Several female executives shared tips to successfully balance influential careers and the daily demands of motherhood during the 44th annual Outstanding Mother Awards May 5.
Below is a breakdown of the tips, as highlighted by Forbes.
1. Be present and ask what's important to your child. Nancy Berger, publishing director and chief revenue officer of Hearst Youth and Wellness Group, shared that while she often missed things like family dinners, she made a promise to her two boys that she would never miss anything that they said was important to them.
2. Stop saying or thinking you are undeserving. Many men graciously accept honors and willingly take credit, while women often feel unworthy of the same honors, according to Bianna Golodryga, senior global affairs analyst and anchor at CNN. Ms. Golodryga instead recommends understanding your value and accepting wins by saying, "Thank you — I'm honored!"
3. Be prepared for the three "Ds". Phyllis Newhouse, CEO of ShoulderUp Technology Acquisition and CEO of Xtreme Solutions, recommended being prepared for detours, distractions and disappointments.
4. Find an "A+" village to help support you and your children. Having a trustworthy village of people to help you care for your children is another way to help balance a career and motherhood, according to Priya Venkatesh, senior vice president of merchandising, skincare and hair at Sephora. Ms. Venkatesh says this village can include extended family or even colleagues.
5. Know you don't need to be perfect. The female executives said it is important to realize that you won't be perfect at being a mom and being a professional, but that is OK.