Mums in Tech ft. Anita Kalmane-Boot
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Anita Kalmane-Boot, Sr Scrum Master at BauWatch.
The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.
Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?
I’ve been a Scrum Master for around 7 years, working at various companies in the Netherlands. If you have never heard of this title before, think of a team coach – just specialised working in (usually) IT with software developers.
Prior to that I was a UX Copywriter, specialised in website localisation and optimisation for various cultures and countries.
Prior to that, there were a few other careers, so to say…
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Juggling too many balls at once, without any trial and training beforehand!
“As women are a minority in my office, there is nothing to compare me to and my colleagues just need to take my word for certain things!”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
I have no idea! I probably don’t.
No other answer, honestly. My son is now eight months old and I’m still struggling to find a balance, but luckily I’m beyond that period when I needed to call in sick every week as I was too exhausted and didn’t have enough sleep at night. I’m feeling lucky to be able to work from home every now and then, and have a typical Dutch MommyDay as I’m working 4 days a week and spending 1 day with my son at home.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
Figuring out what to drop and what to keep, and how to be able to sleep at night while so many thoughts are running through your head on what needs to be done in the next day.
Nothing special about tech – as I actually find it quite easy being around so many men. It might help that loads of them are parents and can relate to me. Also, as women are a minority in my office, there is nothing to compare me to and my colleagues just need to take my word for certain things!
“Knowing I’m not alone. Knowing who are the other parents with young children I can turn to for an advice, even if they are male”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Patience :)
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Knowing I’m not alone. Knowing who are the other parents with young children I can turn to for an advice, even if they are male (two of my colleagues got children a couple of months before or after me even).
“My son is now eight months old and I’m still struggling to find a balance, but luckily I’m beyond that period when I needed to call in sick every week as I was too exhausted and didn’t have enough sleep at night.”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Personalised approach and 1:1 regular check-ins on how they are doing and what do they need. Also Employee Support Groups run by other mothers / parents.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
We can do it! Just… how?
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