59: The Ops Exec's Guide to Maternity Leave Success

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/59.

You've poured your heart and soul into leading operations. And things are humming along smoothly thanks to your expertise and dedication.

So, when you’re expecting a little one, stepping away for maternity leave can of course be daunting. When someone is about to go on mat leave, they often wonder, "How will it impact my career and my reputation? How am I gonna manage it all? Am I gonna lose the professional edge that I've worked so hard to build?" 

Your life will certainly change and expand as you learn to balance caring for your baby with your career. This transition is the perfect time to reassess what success means to you now.

In this episode I’ll talk about how to feel confident heading into mat leave so you can keep your professional mojo while embracing your new role as a mom. 

Transcript

You've poured your heart and soul into leading operations. And things are humming along smoothly thanks to your expertise and dedication.

So, when you’re expecting a little one, stepping away for maternity leave can of course be daunting. When someone is about to go on mat leave, they often wonder, "How will it impact my career and my reputation? How am I gonna manage it all? Am I gonna lose the professional edge that I've worked so hard to build?"

Your life will certainly change and expand as you learn to balance caring for your baby with your career. This transition is the perfect time to reassess what success means to you now. 

In this episode I’ll talk about how to feel confident heading into mat leave so you can keep your professional mojo while embracing your new role as a mom. Find the full transcript and more resources for operations executives at yourfuturerealized.com/59.

Hello, Future Supermoms of Operations,

Navigating the Emotional Terrain

As you prepare for this exciting new time in your life, it's totally normal to feel a range of emotions, many of them really great! But others are a little more difficult to handle, like:

• Fear of missing out 
• Anxiety about other people stepping in to steer your ship
• Guilt over your divided focus
• Uncertainty and self-doubt

It’s also not unusual to have lots of big questions. Questions like: 

How will this mat leave affect…

• my identity and reputation?
• the respect of my peers?
• my promotion prospects?
• my career ambitions?

I certainly don’t know the answers, but I do know that the only way out of this emotional jungle is through it. That means taking time away from the day-to-day to plan and ask yourself questions like these:

Reflecting on the Transition

What core strengths have propelled me forward, and can support me now?  Reflect on the qualities that have driven your past successes, like your ability to smooth out processes, build strong relationships, make data-driven decisions, handle complex challenges, and engage in strategic planning. These strengths are more important now than ever.

How have I adapted to change before, and what can I apply now? Look back on past experiences of change and growth. What strategies helped you then? These can guide you in this adjustment time too.

How can I redefine success to blend parenthood and career? Remember, your definition of success isn’t set in stone. It evolves and can encompass both personal and career goals.

What support systems can I establish to ensure a smooth return? Identify your network of support. Establish strong connections with any family, friends, and mentors who can help make this all easier.

Redefining Success & Creating the Path Ahead

Now is a great time to reassess your boundaries. As you take on this dual role, setting clear boundaries will help you manage expectations and make sure neither aspect of your life is neglected.

Also, consider really focusing on understanding your emotions and those of your team. By doing so, you can create a more supportive environment for everyone involved. 

It's okay to feel vulnerable, it's a natural part of growth and change. Many leaders have successfully navigated this path. You can too.

I’ll leave you with this homework: Reach out to somebody you trust who’s been through the mat leave experience themselves. Have a candid conversation and ask them about their experiences and insights, and then just listen. A few simple tips could make a world of difference.

And if you’re looking for more on how to step into your maternity leave with confidence, check out episode 41, 6 Maternity Leave Best Practices for Operations Execs. You’ll find it at yourfuturerealized.com/41.

You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.