Many a day where you think you are spotless and someone points out that there is some form of food squashed into your outfit somewhere.
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
I think it would be that whenever you are hard on yourself, take a step back and think how much you juggle as a working mum and how much of an inspiration you will be to your children
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
Within my first week back to work, starting a new job and commuting every day to London from Cambridge, I was living off 3-4 hrs sleep, not a good start…Grace was going through one of the textbook “sleep regression” stages. Coffee has become my best friend along with carbs unfortunately as it isn’t a friend to my ever increasing mummy tummy
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
How hard it is to juggle things but to know that you are not alone and its okay to be at work and leave your children at nursery or whichever form of childcare you have. Whatever happens that day or week, its okay you are doing a good job.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Everyday feel satisfied with what you have achieved as a working mum
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
Watching Made in Chelsea
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Board meeting, I have only just entered the tantrum phase and at least in a boardroom there is room for negotiation and pacifying.
9. If you asked your child what your job is, what would they say?
Grace’s speech is limited to only a few words but I would like to think she would know that I help people progress in their careers
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
How tough sleep deprivation can be and how you need to strive to be as organised as humanly possible
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
I came off maternity leave straight into a new job and I feel like I have successfully integrated myself into the business and achieved above and beyond the targets set. I have managed to keep my job through sleep deprivation
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
It’s okay to be a working mum and don’t let others judge you for it. Some working mums choose to work and some have to work. You can be a fantastic mum and role model to your children whichever you choose.