Mums in Tech ft. Marie Stringer
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Marie Stringer, Associate Software Developer at Mony Group.
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 Marie and I’m mum to two children, my daughter Thea (5) and my son Rafe (2). I previously worked as a HR Manager and as I was preparing to finish my maternity leave, I realised that role no longer gave me any joy. I completed an engineering bootcamp instead of returning to work, balancing studying with a toddler on my lap. I started as an Apprentice Software Developer with MoneySuperMarket (now Mony Group) in April 2023, working on my apprenticeship whilst studying for a foundation degree. I’m now an Associate Developer, working within our Rewards Value stream on delivering our loyalty proposition for our customers. I’m hoping to complete a further year of study next year, to achieve a full degree.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Challenging yet rewarding; it’s been an exciting journey of growth in all areas of my life.
“It’s been an exciting journey of growth in all areas of my life.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
I’m fortunate to have a very supportive employer that allows me to work flexibly, including compressed hours, which gives me one day a week at home with my youngest. While flexible working is an incredible benefit, it’s still important to set boundaries, such as not checking my phone during time with my children or avoiding work on weekends, to maintain a clear separation between work and family life. I really like the ‘glass ball’ metaphor, which helps me prioritise responsibilities by recognising which tasks are critical (glass balls) and which can bounce back if dropped (rubber balls). This perspective allows me to focus my energy on what truly matters. Both my career and motherhood are deeply important to me, and ultimately, I’m working to create a better life for my family.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
For me, it has been overcoming the feeling that I’m doing everything only half as well as I should be. I’m a perfectionist, but I can be quite forgetful, so it’s making lots of lists and reminders to not forget swimming kits, PE kits, school projects, world book day costumes! I’ve learned it’s important to afford yourself some kindness and cut yourself some slack; and not let perfect be the enemy of good.
“I’ve learned it’s important to afford yourself some kindness and cut yourself some slack; and not let perfect be the enemy of good”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Being a mum is the hardest but most rewarding job in the world – I found I discovered a part of myself that I didn’t know existed. Motherhood has strengthened my resilience, patience, time management and creative problem solving, all of which have served me well and helped me grow in my role as a developer.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
When I started my tech role, I was joining after a family break as a new mum to two, in a new role, in a new company and in a new industry with a lot to learn. Thankfully, I had two amazing Engineering Managers, both women and both mums, who were incredibly supportive and great role models.
“Tech is always evolving, and so is motherhood; there’s no perfect balance, only what works for you and your family.”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Employers should actively encourage and normalise equal parenting responsibilities rather than assuming the mother is the default caregiver. Initiatives such as equal parental leave and encouraging flexible work for fathers helps distribute parenting responsibilities more fairly and helps to break down outdated gender roles. When workplaces make shared parenting the norm, it benefits both men and women; women aren’t side-lined in their careers, and men get to be more involved parents.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
My advice would be to embrace flexibility, set boundaries, and give yourself grace. Tech is always evolving, and so is motherhood; there’s no perfect balance, only what works for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to advocate for flexible working arrangements that support both your career and home life. Lean on your support system, whether it’s your family, friends, colleagues, mentors, or other working mums who understand the challenges. Most importantly, remember that your skills as a mother and as an individual are strengths that make you an asset.
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