How to embrace entrepreneurship as a parent

May 10, 2024

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At 28, I was married and expecting a baby while also being the founder and CEO of a fast-growing, young technology company. To say my situation raised a few eyebrows (and was met with considerable skepticism) would be an understatement.

Day after day I was told things that just didn't make sense: “You're too young to be a CEO,” “You're too young to have a baby…” and then suddenly, with the twist of A Change, One day the advice you receive changes to “You're too old to start a family,” “You were selfish to wait.” For some reason, we've come to the conclusion that parenting and entrepreneurship don't mix go hand in hand – at least not for women.

I'm certainly not the first (nor will I be the last) to be faced with the choice between pursuing one's greatest career goals and realizing one's ultimate lifelong dream of becoming a mother. So the thing is: two years later I can say: both are possible.

I want to take a step back and fully realize how fortunate I was to have certain resources and support that not everyone does to help me. Only 51% of women take five or more weeks off for maternity leave; Worse, 62% of lower-income women do not take maternity leave. A truly unacceptable result. We have to be better.

Before I sat down to write down my experiences, I spoke to countless parents who shared a wide range of experiences. Ultimately, these were the findings: 1) There was consensus that taking extended time off work would result in disadvantages, 2) They felt that taking time off hurt their chances of getting a promotion, and 3) Some parents, with whom I spoke but couldn't due to financial circumstances it doesn't take long at all.

Because people who feel like they are in a similar situation to me know that you can and will do it, even if it will be difficult. And maybe by using the platform I've been given, the conversation can get louder, and maybe it won't be quite so difficult for those who follow. Maybe we'll even be a little more accommodating.

So let's talk about the realities of pregnancy and entrepreneurship – the aspects that no one likes to talk about.

More times than I can count, I've been told that investors wouldn't support a pregnant CEO, that pregnancy was a deterrent to VC funding, that parenthood was the reason investors feared women-led companies, and that uptake of maternity leave being a sign of pregnancy is a lack of commitment to the company.

The advice was given: don't tell them you're pregnant and don't attend face-to-face meetings. Regardless, we have made progress despite the chaos of impending parenthood and business growth. We began conversations with potential investors when I was about seven months pregnant, and we officially closed our Series A just days after I gave birth. Yes, you read that right – texting investors during labor is not for the faint of heart.

Related: Why women's entrepreneurship is booming

The days and weeks that followed, the difficulties changing diapers, breastfeeding and, as if that wasn't enough, a broken tailbone after giving birth, all while running a business – these are the untold stories that leave women feeling isolated and without to be support. It's time to break down the stigma and normalize conversations about the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood in the workplace.

As for my journey, I didn't take maternity leave until my little girl was around 12 months old – I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to do so. But by then I was already exhausted and didn't have the feeling that I would play one or the other role particularly well. Ultimately, my three-month maternity leave was the best decision for me, my family and my company.

Not everyone will be in the same position as me or will be as lucky as I was to take the deferred vacation that I did, but for those who may have work-life balance issues or challenges, a Here's what I've learned as a new parent.

To anyone who thinks they don't need the break or that their career can't afford the break, I want to make it clear: This perspective needs to change. Not only are you entitled to this time; you need it. It's not just about physical recovery, but also mental and emotional health, bonding with your child, and adjusting to the daunting task of parenthood. This doesn't just apply to birth mothers. Mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, we all need this time. Why?

Your child is the focus. Forget about work for a moment. Bonding with your child is a unique experience that nothing, absolutely nothing, should overshadow.
Parenting is the hardest job in the world. No business challenge compares to the beginnings of parenthood. Taking time helps you adjust to this new phase of life, and I wish I had had more of it before diving back into work.

Related: How to Balance Entrepreneurship and Parenthood Without Losing Your Cool

And a few tips I have for those tackling this journey:

It's okay to put yourself first. One of the best pieces of advice I can give: It’s okay to be “selfish.” This is the only time you can say no, ask for help, and set boundaries—basically, the world should feel like it revolves around you.
Don’t be afraid to communicate openly with your team and your customers. It's easy to be afraid and be honest about what you're going through. My advice: Be open and honest and you will often be surprised by the support you receive.
Plan and delegate. Before you leave, set clear expectations and delegate responsibilities. Strengthen your team so that business can run smoothly even in your absence and minimize stress for everyone involved.

It's time to break the silence around parenting and entrepreneurship. Let us embrace the complexity of our lives, challenge societal norms and pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive future.