Mothers Reinvented: Redefining Success and Confidence in Motherhood & Careers with Jennifer Santos, founder Mothers Reinvented

Jennifer Santos is a Mum of three and an entrepreneur. She decided to set up Mothers Reinvented when she took some time out after having her children.

“I knew that the work I was doing as a strategy consultant, no longer fit with my new values as a mother, as a person, as a woman”

This is such an important episode for those juggling and struggling with Motherhood and their Corporate Careers. Those who are questioning themselves and looking for answers.

Jennifer took one year off maternity leave and loved it at first and like many of us in her position started to crave her own identity. She was happy to return to work and establish herself again however she felt overwhelmed and, in some situations, unsupported. Jennifer was always running from one place to another, getting those on you’re on a half day looks when she got up from her desk at 5pm to collect her child from creche.

“You do not need your bum on a seat on your office to do your job”

Jennifer decided to take a break and discover what she wanted to do, this resulted in her establishing Mother’s Reinvented. This is where Jennifer offers help, advice and support to Mother’s returning to the workplace after a break or those deciding to change career completely.

Jennifer’s three key tips are:

1. Planning – Plan as much as you can before you return to the workplace. Do dry runs of the drop offs, are you giving yourself enough time?
2. Ask for Help – Simple as for help outside of the workplace. What help can your partner offer, your friends, your family, your children?
3. Ask for training – most women feel vulnerable when they return to the workplace. Don’t get snowballed. Ask to shadow someone. If a new piece of equipment or program has been introduced while you were away ask for training.

 

 

One of the biggest things Jennifer will work on with you is your confidence and reminding you that you have every right to be there, the knowledge that you have and reducing that ever present imposter syndrome. And if you decide that it’s not for you, then why stay? It’s back to planning and deciding what is for right for you and your situation. What is right, maybe a career move, a break or starting a new venture? Jennifer encourages you to explore every avenue.

 

“What’s your biggest fear? That you do nothing, that you fail, or you take action.”

 

Nothing will happen if you don’t act. I hope you enjoy this Corporate to Calm podcast conversation as much as I did.