Growing up in the vibrant 1980s, my siblings and I had a mother who shattered stereotypes long before discussions of diversity in the tech sector became mainstream. Our mom, a self-taught project manager in engineering, climbed the corporate ladder at prestigious companies like Google, Adidas, and Amazon. Even today, her expertise in program and project management is highly sought after by numerous Fortune 500 companies.
While her career achievements are impressive, back then, such a path was almost unheard of for women. It wasn’t until later in life that we realized how unique her journey truly was, much like how children of celebrities come to understand their parents’ fame. Whenever we share anecdotes about our mother with friends or partners, their astonished reactions highlight just how extraordinary she was.
Though she may not be a household name, her approach to balancing work and motherhood has left a lasting impression on us. Here are a few key lessons we’ve learned from her exemplary life:
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“You only have one mother, and that’s me.”
This was one of her favorite sayings, though we didn’t always appreciate it. Often, it was her response to our complaints about not getting our way. Ultimately, her message was clear: “I can’t fulfill every expectation, but I am enough as I am.” As mothers ourselves now, we recognize that these words give us permission to live authentically. We may not be able to do it all, but what we offer is more than sufficient – both at home and in our careers. -
It’s perfectly fine to be passionate about your career.
Our mother’s drive for her work was evident from an early age. Despite having faced significant challenges in her own upbringing and later navigating single motherhood after our parents’ divorce, her ambition was palpable. Celebrating promotions and achievements, she would come home beaming, often treating us to celebratory dinners. Late nights spent analyzing reports were a common scene in our household. Stress was part of her work life, but her enthusiasm was contagious, proving that being a dedicated mom and a career woman could coexist harmoniously. -
Embrace resilience.
Alongside “I love you,” her most frequently uttered phrase was “be tough.” This mantra served as our shield against life’s hurdles. Whether it was supporting us through sports injuries, offering encouragement during challenging piano lessons, or comforting us through homesickness, her words were a guiding light. Even during difficult times, like when my sister’s child was diagnosed with a rare condition, her unwavering strength reminded us that we could endure anything. Knowing she had instilled resilience in us has been one of our greatest assets. -
Being a mom is your top priority.
You might think of our mother as a fierce guardian, and at times, she certainly was. However, beneath her tough exterior lies a deep commitment to her role as a mother. She often stated that her greatest joy was being our mom. During a brief hiatus from work when we were young, she proudly announced, “My job is raising humans.” Now, as a devoted working grandmother to seven grandchildren, she continues to embrace that role.
Today, as working mothers ourselves, we share our career triumphs with our children and spouses, fostering a culture of mutual pride within our families. We are grateful to be the mothers of four wonderful kids, including two remarkable daughters. We hope that in the future, they will reflect on their own journeys with the same gratitude that inspires us to write this piece: our working mother ignited our desire to pursue our careers, and her strength, courage, and unique magic have shaped who we are today. Thank you, Mom.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the valuable lessons learned from a working mother who broke barriers in the tech industry. From the importance of authenticity and passion for work to the emphasis on resilience and motherhood, the insights shared highlight how her journey has shaped the authors’ lives as working moms today.