Mums in Tech ft. Antonia Walt
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Antonia Walt, Chief of Client Experience at AND Digital.
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?
Hello! I’m Antonia - proud Mum of 2, fun-time Auntie of 7, and fairy Godmother of 6!
I've spent 15 years immersed in the fast-paced world of tech agencies, driving growth and scaling teams as organisations rapidly embrace the value tech can drive.
For the last eight of those years, I've been at AND, where I've had the privilege of shaping client success by growing and leading teams of brilliant ANDis.
And now, as Chief of Client Experience, I'm leading the charge to redefine our offerings and approaches, ensuring we're delivering exceptional experiences and outcomes for our clients in a rapidly changing market.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Mrs George from Mean Girls sums it up best; “I'm not like a ‘regula’r mom, I'm a ‘cool mom’. Working in tech is a real badge of honour for me.
“Ruthless organisation, prioritisation, and clear communication at home and work are critical for navigating weekly challenges, and keeping things fun!”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
Finding balance is a constant juggle - no week is ever the same! Ruthless organisation, prioritisation, and clear communication at home and work are critical for navigating weekly challenges, and keeping things fun!
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
Keeping up with reading and exploring the latest tech advancements at the pace and depth needed, without it taking over every spare moment I have.
“Motherhood has given me the confidence and ability to put challenges into perspective and take things in my stride.”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Motherhood has given me the confidence and ability to put challenges into perspective and take things in my stride; Knowing you can make it through that “big day” despite a sleepless night or terrible start to the morning leaves me knowing I’ve always got more to give. I can act with resilience and hold the firm belief that you can overcome any challenge you need.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Knowing no return to work looks the same. For my eldest, I returned on first day of lockdown - starting a new role, growing a new team and quickly getting used to new ways of working! But I was raring to go and took it all in my stride. Second-time around, I thought I was much more prepared for what it would feel like, plus I had a much easier child! I assumed I was equally raring to go but the reality of going back was incredibly discombobulating. It took me nearly 4 months for my brain to reorientate and help me to focus at work.
“Coach managers on how to support returning mothers and create a safe environment for them to share what it’s like to be back at work. It’s important to normalise the potential challenges they might need to overcome.”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Coach managers on how to support returning mothers and create a safe environment for them to share what it’s like to be back at work. It’s important to normalise the potential challenges they might need to overcome, giving them an acceptable timeframe to get back up to speed, and equally not to assume this will always be necessary either!
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
We know from research that we’ve conducted at AND that a role in tech empowers women to gain freedom, satisfaction and financial stability in their careers. When the going gets tough - keep this in mind! As well as the opportunity to act as a role model to inspire more women and girls in to tech roles in the future.
MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community & Event Series, driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry.
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