International Women’s Day

Can you share a bit about your career journey and how motherhood has had an influence?
My career began in the travel industry before I transitioned into financial services, but at my core, I’ve always been resilient and deeply passionate about empowering others to excel. With a highly competitive and ambitious nature, I naturally gravitated toward people management, where I’ve spent over 20 years championing individuals and teams to be their best, encouraging them to reach for their goals and play to their strengths.

Motherhood has undoubtedly played a role in shaping my leadership style. As a single mother to two children (now 18 and 13), I am solely responsible for providing for my family, and that has fuelled my drive for success. Balancing both worlds has reinforced my ability to recognise strengths in individuals and guide them in the right direction—though sometimes I wonder, did my approach to leadership influence my parenting, or was it the other way around? Either way, both have shaped me into a leader who is not only results-driven but also deeply invested in the growth and success of those around me.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
‍A desire to make things better has always been my driving force whether it’s improving processes, creating opportunities for growth, or championing my teams. That passion for continuous development and setting an example is what has inspired me to keep growing in my career. I take pride in making a tangible difference in people’s careers, helping them recognise their strengths, and supporting their success. At the same time, as a single parent, my motivation is also deeply personal providing for my family while doing work that I love keeps me driven every day.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a working mother, and how have you overcome them?
‍One of the biggest challenges as a working mother is finding the right balance—pursuing my ambitions while still making time for my family. It’s not impossible, but it’s certainly not easy. There have been times in my career when I’ve felt like I wasn’t fully on top of everything, where either work or family life wasn’t getting the best of me. That inner mind-talk can be a real bully, especially in today’s world of social media. Anyone who was a parent during COVID will remember the impossible standards—people seemingly juggling full-time jobs, homeschooling, daily Joe Wicks workouts, and baking fresh sourdough, all while making it look effortless.

Throughout my career, I haven’t always had sympathetic managers, which only added to that self-doubt. The reality is, kids get sick—often at the most inconvenient times—and before remote working became widely accepted, that meant forced time off, sometimes with the same workload and expectations, just with far less sleep and energy.

What has helped me overcome these challenges is realising that I need to take care of myself first. As a mother, it’s natural to put everyone else’s needs before your own, but I’ve learned that when I’m not at my best, everything else starts to unravel. Prioritising my well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential, because so much relies on me.

What advice would you give to other working parents who are juggling career and family?
‍My biggest piece of advice to working parents is to be kind to yourself. The juggle between career and family is constant, and there will be times when you feel like you’re not giving 100% to either—but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Let go of the idea that balance means everything being perfectly equal all the time. Some days, work will need more of you; other days, your family will. That’s okay.

Prioritise what truly matters and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Work will always be there, but your time with your children is something you won’t get back. At the same time, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of everyone else. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and the more you invest in your own well-being, the better you’ll show up for both your family and your career.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s from your support network or your workplace. The right employer will recognise the value you bring, not just the hours you log. Flexibility is no longer a privilege; it’s a necessity for working parents to thrive, and advocating for that is not a weakness, it’s a strength.

What’s one common misconception about working mothers that you'd like to challenge?
‍One common misconception about working mothers is that they are less committed to their jobs. Some people assume that because they have family responsibilities, they won’t be as dedicated or ambitious in their careers. Working mothers are often incredibly efficient, organised, and driven—balancing work and home life requires strong time management and problem-solving skills. Many also feel a deep sense of responsibility to succeed professionally, both for their own fulfilment and to set an example for their children. This last point particularly resonates with me.

Can you share a bit about your career journey and how motherhood has had an influence?
I've always been ambitious and knew early on that I wanted to be an HR leader. At Experian, I was inspired by incredible leaders and transitioned from recruitment to HR while pregnant with my eldest, Freya. I wasn’t willing to put my ambitions on hold.

During maternity leave, I tackled an HR qualification to stay mentally engaged—one of the hardest things I’ve done. Juggling new motherhood, sleepless nights, and late-night studying led to tears (mine included). In hindsight, I was struggling with postnatal depression, but I just kept pushing forward.

Motherhood made me reflect and appreciate what I have. I’m lucky to have a true partner in my husband—we split parenting 50:50, allowing me to grow my career while being present for our kids.

Being a working mum has tested my resilience, broadened my perspective, and shaped me in ways I never expected. My children are my greatest strength, fueling my ambition—especially as a mother to daughters. I want to show them they can pursue their dreams without choosing between career and family.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
‍What inspired me to pursue my career path was a combination of great leadership, unique opportunities, and a deep personal drive to succeed. During my time at Experian and Blenheim Chalcot, I was fortunate to have leaders who believed in me and provided opportunities that pushed me to grow. Their support and trust played a huge role in shaping my ambition and confidence.

On a more personal level, my dad has been a major influence. When I was a teenager, he told me and my two older sisters, "I would really like one successful daughter!" As a fiercely competitive person—and a total daddy’s girl—that challenge stuck with me. I’ve carried it with me throughout my career, always striving to push myself further, not just to prove what I’m capable of, but also to make him proud.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a working mother, and how have you overcome them?
‍Having twins? A next-level challenge—because life decided one baby wasn’t enough! Juggling work and two tiny bosses with opposing demands has been a wild ride. Sleep? A distant memory. But I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, find humour in the madness, and celebrate the small wins—some days, just keeping everyone alive and fed feels like victory.

I once removed my wedding ring before a job interview, fearing it would invite bias about future maternity leave. I got the job—not for what I hid, but for who I am. Looking back, if my fears were valid, it was never the right place for me. That experience taught me: never let fear of others’ biases dictate your path. Stand tall, stay true, and let your work speak for itself.

Returning from maternity leave with my eldest meant adjusting to a new 8am–4pm working pattern for nursery pickups. Colleagues’ comments—“leaving early again?”—stung. I felt guilty, as if ambition and parenthood couldn’t coexist. But I realized success isn’t about hours at a desk—it’s about impact. Setting boundaries, focusing on results, and rejecting presenteeism became my new norm.

Challenges—workplace biases, societal pressures, personal struggles—shape us, but they don’t define us. These experiences have deepened my perspective on resilience, balance, and the need to support women in the workplace.

What advice would you give to other working parents who are juggling career and family?
‍My biggest piece of advice to working parents juggling career and family is to be kind to yourself. The pressure to "do it all" can be overwhelming, but no one has it perfectly balanced all the time. Parenting guilt is real, and rather than fighting it, accept it—but don’t let it consume you. Parenting is a journey of trial and error, and we don’t always get it right. As I often tell my girls, “This is my first time being a parent too, so I’m figuring it out as I go—I’ll make mistakes along the way but I am trying.”

Follow your dreams and pursue the career you want, but when you're with your children, be fully present. It’s easy to get caught up in work distractions, but taking the time to sit with them, play games with them, laugh with them, listen to them, and be in the moment makes all the difference. Make moments count! It’s not the things they remember—it’s the memories you create together.

As my kids get older, it’s important to have a passion outside of work and parenting. For me, that passion is tennis. As many of you know, I’m a mad keen tennis player, and it brings me so much joy. There’s truly nothing more rewarding than having your children cheer you on during finals day! Even though we didn’t win, it was a perfect reminder of the importance of modeling real life—showing my kids that it's not just about the outcome, but about enjoying the journey and giving your best effort. It’s a great way to demonstrate perseverance, fun, and the balance of having personal goals alongside family life.

Finally, find your wing person—whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member—who will share the load with you. Having someone who supports you and truly shares the responsibilities can make all the difference in navigating both work and parenthood successfully.

What’s one common misconception about working mothers that you'd like to challenge?
‍A common misconception about working mothers is that they are less ambitious. Personally, I think you are either ambitious or you’re not—this doesn’t necessarily change as a working mum. Your priorities may differ, especially when children are young. However, I challenge that for me, having daughters actually makes me more ambitious because I am a role model for them. In my experience, working mums are often even more hardworking, as long as a company provides the necessary flexibility to allow them to thrive both as successful professionals and as engaged parents.

Can you share a bit about your career journey and how motherhood has had an influence?
I never set out to work in fintech, but here we are. My career started in the television industry, then moved into branding, and eventually into marketing for tech startups. I landed in New York as a new mom and an immigrant, balancing a two-year-old, no family nearby, and a demanding role as the first marketer for an Australian insurtech startup.

During my interview, a senior leader (also a mom) asked, "Do you have kids?"—which initially shocked me. But then she said, "I don’t care how old they are. You can do this. Work is flexible. It’s about results." That conversation stuck with me. I took the job, made it work, and realized that success isn’t about logging hours at a desk—it’s about impact.

Now, my daughter, Yael, sees a mom who loves what she does, who is engaged, challenged, and excited about her work. And if that inspires her to chase her own ambitions—whether in insurance, tech, or taking center stage on Broadway (which is actually what she plans to do)—then that’s a win..

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
‍I’ve always been fascinated by what captures people’s attention—whether it’s a TV show, a strong brand, or a compelling B2B campaign. My career started in television in Israel, where I worked in content and production, then I moved into branding and marketing strategy. I was helping companies define their voice, mission, and presence in the world—exactly what I do today, just in a different format.

When I moved to New York for my second master’s degree, I was convinced I’d land at Netflix. Well… Netflix was not convinced. So, I pivoted into tech, where marketing is fast-moving, data-driven, and still deeply creative. That combination keeps me engaged, and our industry—niche as it may be—is full of opportunities to build something meaningful. That’s what excites me about my role at Vitesse today: we have a great story to tell, and I love shaping how we tell it and seeing the real impact of that work.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a working mother, and how have you overcome them?
‍Let’s start with the obvious: school schedules and work schedules never match. There’s always a day when you need to be in a meeting, but there’s no school, no childcare, and no backup plan. And that’s just one example—there will always be a pull between work and life, whether you’re a parent, have a dog that gets sick, or are supporting elderly parents.

For me, as the saying goes, it takes a village. I’ve relied on friends for playdate swaps, brought my daughter to work when needed (she loves an office snack bar), and built a network that makes the impossible days manageable. (P.S. She probably also has too much screen time, but we’re surviving.) But beyond logistics, I also make a point of sharing my work with my daughter. I tell her about my wins, my travels, my projects—because I want her to see that work isn’t just an obligation. For me, it has always been an opportunity for growth, impact, and fulfillment.

When I started at Vitesse, my daughter had only one burning question: "Do you have good snacks at the office?" 🙂 Priorities.

What advice would you give to other working parents who are juggling career and family?
‍Keep going! Statistics show that most working moms stay in their careers after their first child, but many drop out after the second. And while everyone’s path is different, I firmly believe that financial independence is everything. And so, my one piece of advice: never stop working. Even if you need to slow down, shift gears, or take a different kind of role—keep your foot in the door. Financial stability gives you freedom. It allows you to make choices from a place of confidence, not necessity.

And as for balancing it all - You figure it out. You ask for help. You build a network. It’s hard, yes—but so is everything else in life that’s worth doing.

What’s one common misconception about working mothers that you'd like to challenge?
‍That we’re somehow less dedicated. Every working mom I’ve had on my team has been an absolute powerhouse—hyper-efficient, focused, no time for fluff. They get things done.

The real challenge, in my opinion, is making sure women know their worth. Too often, I see women—especially mothers—waiting to be recognized instead of advocating for themselves. But here’s the thing: you don’t just ask for the raise or expect the promotion—you make the case for it. Do the work, show the impact, bring the data. And then ask—because no one is going to hand it to you.

And if you ever doubt your negotiating skills, just remember—no one is better at pushing back than a sleep-deprived parent.

Can you share a bit about your career journey and how motherhood has had an influence?
I was in the height of my youth, living the London life. In just two years, I had gone from an entry-level sales role to heading a sales team of over 30 people. Then, on a whim, I decided to throw all caution to the wind and move abroad to settle down with my boyfriend at the time.

I was 23 at the time. How I roll my eyes when I remember that version of me. I wanted to progress in my career but was also really tempted to try a different lifestyle and just see where it took me. My mindset back then was that I could do anything, anywhere. I could make it anywhere and handle any situation. I’ve always felt empowered in that way—perhaps something my own mother instilled in me.

When I fell pregnant with Memmy, I was 24. It had been a year since the big move from London to Cyprus, leaving behind the corporate world. I had to adapt, applying my skill set in a slightly very different kind of corporate environment that was more focussed on communication and planning rather than sales.

Then Memmy was born. I switched to part-time. The general feeling I got was that people took me less seriously at this point—I  felt as though some how I was seen less as a strategic-thinking asset to their business. A painful realisation. The business world doesn’t always make space for human nature.

Parenting was now my most important role, and I loved every minute of it. But I sometimes felt resentful that the business world now viewed me with a different lense, when in reality, I was capable of succeeding in every aspect of my professional and personal life.

After a painful breakup, I found my Mediterranean dream crumbling around me. I made a comeback to my old life—this time as a single parent—hoping to build on where I had left off. It was much harder coming back into corporate life with a child who was now my priority. I was a single mum reinventing herself.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
‍I spent a lot of time on my knees playing with my toddler, who had a fascination with cars and building cities. Those early childhood years were precious, and yet, they were also the toughest years of my life. I fought to juggle parenting with various sales roles and business strategy, but it often felt like there were invisible corporate and social barriers making my life a hundred times harder. Determination eventually paid off. I was able to transition my sales leadership skills into sales enablement.

The first time I heard the buzzword Sales Enablement—about six years ago—I looked into it, thinking, Wait… what is that? As I read on, I realised I had been doing sales enablement since the start of my sales career a decade before. I had always had a nurturing personality, which complemented my natural tendency to observe and adjust situations. I was always thinking about how I could support new people, creating safe places to learn, asking the questions no one else would, questioning processes, building communication strategies, and advising senior executives and directors.Sales Enablement was definitely a fitting word for me.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a working mother, and how have you overcome them?
‍For me, the COVID years were the worst. Working from home 100% while trying to have an impact on a field-based sales organisation, adapting processes to keep the business afloat, and attempting to educate my son via Google Classroom (which was completely pointless) was just… too much. Not being able to interact with my extended family for support made it even harder.

We only overcame it because it ended. We survived because we had to—like everyone else.

What advice would you give to other working parents who are juggling career and family?
‍Never compromise on family.

Family always comes first—above corporate suits who don’t care. Never settle for a company that makes you feel like parenting is a weakness or a risk to their business. Staying driven in your career sets a great example for your kids— I believe it's the best investment you make for them.

And most importantly—switch off when your working hours are over. Don’t lose sight of your family and the time you could be spending together. No one thinks about work on their deathbed. I'm still learning.

What’s one common misconception about working mothers that you'd like to challenge?
‍Coming back into the corporate world, I often felt awkward in interviews when asked about my family life. If I had kids. How many. There was always some stigma or preconceptions attached—She’s a single mum… Will she need loads of time off for sick kids? Will school runs get in the way of work?

Would those questions have been asked if I were a man? Doubtful.

In my view, being a single parent while staying career-driven is actually a strength.

Single mums, in my experience, are versatile, sharp, intuitive, and more than anything—driven to succeed for the opportunities it provides their kids.  I was determined to overcome this perception and only applied for roles with progressive companies—ones where I felt my skills would be valued and where my parenting situation would be seen as an indication of strength rather than weakness.

And I well and truly found that with Vitesse.

When I interviewed, no one asked me if I had kids or how I would manage. They judged me based on my experience and attitude. I was seen as a human—not a “human-creating machine.” I’ve never felt judged for being a parent here. I have a great manager who understands, who values my contributions beyond just work, and who has created a space where I feel like a partner, not a subordinate. We have a team that works together to make things happen, and that feels good.

Another thing that’s often overlooked? It’s not just hard for women.

I only truly understood this when I met my match—my new partner—who had been through a very similar situation as a single dad. He, too, faced the same challenges and stigma that I had. Thanks to his parenting journey, we now have a beautifully blended family with two new additions—Gaia (19) and Chris (11). Together with Memmy (12), we have three kids! Life is definitely busier, but fuller, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.