Hi Natalie, 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 a 38 year old mother of three, CEO and Founder of hellosocialclub, a senior social media consultant and Allbright Ambassador. I am passionate about the impact of social media on children and have advised the government on how to keep our children safe online.
My children are Ruby 15, Annabelle 12 and Harry 11 and all three are at full-time school. I work in London 2 days a week and my husband currently works from home full time. When I am at home I do the morning drop off and they get a school bus home. I work on my phone a LOT, which enables me to make most matches/plays/school events etc. Sometimes it is impossible to be in two places at once so I have find the right family/work/life balance and pay the bills! But on the whole I manage to find a good balance which as we all know isn't always easy but I am always trying and constantly remind myself that it’s a journey rather then a destination!!!
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Alive
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
My then 6 year old son Harry raised some money for his primary school with a jumble sale and he was rewarded with a badge and made an ‘Enterprise Ambassador’. I was so proud of him when he was called out in the assembly. He gave me the badge to keep safe, which I pinned to my top with pride ;)
Later that day I had a new client meeting where I presented and gave my pitch about how I could help to monetise their digital channels. I totally forgot I was still wearing the badge and the MD of the company mentioned it afterwards, saying it was a nice touch and that I must be very confident in my ability to grow revenue as I actually had a badge to prove it!
I still have the badge pinned to my coat!
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
Please be kind to yourself.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
3 hours, coffee and texting my friends a lot!
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
That I add value to the workplace and colleagues both emotionally and professionally
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
When something gets to me or I feel overwhelmed I think what would I say to my best friend or my children… and then I try to say it to myself!
I also really like Roald Dahl’s Matilda quote ‘She believed she could and so she did’
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
Telling my children work stories or being able to treat them makes me really, really happy! Wine also helps!
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
It definitely varies day to day – but today there are no tantrums, so it would be a board meeting!
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
Ruby 15: She works in social media.
Annabelle 12: She has her own business
Harry 11: She works on her phone
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
Don't undersell yourself and never apologize for being yourself!
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Being on Radio 4 Woman's Hour with my daughter Ruby. She was 12 at the time and we discussed social media and internet safety! She spoke very well and confidently so naturally I was absolutely beaming.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
That is not always easy, it is hard work but I want them to ultimately understand that they can be whatever they want to be! Cheesy but true!