Mums in Tech ft. Marta Mistry
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Marta Mistry, Alliances & Channels Lead at Salesforce.
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?
Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, I moved to London 15 years ago with nothing but ambition and a strong work ethic. I graduated from London Metropolitan University with Joint Honours in Business Law and International Business, funding my studies and building my career from the ground up. I’ve never had anything handed to me—every opportunity I’ve had has been the result of relentless hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to push through challenges. Early in my career, I discovered a passion for international affairs and cultural diversity, which has shaped my professional journey.
Since graduating, I have worked exclusively for global companies, always in roles that required me to navigate multiple markets and build relationships across different cultures. Currently, I am part of the Alliances & Channels organization at Salesforce, leading our partner ecosystem in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. My focus is on strategic alliances with local business partners, ensuring that we expand our footprint across the EMEA Emerging Markets.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Constantly proving—to myself and to the world—that my career is worth the sacrifices, all while grappling with the guilt of never quite being the mother I wish I could be.
“It often feels like society still expects women to choose: you can excel in your career, or you can be the perfect mother—but having both is a nearly impossible balancing act.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
The truth is, I don’t think I ever fully achieve balance; I just make choices and trade-offs every single day. I structure my schedule to be present for my daughter in the ways I can—ensuring that I do the school pick-up, even if it means starting my workday earlier. But the reality is, I compensate by skipping lunch, working through breaks, and always pushing to make sure ‘everything is done’ before I close my laptop. And still, there’s an underlying feeling that I should be doing more for my child. The hardest moments are during school holidays when I simply can’t take enough leave to cover all her days off. As an expat without family support nearby, there’s no easy safety net, and I feel that deeply.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
The battle with my own identity. Before I became a mother, I was defined by my ambition, my drive, and my professional achievements. That hasn’t changed—but now, I wrestle with the expectations of what it means to be a ‘good’ mother. I know I am not alone in this. The corporate world likes to champion diversity and inclusion, but the reality is, very few mothers reach executive levels. That speaks volumes. It often feels like society still expects women to choose: you can excel in your career, or you can be the perfect mother—but having both is a nearly impossible balancing act.
“Motherhood has made me more resilient than I ever thought possible.”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Motherhood has made me more resilient than I ever thought possible. It has sharpened my ability to multitask, strengthened my tenacity, and forced me to embrace challenges with a new level of confidence. I’ve learned that I am capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for. For example, public speaking was once my greatest fear, exacerbated by the fact that English is not my first language. But somehow, in the chaos of juggling motherhood and work, I’ve found that I hesitate less and believe in myself more.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Despite having a supportive manager, I put immense pressure on myself to return to work early. I had been promoted at the start of my pregnancy, and I felt an overwhelming obligation to prove that I deserved it. Looking back, I realize that pushing myself back into work so quickly contributed to postnatal depression—something I didn’t recognize at the time. What would have helped? A structured support system. If I had been paired with a ‘working mum’ buddy—someone who had walked this path before and could check in with me—it would have made a world of difference.
“Companies need to move beyond generic ‘family-friendly’ policies and offer practical, real-world support. A flexible return-to-work scheme would be a game changer”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Companies need to move beyond generic ‘family-friendly’ policies and offer practical, real-world support. A flexible return-to-work scheme would be a game changer—allowing for gradual re-entry rather than an abrupt full-time return. Remote work options during the critical first 1.5 years would also help tremendously, as this is the time when children start nursery and frequently fall ill.
Additionally, a mentorship or buddy system for returning mothers could make a significant difference. After a long break, you essentially have to re-onboard yourself, and having someone who understands that experience firsthand would provide invaluable guidance and reassurance.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Plan your maternity leave carefully, and don’t let loyalty to your employer dictate when you return. Your career will always be there—but the early months with your child won’t come back. If you choose to return early, do it because it feels right for you, not out of fear of losing your professional standing. Your ambition is valid, and so is your motherhood. The key is to define success on your own terms, rather than letting others do it for you.
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