If you make the active choice to work as a mom, it should be done guilt-free: Pooja Pathak

We, at Adgully, have always saluted and honoured women managers and leaders across diverse fields. Over the years, W-SUITE, a special initiative from Adgully, has been turning the spotlight on some of the most remarkable women achievers in the M&E, Advertising, Marketing, PR and Communications industry.

On the occasion of Mother’s Day this year, Adgully has come up with a month-long special series saluting the Moms in the Agency business. The series will explore how successful women leaders, who are also mothers, are achieving work-life balance, and are also creating an inclusive work environment so that the mothers in their teams can work to their full potential.

In conversation with Adgully, Pooja Pathak, Co-Founder, Media Mantra & Influsurf Communications, speaks about how she maintains work-life balance as a woman leader and mother, how workplaces are appreciating and empowering working mothers, and much more.

As a woman leader, how do you manage to maintain a work-life balance as a working mom? What tips would you give to other working mothers who are struggling to manage their work and personal life?

The first step to maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a working mother is always about setting clear priorities and boundaries between these two important aspects. Once we accept and build confidence in our decision to be a working mother, the process becomes a lot easier. I highly recommend letting go of hesitation to communicate and ask for help. Surround yourself with a supportive network of your spouse, friends, family, and fellow working mothers who can share the load, offer you guidance, and contribute to your emotional well-being. I also suggest openly communicating with your co-workers to set realistic goals and efficient task management.

How do you deal with “mommy guilt” while working and how do you balance your personal and professional life while being a mother? Could you share some personal experiences?

I strongly believe that if you make the active choice to work as a mom, it should be done guilt-free. There is simply no room for guilt in a decision that is good for you, your family, and your career. Remember, every working mother’s journey is unique, and it’s very important to find strategies that work best for you and your family. Rather than striving to be 100% perfect in both modes, acknowledging and embracing what you can do best is the right way to go. Aiming to give your family and work life 80-85% is a superb goal to set while also making sure you take care of yourself and practice self-compassion.

Could you share your experience of returning to work after maternity leave? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? What changes would you like to see in the workplace to support working mothers?

The biggest challenge is undoubtedly the self-driven guilt of not being present with your child all day every day. However, over the passage of time, you have to wire your brain to accept this new chapter in life as an opportunity and not a limitation. Understanding that working towards your career and ambitions is an integral part of you just like your motherhood is key to dealing with these self-created patterns of anxiety.

Working mothers should be provided with resources such as flexible and remote work hours in addition to maternity leaves to make sure they are able to give both their work and family life the best they can.

How has being a mother impacted your leadership style and decision-making as a woman leader? Have you noticed any positive changes in your leadership skills since becoming a mother?

Well, I have certainly mastered multi-tasking and time management – two crucial elements in both roles as a mother and a leader. In addition, heightened empathy and understanding along with adaptability and resilience are traits I believe have made me a better leader as a woman.

What steps has your company taken to support and empower working mothers, and how do you ensure that mothers are not discriminated against in the workplace?

At Media Mantra, we provide work model flexibility to working mothers to accommodate suitable working hours, work from home days, and encourage them to confidently prioritise both these roles and give their sincere efforts to their motherhood as well as their profession. There is no leeway to discriminate against a working mother since we look at our team from a talent-driven perspective regardless of gender or parental status.

How can other companies follow suit to create a more inclusive workplace for working mothers? What are the best global practices you have come across in this regard?

It is high time companies start implementing initiatives that foster a culture of wellness and work-life balance, especially for working moms. Routine counseling sessions around maintaining work life balance, flexibility in work modes and working hours, and open communication regarding the unique experience of working moms should be practiced regularly in the workplace.

What message would you like to give to working mothers, as a woman leader and working mom yourself?

I understand how much of an ongoing struggle it can be as a new mom re-entering the workplace. However, I want you to truly stay firm in your decision to be a working mother. If you make this choice, you must dedicate yourself to both your roles as a mother and a professional. With practical support from your family and the right set of friends, you can absolutely train your brain in an organised manner. This has been a great foundation for me personally for overcoming fears, guilt, and inhibitions regarding my ability to ace both of these roles.

Learning never stops and if you take your career and life ambitions seriously, so will the people around you. I encourage you all to be firm in this decision because when you make this choice confidently, you will seek every resource possible to achieve an efficient balance.

And just as importantly, if you choose only motherhood then you must be just as proud in that decision. Regardless of the decision you make – whether to work or not post delivery – you should love and respect that choice.