Juggling career and personal life as a woman in leadership

When Everything Needs You Most Leading a team while managing spring sports, caring for aging parents, and motherhood isn't just multitasking—it's a masterclass in impossible choices. If your calendar resembles a game of Tetris right now, you're not alone. As a leadership coach for women leaders, I've seen how spring's chaos tests even the most strategic minds. Here's 5 approaches that help my clients thrive (not just survive): 1️⃣ SCHEDULE INTEGRATION Create one master calendar. Color-code work/family/care. Identify coverage needs before emergencies happen. 2️⃣ DELEGATION AUDIT List all tasks. Mark what only YOU can do. Delegate 3 work and 2 home tasks immediately. Asking for help is strength. 3️⃣ MICRO-RECOVERIES Protect 3-5 ten-minute windows daily. No emails or planning. Just breathing or movement. Reset between demands. 4️⃣ TEAM TRANSPARENCY Be strategically open about your constraints this season. Set clear response boundaries. Model sustainable leadership. 5️⃣ RUTHLESS PRIORITIZATION Identify weekly 'Big 3': One work win. One family win. One self-care win. Everything else is negotiable. Leadership isn't just managing others—it's modeling sustainable success. When we pretend this juggling act is effortless, we perpetuate impossible standards for other women leaders. The executives who thrive during high-demand seasons aren't working less—they're working differently. They've stopped seeing boundaries as failure. Instead, they recognize that strategic "nos" create space for their highest contributions in every role. Which strategy might create immediate relief in your current season? This intense spring won't last forever, but the leadership lessons you're learning will serve you for life.

Break down your own barriers! Two years ago, when I became the CEO of DIAGEO India, there was a flurry of excitement in the media and social media, and congratulatory messages were pouring in as I took charge of one of the leading beverage alcohol companies in India. I often get asked about my journey as a Woman Leader, and I wanted to share a few things that worked for me. I hope this inspires you too! 4 simple truths that galvanized my journey as a business leader: ⚫ Don’t be afraid to voice your ambition: When I joined #Diageo as Managing Director of Africa Emerging Markets, I shared my aspirations of seeing myself become part of the Executive Committee. At first, I thought I was being presumptuous or even vain. But then I asked myself, ‘What would a man do in my position?’ and I felt that he would not hesitate to say so and perhaps say it very assertively. ⚫ Include men in the conversation: One of my male colleagues in Diageo, London was so intent on driving change that he had his junior women colleagues reverse mentor him. He went on to become one of our strongest proponents at the workplace and being vocal about driving inclusion. ⚫ Your family is your biggest support system, so use it: Talk to them, have them participate in job decisions, career moves. I remember seeking help from my mom and husband, even talking to my children about how they felt about me working and whether they were ok if I couldn’t go to every parent teacher meeting. The answer I got from them as they became older was ‘No mom, we’re very proud of what you’re doing!’ ⚫ Aim for butterflies-in-the-stomach kind of goals: Do you remember jumping out of bed when you were younger, ready to take on the world. Well, who says you can’t have that same drive now? When I came in as the CEO and set a target of sustained double-digit growth and becoming debt-free, there were a few nay sayers. But when you aim high, set lofty goals, you end up surprising yourself and others. So, what are your learnings? I would love to hear about your journey and learnings along the way! #womenleaders #CEOInsights #leadership #glassceiling #learnings #keepwalking #DiageoIndia

The Real Reasons Women are Exiting the Workforce As a senior leader at the intersection of policy, product, and advocacy, I've witnessed a critical trend that demands our attention. I've witnessed, firsthand, a disheartening trend: accomplished women, poised for leadership, choosing to exit the workforce. This exodus isn't due to a lack of ambition or capability but stems from systemic challenges that remain unaddressed. Top 3 Reasons Women are Quitting: 1/ Burnout Epidemic: Balancing high-stakes professional roles with personal responsibilities often leads to chronic stress and exhaustion. Many women find themselves at a breaking point, questioning whether enduring this relentless pressure is sustainable.The absence of adequate support systems exacerbates this fatigue, making the option to step away seem like the only viable solution. 2/ Comfort Zone Trap: Many talented women are paralyzed between known mediocrity and unknown potential. The fear of breaking away from 'comfort' keeps them stagnant. 3/ Stagnation in Career Advancement Despite their dedication and expertise, numerous women encounter barriers that hinder their progression into senior leadership roles. This glass ceiling not only stifles their professional growth but also diminishes their motivation to remain within organizations that fail to recognize and reward their contributions. I recall a conversation with a mentee—a brilliant product manager and mother of two. Despite her exemplary performance, she felt perpetually on the brink of burnout, unseen in her aspirations, and constrained by an inflexible schedule.Her story is not unique but echoes the experiences of many. The solution I proposed to her focused on three critical strategies: 1/ Speak to your manager about a flexibility and office timings that allow her to balance professional responsibilities with family needs. Manage your time more effectively and wisely 2/ Create a career progression plan in the current job that identifies opportunities available for exceptional impact and a future promotion, to break the stagnation she found herself in 3/ Contribute to organisation wide initiatives that establish open communication channels and implement policies that support work-life balance, in turn helping others through the same dilemma. This demonstrates commitment to her and her organisations collective success. Women aren't just leaving jobs—they're making powerful statements about workplace culture. It's imperative that we, as leaders and organizations, confront these challenges head-on. Creating structured mentorship opportunities can provide women with guidance, support, and advocacy, helping them navigate career challenges and advance into leadership roles. Mentorship isn't just support—it's survival. Your Turn: >> What trends have you noticed contributing to this issue, and >> How can we collaboratively create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all?

As a manager or aspiring leader, you’ve likely felt the tug-of-war between work and personal life. It’s a challenge that doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s one that demands intentionality and self-awareness. Let me share a bit of my journey and some strategies that have helped me navigate this delicate balance. The Trap of Autopilot There was a time when my work calendar dictated my life. I’d say “yes” to every request, every meeting, and every task without pausing to ask: “Is this the most important thing right now? Can I delegate this? Do I even need to do this at all?” This autopilot mode led to burnout. I realized that balancing work and life isn’t about splitting time equally; it’s about prioritizing what matters most in each season of life. The Power of Alignment One of the most transformative tools I’ve adopted is color-coding my calendar. It’s a simple yet powerful way to visualize how I’m spending my time. Here’s how it works: At a glance, I can see if I’m in alignment with my priorities. Defining Success Success looks different for everyone, but for me, it’s about ease and impact. - In my career: Success isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about creating flow and space. It’s about helping my team have “ah-ha” moments and seeing things from new perspectives. - In my personal life: Success is about creativity, self-care, and meaningful relationships. It’s about traveling and spending time with loved ones without worrying about missing something at work. Morning Rituals for Grounding I’ve learned that how I start my day sets the tone for everything that follows. My morning routine includes: - Journaling: To clear my mind and set intentions. - Meditation: To center myself and cultivate calm. - Movement: Whether it’s yoga, a walk, or a quick workout, moving my body energizes me. These practices help me stay grounded and focused, even on the busiest days. The Art of Brain Dumping I’ll admit, I haven’t found the perfect system for staying organized. It’s a mix of paper, online tools, and memory. But one practice that has been a game-changer is **brain dumping. Every few days, I take 10 minutes to jot down everything on my mind—tasks, ideas, worries, you name it. It’s a way to declutter my thoughts and ensure I’m not forgetting anything important. A Call to Action If you’re feeling overwhelmed or out of alignment, I encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: - What does success look like for me right now? - Am I prioritizing what truly matters? - What’s one small change I can make today to create more balance? Remember, work-life balance isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about making intentional choices and being kind to yourself along the way. What’s one strategy you use to balance work and life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Can success leave you feeling more disconnected than ever? If you've ever found that reaching the top only deepened your sense of isolation, you're not alone. Success without a strong support system or balance can feel hollow and exhausting, making well-being an essential, yet overlooked, part of sustainable leadership. Yesterday, we touched on the support system. Today, we take a look at how your personal well-being helps you connect with others. Prioritizing well-being isn’t just about physical health. It is about nurturing a sense of connection and fulfillment that combats the isolation you feel as a woman in leadership. Investing in your well-being means you are better able to connect with yourself and others, which is key to reducing loneliness. Some of the practices that you can adapt for your well-being include: 💡 Intentional self-care. This is necessary to help you feel less emotional exhaustion and more empathy for yourself and others. 💡 Journaling. Taking time for self-reflection through journaling will help you gain clarity about yourself, and the connections that you truly value and want to nurture. This will ultimately help in reducing isolation and boosting your personal well-being. 💡 Regular exercise/ Whether through walking, home exercise or joining a gym, physical exercise will enhance your moods, reduce your stress, contribute to better sleep, improve your mental clarity and your emotional stability. 💡 Personal growth. Activities that will allow you to continue learning such as webinars, conferences, book clubs, etc, help you stay resilient and emotionally open, making it easier to reach out to peers, seek mentors, and build genuine connections. In turn, these relationships will provide the encouragement and perspective you need to feel less isolated at the top. 💡 Join or build your own support network. Leaders who belong to supportive networks report higher well-being and less burn-out, and often feel empowered to take risks, share insights, and support one another’s success. 💡 Regularly reassess your priorities. Remember your true north. Ensuring that you are aligned to your values and priorities will help you feel fulfilled both professionally and personally. You will also be able to make changes that ensure your professional life aligns with their personal values in order to create more balanced and satisfying lives. While loneliness in leadership is real, well-being practices and intentional relationships can help break through the isolation. True success isn’t about sacrificing well-being or relationships but finding a balance that empowers them to lead authentically, connected both to their teams and to themselves. This foundation is necessary for a thriving leadership tenure. Which of the above do you need to take up? Share in the comments. #leaders #africa #professionalwomen #personaldevelopment #leadership

If being a CEO and mom has taught me anything, it's this: the cape of supermom is an illusion – and honestly, total B.S. Yes, I run a successful company. And yes, I’ve had mornings where my outfit has suspiciously matched my youngest’s breakfast and my most crucial negotiation was helping a 9-year-old navigate her way out of a meltdown. 🤦♀️ Like most moms, I chased the ghost of perfection in both worlds for a long time, trying to make everyone happy. Trying to be flawless. But the truth is, you have to pick which one to prioritize at any given moment, because you can’t always do both. That would be like trying to climb Mt. Everest in flip-flops – you won’t make it, and you’ll hate yourself for the choice. 🧗🏻 So I let go. I started to embrace the juggling act, to accept the messiness instead of pretending it doesn’t exist. Sometimes, my business wins take center stage, and at others, my family needs me more. And that's okay. We tend to see business leaders in one light and mothers in another, but the reality is that often they are often one and the same – and the overlap gets messy. If you’re experiencing this, it doesn't make you a failure; it makes you real. 💪 It also helps to have an amazing partner who rolls up his sleeves and gets his hands dirty with you, keeping you laughing all the while 😘 Mathew Cybul The truly freeing moment for me was when I realized that my girls don’t need a supermom. They just need ME – my time, my unconditional love, my presence (yes, even when I have to take that meeting). Why? Because it’s teaching them grit, independence, and what it means to make it in business as a woman. And on the flip side, my team doesn’t need a leader who pretends to have it all together all the time. 🫠 Authenticity, understanding, and the flexibility we champion as a company means a whole lot more to them. It’s the glue that holds us together so tight that nothing can tear us apart. And guess what? They want a workplace culture that supports working moms. How can we have that if I don’t support myself? 🤔 So please, no more capes. Instead, let’s teach our families and our teams that hard work pays off, that setbacks happen, and that bouncing back from them makes us beautiful. 💖 After all, isn’t that what life – and business – are all about? 😊 #CEOmom #WomensMonth #realtalk

This may be controversial, but here's what I believe the girl boss-movement got wrong: • Overemphasis on hustle culture: The girl boss movement often glorified working long hours and sacrificing personal life for career success. This led to burnout and neglected self-care. • Lack of work-life balance: Many women, including myself, felt pressured to "have it all" and excel in our personal and professional lives simultaneously, which can be unrealistic and unsustainable. • Promoting individualism over collaboration: The focus on individual success sometimes overshadowed the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and supporting other women in the workplace. • Failure to address systemic issues: While the girl boss movement encouraged women to break glass ceilings, it often failed to tackle the underlying systemic barriers and inequalities women face in the workplace. As a woman, it's essential that I create a healthy work-life balance. In this new era, I am embracing a more holistic approach to success: • Prioritizing self-care and mental well-being: I recognize that caring for myself is crucial for long-term success and happiness. • Embracing flexibility: With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, I can now create a work environment that allows me to thrive personally and professionally. • Fostering collaboration and support: I understand the power of lifting other women and creating a network of support in the workplace. • Advocating for systemic change: I am actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that hold women back and create a more equitable workplace for all. In this new era, flow looks like finding harmony between my personal and professional life, setting boundaries, and redefining success on my own terms. It's about creating a sustainable and fulfilling career path that aligns with my values and allows me to show up as my best self. What are your thoughts on the girl boss movement and the shifts you're seeing in the workplace? Comment below

"Don't get married otherwise your career will be ruined." This was advised to me by many of my friends & acquittances 11 years ago, when I was about to start next phase of life. Today, they are willing to join my company. As a professional and a mother, I have experienced a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. My journey in the corporate world has been a balancing act, where every step forward has been accompanied by a juggling act of responsibilities. 🎢 🔹 The Balancing Act: Balancing the demands of a career and the joys of motherhood is no small feat. There have been days when I had to be present in important meetings while worrying about a sick child at home. Striking the right balance between work commitments and family needs has been an ongoing challenge. But it has taught me resilience and adaptability. 💪 🔹 Societal Expectations: Society often imposes unrealistic expectations on working mothers, making them feel guilty for pursuing their careers. It's crucial to challenge these stereotypes and celebrate the strength and determination of working mothers. I have learned to focus on my achievements and skills, rather than conforming to societal norms. 🌟 🔹 Facing Biases: Unfortunately, gender bias still exists in the workplace. As a working mother, I have encountered subtle prejudices that questioned my dedication and commitment. I combat these biases by proving my capabilities through hard work and determination, breaking down barriers for future generations. 🚧 🔹 Childcare Struggles: Finding reliable and suitable childcare options has been an ongoing struggle. Entrusting the care of my children to others was initially tough, but it allowed me to focus on my career knowing my children were in good hands. Building a support network of trusted caregivers and family members has been invaluable. 👶 🔹 Time Management: Managing time efficiently has been a critical skill to master. Between deadlines at work and ensuring quality time with my family, I've had to learn to prioritize effectively and delegate tasks when needed. Time management has helped me maintain productivity while also being present for my loved ones. ⏰ 🔹 Career Advancement: Advancing in my career has been an upward battle. The fear of being overlooked due to motherhood can be daunting. However, I've learned to advocate for myself, seek mentorship, and seize opportunities to showcase my capabilities, proving that motherhood is not a hindrance but a source of strength. 📈 Embracing the challenges as a working mother has enriched both my professional and personal life. Every obstacle has presented an opportunity for growth and learning. I am proud of the journey I have undertaken, and I hope my story inspires other working mothers to pursue their dreams without hesitation. Together, we can redefine success and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone. 🌈💼 #WorkingMother #CareerAndFamily #DiversityAndInclusion #SuccessStory

As a Black woman in leadership, there were times when the only thing I did was work, work work! Sometimes I would miss events that were very important to me. But because of the position I held, I felt I had to prioritize my career and work over things in my personal life. As I reflect on those decisions, I know now that they were poor leadership decisions. Leadership is not only about your work, and what you do on a daily basis. Leadership is also about prioritizing yourself, your self-care and your relationships. Jobs will be here today and gone tomorrow. You, your health, your family and those things that matter should always take priority over work. Well-rounded leadership is not only about how you lead others but also, how you lead yourself.

Is work-life balance a myth? 🤔 Recently I had a family emergency, and I had to let work take a backseat for a few days. It got me thinking about Work-Life balance. I've been an entrepreneur for over a decade and a mom for almost as long. The juggling act between work, parenting, and personal life is a real challenge as many of us would know. But some things have helped me a lot… 1️⃣ My amazing support system—my parents, kids and husband. They have supported me through the high’s and low’s. They’ve been backing me since the start and their help is invaluable in allowing me to be both a business leader and a present mom. 2️⃣ Boundaries are crucial. When I walk through my front door, the entrepreneur hat comes off and the mom hat goes on. My daughter and husband get my full attention. This dedicated family time is not just for them; it's a reset for me too. 3️⃣ Hobbies are your friend. I’ve taken up yoga and fitness. It's more than a physical workout; it's my mental reset button. It’s also a form of self-care. Striking work-life balance is tough but absolutely achievable. Prioritise what’s essential in that moment—family, self-care, or business—and you can excel at each one of them. What do you think about Work-Life balance? #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance