Balancing Work and Motherhood: A Tale of Two Mother's Days

I often joke with my husband that I get two Mother's Days to celebrate! Being British with two American children has its perks, especially when it comes to being appreciated twice a year for the juggling act that is modern parenthood.

With UK Mother's Day approaching (March 30 if my husband is reading this, and needs a subtle reminder), I've been reflecting on what it means to be both a communications executive and a mother of two wonderful children – my energetic 5-year-old daughter and my curious almost two-year-old son.

The birth of two babies: My darling daughter and Songue

When my business partner Natalee and I launched Songue, my daughter was still an infant. Some might call this madness, but for me, it was about creating something that would allow me to define success on my own terms. Starting our tech PR agency wasn't just about career ambition – it was about designing a life where I could have control over my time and priorities.

That decision set the foundation for how we operate at Songue today. We've built a company where parental leave isn't just a policy buried in an employee handbook – it's central to our culture. We understand that our team members aren't just communications professionals; they're whole people with full lives outside of work.

Trust is our currency 

At Songue, flexible working isn't just “allowed” – it's encouraged. We operate on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. This approach didn't happen by accident; it was intentionally woven into our company DNA from day one.

We're equally choosy about our clients. We partner with organizations that share our values around work-life balance and understand that a team member might occasionally need to step away for a school play or a poorly child. For example, I recently had to cancel a meeting due to my son being sick (again), I texted my client apologizing profusely and he kindly reminded me that no apologies were needed, and responded “family comes first.” These are the clients we love to work with. These clients recognize that our approach doesn't diminish the quality of our work – in fact, it enhances it because our team brings their whole, balanced selves to the table.

Navigating turbulent times

In today's climate, where conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become increasingly polarized, we remain steadfast in our belief that supporting parents in the workplace isn't just "nice to have" – it's essential for building truly diverse and innovative teams.

Work-life balance isn't a trendy buzzword at Songue; it's a fundamental aspect of how we approach DEI. After all, what's the point of bringing diverse voices to the table if those voices are too exhausted from burning the candle at both ends to contribute meaningfully?

Lessons from the frontline

The journey hasn't been without its struggles. Like many parents, I've faced societal pressures and the constant guilt of wanting to excel in my career while being a present and engaged mum. The expectations from family, peers, and even myself have at times felt overwhelming.

A turning point came when my aunt gifted me a book called The Success Myth. It challenged conventional narratives around "having it all" and encouraged me to redefine success on my own terms. This shift in perspective has been liberating, allowing me to focus on what truly matters – building a business that aligns with my values while being there for my children.

I've learned (or, I should say, I’m learning) to embrace the messiness of life, recognizing that balance doesn't mean perfection. Some days I nail it; other days I'm answering emails while supervising bath time. And that's okay. I’ll say it again. That. Is. Okay. 

Celebrating motherhood, twice

As UK Mother's Day approaches (with its American counterpart not far behind), I'm reminded that these celebrations aren't just about breakfast in bed and handmade cards. They're moments to acknowledge the complex, beautiful dance that is modern motherhood – especially when combined with career ambition.

At Songue, we're proud to be creating a workplace that recognizes this reality. We're proving daily that it's possible to build a successful business while honoring the full lives of the people who make that success possible.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a client presentation to prepare – and a promise to keep about building a pillow fort this evening.

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If you're looking for a PR partner that understands the importance of work-life balance and brings authentic, human-centered storytelling to the table, we should talk. At Songue, we believe the best communications come from teams that are empowered to live full lives – both in and outside of work. Reach out to see how our approach could bring fresh energy to your brand's story. After all, wouldn't you rather work with an agency that understands what it means to build a presentation and a pillow fort on the same day?

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