Mums in Tech ft. Laura Howells-Barby
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Laura Howells-Barby, Senior Product Manager at Genio, the EdTech innovators that empower learners to be confident in their abilities.
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.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
It’s a demanding, thrilling journey of continuous learning where you get to build the future of technology while simultaneously shaping the future of a human being. So no pressure at all!
“I achieve balance by intentionally deciding which balls I'm comfortable dropping, accepting that I can't say yes to everything, and prioritising what truly matters in both my career and my family life.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
I achieve balance by intentionally deciding which balls I'm comfortable dropping, accepting that I can't say yes to everything, and prioritising what truly matters in both my career and my family life. Am I comfortable with missing a meeting at 7 pm that coincides with my daughter's swimming lesson? Yes. Am I ok with not hand-making a costume for my daughter's next World Book Day? Absolutely. Balance is definitely not being able to say yes to everything; it's being ok with saying no to some things.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
I took a 4-year career break when my daughter was born, so my biggest challenge was overcoming the initial self-doubt and fear that my skills were no longer relevant after an extended career break, especially with the rapid evolution of AI and the job market.
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Motherhood has made me a much more patient leader, better at intentional change management, understanding that change can be hard for many types of people, and some individuals need more time to process change than others. And I've become better at ruthlessly prioritising what is most crucial when time is limited.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Finding a company like Genio with a genuinely supportive culture and strong parent network that understood and accommodated the realities of being a working mother was absolutely key. And seeing other leaders who are openly navigating the challenges that come with working and parenting is always inspiring and helps us share in the joys and the challenges of the process.
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
The top priority should be establishing a culture of trust and flexibility that not only allows for parental commitments but visibly celebrates them, whether it's flexible hours or remote work, or seeing parent leaders model work-life integration.
“Your career break and your experience as a mother are not deficits; they are powerful skill-boosters.”
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Your career break and your experience as a mother are not deficits; they are powerful skill-boosters. Don't undervalue the resilience, efficiency, and emotional intelligence you've gained, and actively seek out a company that sees that value too.
MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community & Event Series, driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry.
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