Mums in Tech ft. Cindy Shontan
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with independent Senior Product Designer Cindy Shontan.
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?
Hi, I’m Cindy Shontan — a Senior Product Designer, author, digital creator, and most proudly, a mum.
My journey into tech wasn’t linear. I studied Biochemistry at university because I initially wanted to become a doctor, but life had other plans. After graduation, I took a course in project management that opened my eyes to the world of tech, and from there, I joined an internship as a frontend developer. It was during that program I found my home in UI/UX design. Design was something I had always loved without knowing the name for it. As a child, I was that girl making hairstyles on my grandma, drawing, painting, and creating things out of nothing.
Today, I lead the design of digital products that improve people’s lives — mostly in education, health, and finance sectors. I work cross-functionally with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to design experiences that are not only usable and inclusive but also meaningful. I’ve led the design and launch of platforms like Pedagogy with AI — an AI-assisted learning tool empowering thousands of teachers across Africa and the UK.
Beyond work, I'm also deeply committed to giving back, mentoring early-career and mid-level designers, supporting women transitioning into tech, helping build design systems, and have led design teams — all while raising my amazing son, who is now six years old.
I’m also the author of The Solo Designer’s Survival Kit — a practical guide for product designers navigating the early and often lonely stages of their careers, especially when working without a design team. It’s based on lessons I learned while being the only designer at a startup, figuring things out one challenge at a time.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Oh gosh! It’s like balancing on a tightrope, laptop in one hand and a lunchbox in the other — while still learning to show up with a full heart— both challenging yet deeply rewarding.
“What’s helped me most is learning to give myself grace. I try to be fully present with whatever needs me the most in that moment.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
I’ll be honest — balance looks different every day, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t always mean equal. Some days, my son needs more of me. Other days, a project does. Sometimes, I’m presenting design strategy to stakeholders while mentally reminding myself there’s a parent-teacher conference in two hours.
What’s helped me most is learning to give myself grace. I try to be fully present with whatever needs me the most in that moment.
Having a routine has made a big difference too. I’ve built routines that work for both our lives — like doing school drop-offs before morning standups, or scheduling deep work during school hours or at night when he’s asleep.
I also try to set clear boundaries, rely on my support system, ask for help when I need it, and remind myself that rest is productive too.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
One of my greatest challenges was starting my design career while nursing my 5-month-old son. I was in an internship, trying to prove myself and gain ground in a new field, all while navigating the unpredictable times of life with a newborn. There were sleepless nights, moments of deep self-doubt, and days I questioned whether I was doing either role — mum or designer — well enough.
The guilt came in too. Not just in those early years of my career, but even now I feel guilty. I remember working in a hybrid role back then, and each time I went for school pick up and saw he was the last child left, I’d beat myself up so badly. It was tough. But I kept showing up.
And somewhere along the line, I realised that even on the days I felt like I was falling short, I was showing him something powerful — what it looks like to chase purpose, to keep going, to grow.
Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my career. But I’m even prouder of the quiet strength motherhood helped me build.
“Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my career. But I’m even prouder of the quiet strength motherhood helped me build.”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Motherhood sharpened my ability to prioritize under pressure. It taught me patience — not just with others, but with myself. I’ve become more empathetic, and that’s made me a better designer because I don’t just design for users — I listen to them.
I’ve also become incredibly resourceful — every mum knows how to solve five problems with one baby wipe. That same energy shows up in how I handle design challenges, especially when time or resources are limited. And I’ve grown more resilient. Once you’ve negotiated with a tired toddler, navigating a tough design review doesn’t feel that intense.
Multitasking and prioritizing have become second nature. I can switch from Figma to dinner prep with impressive speed. :)
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Community. I was nursing a five-month-old when I started my first tech internship. What helped me most was having people — my family and a few close friends — who believed in me, especially in moments when I doubted myself. Just knowing I wasn’t doing it alone made all the difference.
Looking back, I think more mums would thrive — not just survive — if they had access to peer support groups, mentorship programs, or even just safe spaces where they could talk honestly about the juggling act. Sometimes, you just need someone to say, “You’re doing great. Keep going.”
“It’s one thing to offer flexible work arrangements, but it’s another to create an environment where mothers feel safe and supported enough to actually use them without fear of judgment or career penalty.”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Flexibility and empathy. It’s not just about policies — it’s about culture. It’s one thing to offer flexible work arrangements, but it’s another to create an environment where mothers feel safe and supported enough to actually use them without fear of judgment or career penalty.
Support us by giving us room to work when and how we work best. Respect that a 9 a.m. meeting might clash with school drop-offs. Trust us — we’re not asking for special treatment, we’re asking for understanding. We bring value, we deliver — even if our workday sometimes looks a little different.
And support shouldn’t stop after maternity leave. It should evolve as we do — from reintegration programs to leadership opportunities that don’t force us to choose between growth and family. Because the truth is, society often lets men focus on their careers without question. But when a mum does the same, it’s almost seen as neglect. That narrative needs to change.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
You are not behind.
Motherhood may slow you down in some seasons, but it doesn’t take away your brilliance. You’re growing a human and building a career — that’s superpower sturvz right there.
Keep showing up, even when it’s messy. Rest is a strategy — don’t be afraid to use it. Lean into your strengths. Build your village. Ask for help when you need it. You’re not just building products — you’re building a legacy your children will one day be proud of.
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