Mums in Tech ft. Binita Jilka
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Binita Jilka, Head of Go-To-Market Enablement at BT Group.
The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech teams for women.
Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?
I’m Binita Jilka, Head of Go-To-Market Enablement at BT Group, and a working mum to two active boys (9 and 11). I’m ambitious and I love what I do, but family time is non‑negotiable—so I’m constantly navigating the very real juggle between work and home, alongside my equally career‑driven husband. I’m people-first in everything I do — I care deeply about developing talent, building inclusive teams, and leading change in a way that brings people with you.
In my current role, I’m transforming how BT Business takes new propositions to market—combining modern sales methodologies with smarter tools so our teams can sell more effectively. Previously, I set up new centres of excellence for workplace-technology go-to-market and built a professional services team that delivered user adoption and change programmes with measurable outcomes. I thrive on building new functions, shaping compelling value propositions, and leading change journeys that make transformation stick.
Since becoming a mum, I’ve been far more intentional about the leadership roles I say yes to. I choose work I care about, where I can bring real expertise and do it with joy—because the way I lead at work shapes the energy I bring home. I’m also honest about the season I’m in, and the level I can take on without my home life paying the price. Some people might see that as not pushing to my highest potential; I see it as building a career that’s sustainable, meaningful, and true to me. I genuinely believe no one else is walking your path, so there isn’t one “right” way—there’s only your way. Success, for me, is whatever leaves you proud of what you’ve delivered and still present for the people who matter most. And if it ever looks like others have it all figured out, I remind myself: everyone’s a swan—gliding on the surface, flapping underneath.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Being a working mum in tech means living as a mum on a mission — moving fast, staying focused, and treating time as the most precious thing I can protect.
“Being a working mum in tech means living as a mum on a mission — moving fast, staying focused, and treating time as the most precious thing I can protect.”
How do you find a balance between your career and motherhood?
I’d say it comes down to three things:
1. Using technology to stay efficient and mobile
Technology is the foundation of how I make it all work. I rely on tools and apps that save time, reduce friction, and let me work effectively on the go. Without tech, working full-time in a senior role as a mum simply wouldn’t be possible. If there’s a smarter way to work, I’ll adopt it.
2. Ruthless prioritisation, every hour of every day
I plan ahead — the week, the day, even the next hour. I’m constantly prioritising at home and at work, because my number one goal is to get home to my boys and be present for them. That clarity shapes my leadership style: I set direction, simplify ways of working, and empower my team to focus on what delivers the greatest impact.
3. Being fully present in whatever moment I’m in
I move through many roles in a single day—from clearing my inbox before the school run, to leading strategic meetings, mentoring team members, then getting home and truly listening to how the boys’ school day went. That might be followed by standing pitch‑side for after‑school sports, and later logging back on in the evening to catch up on work. I’m not encouraging this exact pattern for everyone, but it works for me. Whatever hat I’m wearing in that moment, I commit to it fully. I’ve learned that presence is a practice, so I use small cues to help me switch: putting my phone onto my Personal profile as I walk in the door, or taking a minute to reset before stepping fully back into home mode. Being present allows me to enjoy each moment as it is—rather than feeling constantly pulled between them.
“Whatever hat I’m wearing in that moment, I commit to it fully. I’ve learned that presence is a practice, so I use small cues to help me switch: putting my phone onto my Personal profile as I walk in the door, or taking a minute to reset before stepping fully back into home mode.”
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
Tech moves fast — expectations are high, priorities shift quickly, and you’re often leading through constant change. At the same time, being a mum means you’re the emotional anchor at home. The biggest challenge is holding both roles with equal intensity, without letting one crowd out the other — or losing yourself in the middle. I won’t pretend I’ve mastered this—some days are overwhelming, and I’ve learned that acknowledging that is not a weakness, but part of making it work.
“The biggest challenge is holding both roles with equal intensity, without letting one crowd out the other — or losing yourself in the middle.“
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Motherhood has made me more decisive, empathetic, and resilient. It’s sharpened my ability to prioritise ruthlessly, communicate clearly, and lead with humanity. It’s also taught me to set strong boundaries and manage my time with real discipline — so when I’m at work, I focus on impact, and when I’m with my children, I’m fully present. Above all, it grounds me and clarifies what matters most, which gives me the confidence to stand up for what I believe in and choose what’s right for me.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Having a mentor who’s also a working mum — someone who understands the realities, can relate to your mindset, and supports you as you rebuild confidence and momentum.
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Make flexible working the norm, not the exception. The biggest unlock for working mothers is having control over how and when work gets done. Not just policies on paper, but a culture where flexibility is trusted, respected, and modelled by leaders. This allows mothers to excel professionally without compromising the moments that matter at home. I’m lucky to work for an organisation that supports this.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Tech will keep changing—so keep coming back to what matters to you. Be clear on your strengths, say yes to the work that energises you, and be upfront about the flexibility you need. Progress at your pace; focus on impact. You don’t have to do it like anyone else.
“Be clear on your strengths, say yes to the work that energises you, and be upfront about the flexibility you need. Progress at your pace; focus on impact. You don’t have to do it like anyone else.”
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