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The Desk of a New “ Working Mama ” of Influence

Having wondered for years how I could possibly manage both an ambitious career and the daunting task of being a good parent, I put off the decision as long as I could. Amazingly, as soon as the decision was made, my stance changed; I’m not the first woman to have a child and run a business, so I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

On March 5th I welcomed my first child into the world, and after looking within myself and consulting countless other professional women who make their work-life balance work for them, here’s how I’m doing it:

For the record, there is not much I have any influence over these days. He sets the agenda! So, I left the office in capable hands, with a well-documented plan to stay in touch via weekly reports and a call with the senior team.

Six weeks in, I manage to work 15-20 hours a week from home, around my son’s frequent feeding schedule. And the plan is to gear up slowly from here, adding more hours, more face time at the office, gradually until Women of Influence Inc.’s fast-paced fall event season requires my full time attention. How’s it working? I must say, I am appreciative that I can keep one foot in the door, and work my way back up to full-time as I’m ready, as opposed to the all-or-nothing scenario that the corporate world often demands.

The options presented to me as an entrepreneur are challenging, as I can’t turn it all off, but nor would I want to. While the big blue eyes staring up at his Mama do a very good job of distracting me, I like having work to do to keep my brain intact in the face of the hormones “dumbing me down” as they say. And I am grateful that I don’t have to go back to a full schedule after six weeks, cold turkey.

While I don’t think I’ve solved the work-life dilemma of the ambitious mother, I am confident that this option is working for me.

Click here to read more about Carolyn Lawrence’s path to motherhood in an exclusive interview with the Toronto Star.