Real Talk From Mom Bosses: How Companies Can Support Working Moms

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of moderating, “The Mom Success Factor: How Moms Make Workplaces Better,” a Mom Project panel-discussion with several dynamic working-mom leaders from Disney, Etsy, Randstad and Zendesk.

The topic was moms in the modern workplace and how companies can support them, and, I have to tell you, the conversation was one for the books.

We talked non-linear career paths, the vital role of caregivers, family leave, mom guilt, our journey to motherhood, along with actionable ways companies can improve hiring, engagement and retention of working moms.

You can watch our entire discussion here. (And, I highly recommend you do whenever you need reminding that your work to make workplaces more inclusive matters). But, in the meantime, I gathered a few gems from our conversation, the bits of wisdom and insights I’m going to keep in mind in the days to come as The Mom Project continues on our mission as the leading career destination for moms.

I’ve shared a few favorites below. May they inspire, empower and encourage you, too.

STEPPING UP FOR MOMS

“Role modeling is very, very important regardless of your background. How do you build a culture where flexibility is okay? Where anyone who takes advantage of those policies is not looked down upon? You need to be an advocate and step up for moms.” —Smita Pillai, VP, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Zendesk

LEADING WITH EMPATHY

“I lead my team as individuals. I talk to them. They’re not just here to deliver a project … everybody's at home raising their kids, writing code with their children on their laps, helping with home school ... I take that into consideration. I'm not holding [anybody] back or penalizing them because they're raising children." —D’Yanna Craighead, Senior Manager, Guest Experience Technologies, Disney

Looking for guidance on making workplaces more mom-friendly? Download our “3 Key Ways to Support Working Parents” checklist.

COMMUNITY’S POWER

“I am proof you can survive, and particularly as a single mom. It does take a village: all of us helping each other, supporting each other, and having great families that are supportive.” —Rebecca Henderson, CEO of Global Businesses and Executive Board Member, Randstad

THE WORKING MOM TRUTH

“You're not going to be the best lawyer, head of DEI, wife, mom, sister, and friend every day. So do your best and focus where you have to focus each day, but give yourself a little bit of grace." —Elizabeth Spector Louden, Assistant General Counsel, Employment and Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Etsy