Hi Elizabeth, 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 CEO of Cypher; we inspire children to learn the language of the future at our creativity & coding camps. I have three children aged 10, 8 and 6 months. While I’m at work they are either at school or with me.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Astounding
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
Not really so much funny really…but as we run clubs and camps my son often comes along and joins a class. It all went a bit pear shaped when he decided the teacher wasn’t good enough and fired them! It all got sorted out later though….
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
Your kids can fit into your working life much more than you expect.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
One hour. It reminded me of being at Architecture School and doing an all-nighter - I just got on with it.
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
Ha! Kids hone your multi-tasking skills
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Stay positive
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
I don’t have WoMo guilt… because you’re setting a good example to your children - boys and girls - that you can do both.
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Presenting at a board meeting.
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
‘She does lots of coding and teaches children how to code,’ Ocean aged 8
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
It would have been nice to have known when I first became pregnant (and was a bit worried about my career plans) that I would be able to combine motherhood and my ambitions.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Having a baby whilst keeping my new company going
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
I don’t teach my children about working mothers - but I do believe in leading by example - I think it’s important for them to see how important entrepreneurship is for the future and I will always encourage them to follow their dreams.