Introducing…
Name: Gabriela Gonzalez
Company and position: Director, Government Affairs at TELUS
Age of kids: 1 year & 6 years
Q: At The Debut Co, we acknowledge the importance of the Motherhood Identity Shift. What has this evolution looked like for you?
A: I had my second child less than a year ago so I feel like I’m going through Motherhood Identity Shift 2.0. Oftentimes, when you’re in the thick of motherhood and working, it’s hard to see how you’re evolving.
One thing I’ve learned is that with two kids it’s impossible to maintain the same standards that you had before kids. I’ve realized I don’t have to lower my standards, but shift to a mentality that ‘done is better than perfect’. Motherhood has helped me let go of my perfectionist tendencies. Right now, I’m making the most impact I can with the time I have. Knowing that this is a season, albeit a challenging one, helps me prioritize and stay focused.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a working mother and how have you overcome them?
A: There is a lot of juggling of various responsibilities – I’m a planner by nature and if something is not in the calendar, then it’s not happening.
I’m lucky to have incredible flexibility at work and an incredible employer. This strong foundation has set me up for success and I feel like this makes things more manageable.
Q: What’s practical advice can you share with other working moms to avoid burnout, and to balance work and home life?
A: I’ve had to accept that this phase of life (raising young kids + climbing the corporate ladder + being on nonprofit boards) is HARD. I’m trying to give myself permission to slow down when my schedule allows me so I can avoid burning out.
My weekends used to be jammed packed with activities but now that I’m back at work, I’m looking forward to slower weekends when we are not rushing from one thing to the next. Being able to slow down, catch my breath and let the kids have free play. Trying to live by the wise words of “Grace, not perfection”.
Outsource and simplify: whenever possible, hire help (ex. cleaners, order grocery delivery, meal kits). I recognize I am in a privileged position to be able to pay for external help and not everyone has the same access.
Laugh a lot. Be light hearted and try to roll with the punches!
Testimonial
“The Debut Co. program provided the support I needed during the transformational period of being on parental leave and preparing to return to work. It helped me soften some of my perfectionist traits, while empowering me to feel like the leader that I am at work.
The program also helped me confidently navigate discussions at work when I was offered a promotion while on parental leave.
I’m glad I took part in the program and highly recommend it to other career-driven moms. Erin and Saphina are excellent coaches and I loved working with them.”