Some personal news: I’m pregnant. In fact, I’m really pregnant. Like, any-day-now pregnant. And for the first time in my life, I’m wondering if I bit off more than I can chew. I’ve spent the past 4+ years pouring every ounce of energy I have into Just Women's Sports. It’s crazy to think there’s going to be a new human here soon. I’m excited, but I’m also scared. There’s no way to know what this future will look like trying to balance being a mom and a CEO. I have had so many people asking me: are you ready? And I can say with unequivocal confidence: No, I am absolutely not. My only expectation is that I’m about to get smacked in the face with a brand new version of my life any day now. The idea of stepping away for maternity leave is anxiety-inducing — but it’s also, to my surprise, made me a better leader. I’ve been forced to get out of the weeds. I’ve had to learn to empower others. And I’ve gotten better at saying no and being ruthless about what matters. As we step into this next chapter, my overwhelming feeling is gratitude. For my family and for a healthy pregnancy, but also for everyone I get to work with everyday building this company and changing women’s sports. There wasn’t a playbook when we started and there isn’t one now. But as has been the story of JWS since day one: we believe in our vision, and we’re taking the leap. I wrote more about everything I’m feeling as I prepare for this new reality here:
Congratulations!! Thank you for such a thoughtful post. I feel this on so many levels ❤️ I have a baby myself right now and it is wonderful and, an adjustment! Honestly, it's my training as a runner that has gotten me through these first months. It's about pacing yourself, knowing when to stretch and when to rest, accepting fatigue and pushing through when you have to, walking off the stress and taking deep breathes when you need to clear your mind. Not to mention... Hydrate ;) Really though, turns out starting a family is team sport - takes mental toughness, emotional sensitivity, physical stamina, and proper nutrition - you've got to take care of yourself so you can show up for your new mini teammate ❤️ Trust yourself, trust your grit, trust your heart - Rooting for you, you got this!! 👏👏🙌
Thanks for putting this out there. I hope it brings comfort that those same things that made you a better leader heading into your leave will also evolve when you come back to make you more efficient, even more empathetic, even better at prioritizing and brushing off what doesn’t matter. For now, enjoy the baby bubble!
Haley - You've been successful at everything you've ever put your mind to. You'll succeed at motherhood, as well. Will it be easy? OMG NO! But you will be a wonderful parent. How do I know? I know your parents and I can't imagine having two better role models for parenting ❤️
This hits home, Haley – thank you for sharing. Motherhood is a special thing and you seem to be well on your way with JWS teaching you how to be a better CEO and a mom in training. Just don't forget about the badass woman at the center of it all and give her grace as you step into this new role. You got this, mama. 💪
I think every working woman wonders if we can pull it all off. Honestly I look back and wonder how I did it. That's the miracle of being a bad ass woman, we rise and we slay. You will too!
You are such an inspiration and even more so through the uncertainty and chaos that life brings. The beautiful game has prepared us well! This is one lucky kid!
Clare Grady (Prowse) - here's a fellow advocate for gender equality in sports (and paving the way for the next generation).
Keep leading the way, it’s incredible what you’ve built
Founder & CEO @ Nova Chief of Staff | Acclaimed Fortune 40 CoS to President | First-of-its-kind Chief of Staff Certification Course | C-Suite Leadership Speaker | Building Confidence Around the Globe 🌎
1moAs a new Founder CEO who built her company while pregnant, and launched with a single-digit month old... I can tell you. OOOF. All these thoughts and so many more are VALID. AND. You will find a way. My way? I built a village of AMAZING people who help us and who my little guy loves. He's 1.5yo now, and it only gets better and better. You've got this. And you will be so thankful for the flexibility you have running your own company. And you will be more productive than you've EVER been with far, far less time. Excited for you!