Hello Beth, 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’m a communications consultant: I help people improve their speaking and writing skills so they can gain confidence and respect – and advance their careers.
I have a 5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. She’s about to start Year 1, and he goes to nursery 4 mornings/week. I also have a nanny.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Happy!
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
Remember when that professor’s interview on BBC was interrupted by his dancing toddler? I had a similar moment during a video call when my daughter was 3-years-old. Fortunately, I was only speaking to one person and we both found it funny!
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
I think we can be our own worst critics, so I’d tell other WoMos to give yourself a break – and do what works for you.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
Probably 3 hours. It’s no coincidence that I had to replace my coffee machine when I had my second child. I’m like Lorelai Gilmore from ‘Gilmore Girls’ - Coffee Coffee Coffee!
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
I think all women learn how capable they are when they become mothers. You feel busy before you have kids, then you feel really busy when you have one. Then you have another and think you had it ‘easy’ with one child!
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Run your race. By that, I mean do what’s right for you and your family. It’s easy to look around and think others are doing more, or doing it better. Do what works for you and let others do what works for them. There is too much judgement associated with motherhood – that seems to start before the baby even arrives! So do the best you can – and what works for you. Bake a beautiful cake for your kid’s party or buy one – it doesn’t matter. Run your race.
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
I don’t know if there is anything that makes the WoMo guilt go away completely. But my favorite treat is getting my hair done at Skyler London. A blow dry from Lloyd makes everything better!
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
No contest, presenting in a board meeting. Though to be fair, I’ve seen tantrums there, too!
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
My daughter sees me write, so she would say ‘Mommy works on the computer.’ My son would say ‘Mommy works in her office.’ Both are true!
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
How much it would change my views on work, life, and success.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Following my dream to start my own communications consultancy.
It is the scariest – and most exciting – thing I’ve done professionally since becoming a mother. I was working in financial services for a long time, and it’s hard to take a risk and leave security behind – but I want to encourage my kids to be brave and follow their dreams.
Seeing people gain confidence and improve their speaking skills is a wonderful feeling. I’m really happy that I get to help people in this way.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
I want my kids to know that all mothers work – some work in paid and some is unpaid. There’s no ‘right’ way – it’s about what’s right for you and your family. I want my daughter and son to know they both have choices.
Beth Collier helps people improve their writing and speaking skills so they can become more confident, articulate, and successful. To find out how Beth can help you, check her out here and she can schedule a free consultation.