Hello Hayley, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Hayley, 38 and proud to be looking after Partnerships for WoMo! I lived in London until 2017 and worked in Corporate Access at Deutsche Bank before moving into Investment Management as EA to the Managing Partner at Genesis. After having my son, going back to work full time wasn’t an option so I set up as a Virtual Assistant and have been helping small businesses to build their administrative processes since then. We now live in Poole and love being so close to the beautiful beaches!
I have two children Max (7) and Flossie (5) and work virtually from home whilst they’re at school. My Husband also works from home and travels to London for meetings during the week. Our work week involves a fair amount juggling but I feel extremely fortunate to have the flexibility that allows me to drop and collect them from school and generally be around for them.
During school holidays it’s a case of muddling through and holiday clubs!
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Fried.
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
Once my daughter got hold of my phone and took pictures of herself pulling stupid faces. She then somehow managed to send them all via whatsapp to a work group chat!
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
If you’re having a tough day please remember that tomorrow will be better.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
2 and I didn’t cope.
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
That I’m more capable than I give myself credit for. Motherhood is a long road and a bit of a rollercoaster but I’m incredibly grateful for my children and the people in my life.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Breathe…
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
Going out with my mates and drinking champagne without the kids!
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Tantrum. I’ve never been near a boardroom presentation and the thought of it terrifies me!
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
‘You make videos on your computer’ (should I be worried that that’s what they think?!)
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
Any decision you make for your family is the right one.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
To have kept going even when I wanted to run and hide.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
That working is a normal part of life and one that should be enjoyable and free from judgement.
To always pat yourself on the back and process even the smallest positive thing each day. I believe that doing this teaches you to see your world through positive lenses and helps you appreciate the smallest of things :)