It takes a village to make it work
By Jenna Yates
How does she do it?
Is a question we all ask ourselves sometimes when looking at another mum and how she seemingly has it all put together! It’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap.
That’s why we found Teresa Palmer so refreshingly real in episode three of How Motherhood Changed Me… with everything she has on the go, of course she drops the ball from time to time too!
When you become a mum, it’s never as easy as just going off to work for the day. You have to juggle childcare or school drop offs, lunchboxes, sickness, and so much more.
We decided to fire off some questions at Dani Cuff, CEO of Harrison McMillan – to get an insight into how she balances her high-level executive career and being a mum of two girls.
How has motherhood changed you career-wise?
Before becoming a mother, I was always ambitious and driven, with a strong focus on achieving my professional goals. That drive hasn’t changed, but my perspective has shifted. Motherhood has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, not just in my personal life but also in my professional interactions.
I’ve become more people-focused and less solely driven by goals and targets and outcomes. Leading with empathy has allowed me to build stronger, more cohesive teams. I’ve learned to appreciate the diverse needs and circumstances of my colleagues, which has made me a more compassionate and effective leader.
Balancing work and family life requires a high level of organisation and efficiency. I’ve learnt to say no to things as you really cant do it all, so I would say my boundaries are now tighter.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Ha! Mostly a bit chaotic. My kids often climb into our bed, so my day can start early with two kids thrashing around. Twice a week, I go to Pilates at 6:30 AM, but mostly mornings are about my husband and I sharing the “getting ready” for school/childcare routine which can involve plenty of meltdowns. After drop-offs, I head to the office, where I have 4-6 meetings a day and work on supporting the teams. On a good day, I might enjoy a nice client lunch. Then it’s pick-ups, dinner, bath, and bed. I end the day with either some night-time admin work, watching trash TV or talking with my husband. If I get time I might actually respond to personal texts or messages but only on a good day.
Tell us about the village of support you lean on to be able to achieve all that you do at work?
I am incredibly fortunate to have an amazing village of support that enables me to achieve so much at work. My parents and my husband’s family play a significant role, helping out with childcare and various other tasks. I also have an exceptional EA/nanny who helps with the girls for about 10 hours a week and supports me with Administration at the office, plus we have a cleaner/housekeeper who helps keep the house running smoothly.
My friends are a tremendous source of support, and we have wonderful neighbours with whom we share school pick-ups and drop-offs. Our friends lend a hand during school holidays, where we all take the kids together for one or 2 days each, and we receive support from my sisters.
Having such a robust support system means that I can focus on my work knowing that my children and home are well taken care of. It’s a true team effort, and I am incredibly grateful for each person who contributes to our family’s well-being.
It sounds like it’s important for you to show your girls they can have a career and a family?!
Absolutely, it’s extremely important that I demonstrate to my daughters that they can successfully balance a career and a family. In today’s world, it’s likely they will be part of dual-income households, so it’s crucial they see firsthand how this balance can be achieved. I want to role model a life where both career ambitions and family responsibilities are shared equally between partners. It’s about showing them that with the right support system and mindset, they can pursue their professional goals without compromising on their personal aspirations. This includes demonstrating a 50/50 partnership with my husband, where responsibilities are shared and both parents contribute equally at home and at work.
You have a lot of mums working for you, what are some of the qualities you’ve noticed in mums?
I’ve noticed they are incredibly productive and efficient, often managing their time exceptionally well. They demonstrate remarkable resilience, balancing multiple responsibilities and handling challenges with grace. Their sense of humour and ability to stay positive in the face of adversity is inspiring. They also have love, empathy, and compassion, which fosters a supportive and nurturing work environment. These qualities make them invaluable members of the team, contributing not just to the success of our projects, but also to the overall workplace culture. We definitely have a village at work too.
Do you have any advice for mums struggling with balancing work and family?
Balancing work and family can be incredibly challenging, and it honestly takes a village to make it work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or even professional services. Most importantly, try to pursue a career that you truly love. As Simon Sinek said, “Working hard for something we do not care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.” When you are passionate about your family and your work, it can make the balancing act a bit easier and more fulfilling.
It’s normal to struggle, and seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. Prioritise what matters most to you and find joy in both your professional and personal life. No is a complete sentence and remember to not say yes to things if it means saying no to yourself and/ or your family.
