Mums in Tech - feat. Kirsty Ritson
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Kirsty Ritson, Head of Client Support at Sustainit.
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 Kirsty and I am Head of Client Support at Sustainit. I manage a team of data consultants, system support analysts and sustainability consultants.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Challenging and rewarding in that I have been able to manage a successful career as well as raise a family with my partner.
“Being a mum in tech is Challenging and rewarding in that I have been able to manage a successful career as well as raise a family with my partner.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
Remembering that you are a person and entitled to have a career if that is what you want. Be proud that you are getting out there and getting stuff done! And not to feel embarrassed about wanting to be a working mum, but also relishing the fact you are a mum and enjoy being with your family.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
Breaking down barriers in a male dominated industry, and the assumptions that you won’t be around much because ‘kids are always picking up bugs, so you’ll be off looking after them all the time’!
“Remembering that you are a person and entitled to have a career if that is what you want. Be proud that you are getting out there and getting stuff done! And not to feel embarrassed about wanting to be a working mum, but also relishing the fact you are a mum and enjoy being with your family. ”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Being organised is the key – work time is for you and your career, and then enjoy the free time for yourself and your family.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Great childcare, shared parenting with my partner and supportive employers that allowed flexibility on working hours.
“Remember to be brave, be confident and be organised! ”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Flexible working patterns not just home working but also to allow for early starts or later finishes so you are able to attend parents’ evenings, share the school runs and not have to constantly clock watch.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Be brave, be confident and be organised!
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