Of all my life’s experiences, I can say without question the one that prepared me most for the life of an innovator & entrepreneur was being a mom. Twice.
Stamina. Poise under extreme stress. Adaptability, creativity — and an unmistakable resilience of spirit. These are the traits of the Mother. All in an effort to bring something immensely personal into the world. An idea, a product, a human life. Cradling it, shielding it until it’s ready to venture out and bring light wherever it goes. That feeling of unspeakable pride, watching those first timid steps.
And when paired with a busy career, it’s also a 27 hour workday. So above all — innovation is the name of the game. Because in business, in life, and ESPECIALLY in Motherhood, there are no permanent fixes. You’re in a constant state of RE-innovating. Diets, routines, and sleep cycles will shift at a moment’s notice. What worked beautifully three weeks ago is now suddenly null and void. Not only broken, but unfixable. You have to come up with something new to replace it. It’s one fire alarm after another. Nonstop. For years.
Now, in all fairness it should be also said — the axiom is often true. It does take a village. Resourcefulness is another key skill for the Mother. Even those fortunate enough to have a partner on this road can still be quickly overwhelmed. Delegation and asset management are a constant process, cycling through the Mother’s sleep-deprived mind. And be it fathers, partners, family members, friends — we know how to put the willing (and sometimes not so willing) to work. God bless all of you, by the way. Helping a Mother is a community service.
And if the Mother has more than one child? Then she’s just signed up for a master’s course in conflict resolution, motivational psychology, and emergency field medicine. Swap out that messy playroom for a polished boardroom — it’s the same skills at work. But Mothers bring something extra to the role. A nuanced empathy, forged by those terrifying sleepless nights in the trenches. Cradling your sobbing child and praying for his fever to break.
That’s the kind of human spirit that moves mountains. That’s the kind of leader that builds empires. A battle-hardened resilience combined with a nurturing soul. Bringing new things into the world to make it a better place.
I’d work for her any time.