Hello Jo, tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is Jo and I am a WoMo to 3 kids, 4 if you include the husband! Zoe is nearly 18, Izzy 16 and Harry is 11. I actually work for WoMo, helping Elizabeth to bring this fabulous product to market. I was a stay at home mum for 18 years, so the launch of my WoMo status has just begun! My background is in sales and communications but most recently I was involved with my husband’s build and set up of a new company, which I could easily fit around the kids.
1. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE HOW BEING A WOMO MAKES YOU FEEL?
Empowered, I want to teach my kids that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Going back to work has opened up doors to all sorts of different things. Although I have a small role in the WoMo business, I hope that it is making an impact.
2. WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD JUGGLING KIDS AND WORK?
Not particularly funny, but just yesterday I had a meeting in town with Elizabeth and some of the team, it over-ran slightly (chatting and enjoying an actual face to face) I jumped on the tube and got stuck underground at Victoria, it was 4.30 and I was due to pick up my youngest at 5.10. I was frantically trying to catch a little bit of the Wi-Fi on the underground to get a message to my husband and finally it connected but he couldn’t help. I got off a stop early, ran up all the stairs, practically ran all the way home, grabbed the keys (and a quick wee) and was off again in the car to pick him up. ON TIME! That’s WoMo shit right there!
3. WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD OFFER ANOTHER WOMO?
You can do it all, you just have to find your groove, don't’ be afraid of asking for help, the sisterhood is strong.
4. WHAT’S THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SLEEP YOU’VE GONE TO WORK ON AND HOW DID YOU COPE?
In the early days, when I was transitioning my eldest into a proper bed, I think I returned her to that bed over 100 times throughout the night. I probably slept for a total of 3 hours in half hour slots and then got up to deal with her and the baby all day. It’s hard, but you just do it!
5. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A WOMO?
I am much more resilient than I thought I was and much more capable than I gave myself credit for.
6. IF YOU HAD A WORKING MOTHER’S ANTHEM OR MANTRA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“If you want something doing, ask a busy woman” or “under promise and over deliver.”
7. WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TO COMBAT WOMO GUILT THE BEST?
Pizza, give them pizza and they forgive you for anything.
8. WOULD YOU RATHER BE DEALING WITH A TANTRUM OR PRESENTING IN A BOARD MEETING?
Over the years there have been some humdingers, and sometimes kids are even more intimidating than your peers, but Boardroom all the way.
9. IF YOU ASKED YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOUR JOB IS, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
The girls are of the age where they understand what WoMo is trying to do, the youngest would say, you go to work with your friend Elizabeth, have meetings and drink coffee!
10. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOU BECAME A WOMO?
It’s easier than you think. You adapt and if you want to make it work, you can.
11. TO DATE, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST WOMO ACHIEVEMENT?
Keeping them all alive.
12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT WORKING MOTHERS?
You can be a good mum and a working mum, you are allowed to be both.