Hello Louise, 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?
I am the Founder of www.beyondtheschoolrun.com, the place to inspire, engage and connect parents with their skills and talents in the hours available and the Author of ‘A New Way for Mothers’ (available on Amazon). My children are 10 and 7 years old. I work within the hours available to me, which is the ethos of Beyondtheschoolrun, so whilst they are at school.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Inclusive, all mothers are working in their different forms.
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
I write about this in my book, I remember taking my children on the train to my first meeting at No 10 Downing Street, it was the school holidays and my husband was looking after them whilst I had the meeting. On the train two men offered to help me with the buggy and we started chatting and the first thing they said was where are you off to – shopping. The assumption was that as a woman I was going shopping. I didn’t say I had a meeting with the advisor to the Prime Minister.
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
Work out how to best access your flow because once you are working in it you can work with far greater ease and more efficiently in the time available to you. I find exercise is an important part of this and first thing in the morning. Also don’t judge others, we are all working as parents, so support one another because I truly believe together we can make the greatest difference.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
By being kind to myself, taking it slowly.
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
That you can achieve things you maybe have only ever dreamt of when you take one small step at a time. Each step makes a huge difference.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
My mantra to anyone would be – be true to yourself.
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
I don’t believe in guilt, follow your heart and be guided by your children they are your greatest teachers. I write about this in my book.
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
I asked my husband this once when we were on a flight and the kids we a bit younger. We both said board meeting.
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
They said she has her own job called Beyondtheschoolrun and she’s written a book called ‘A New Way for Mothers’.
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
There is no rush, pace yourself. Work together and collaborate. Be kind to yourself.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
My invitation to No.10 Downing Street about 6 months after I set up Beyondtheschoolrun and the publishing of my book, I never imagined I would write a book.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
That we all have our own paths; don’t judge others support one another and look after yourself.
Louise Webster, Founder of www.beyondtheschoolrun.com
Author of ‘A New Way for Mothers’: