Kristan Sands’ Post

As we kick off #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek after just celebrating Mother's Day, I want to acknowledge the unspoken pressure women often put on themselves when they become #mothers. We're expected to be selfless, nurturing, and devoted caregivers, while our professional aspirations and personal goals are sometimes seen as secondary. In fact, these very qualities make women look less appealing for leadership roles as leadership remains largely associated with stereotypically masculine attributes such as competitiveness, aggression etc. Over the past several years at Microsoft, I've had the honor of welcoming multiple team members as they transitioned back to work after maternity leaves. I've had the privilege of supporting them through this transition directly as their manager, helping them thrive, and celebrating their successes. Research shows that women's brains are wired to multitask, and motherhood can actually enhance cognitive abilities like memory, attention, and problem-solving. (Ref:Matrescence: lifetime impact of motherhood on cognition and the brain) Yet, we often underestimate our accomplishments and overemphasize our thoughts, due to societal expectations and gender biases. As a mother of a 6-year-old, I remember feeling like I was barely holding it together in those early years. And even today, though my family is always #1 in my thoughts, upon reflection, I've realized that my work hasn't taken a back seat either. In fact, I've always had the opportunity to dive head into the firsts of many things - especially in the AI and digital transformation space - while connecting with clients and coworkers at a human level across several road trips. My passion for my work and desire to make a meaningful impact hasn't wavered. And I'm grateful for mentors like, Ratna Chembrolu, Rik van der Kooi, who have consistently encouraged me, helped me recognize my strengths, and provided guidance on navigating my career and motherhood. So, I want to give a shoutout to the new mothers out there: it's okay to not have it all together. It's okay to prioritize your family, and it's okay to ask for help. It's also ok that the "how" of our work may look different, but that doesn't mean the "what" - the impact and quality of our work - is any less significant than what it was pre-motherhood. In fact, many women I've worked with have found new efficiencies and ways of working that allow them to excel in both their personal and professional lives. So, let's recognize that different doesn't mean less effective - and more responsibility at home doesn't translate to less accountability at work. Women can have it all, "it" just looks a little different. You are not alone, and you are capable of achieving greatness in all aspects of your life. Happy Belated Mother's Day! #MothersDay #WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #Advertising #AI #GrowthMindset #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Good afternoon, colleagues and friends, In the reflective quiet of the day after Mother's Day, as we transition back from family celebrations to our professional roles, I find myself contemplating the essence and impact of this special day. Beyond the flowers and cards, Mother's Day offers a moment to acknowledge the multifaceted contributions of women in our lives and society. It's a day that recognises not only the personal and emotional labour of mothers but also their professional achievements and sacrifices. As the bouquets begin to wilt and the memories of breakfasts in bed fade, I ponder: do these gestures adequately encapsulate the gratitude we owe to the mothers among us? How did you feel waking up post Mother's Day? Did the day leave you feeling truly appreciated and seen, both in your personal and professional capacities? Let's open up a dialogue about the real experiences of mothers in our professional network. Are there gestures that deeply touched you, or perhaps reflections on how we, as a professional community, can better support and acknowledge the dual roles many women play? This conversation goes beyond just recognising the commercial and traditional aspects of Mother's Day. It's about understanding and appreciating the endless balance of professional and personal life that mothers navigate daily. I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions on how we can make appreciation for mothers a more integral part of our professional and personal lives. Together, we can explore ways to truly honour the role of mothers, not just on a designated day, but every day in our actions and attitudes. #EmpoweredWomen #MotherhoodAndCareer #BalanceInLife #MidlifeStrength #CelebrateMotherhood #WomenInLeadership #DualRoles #BeyondMotherhood #EmpowermentEveryday

As any mother or caregiver knows, the dedication, patience, and problem-solving skills learned in parenthood equip moms with invaluable assets in any workplace setting. This #MothersDay, McCormick and our Women's International Network (WIN) Employee Ambassador Group are excited to celebrate the remarkable mothers who effortlessly blend their rewarding roles as caretakers and professionals. To kick off the Mother's Day celebration, we asked employees to answer one of two questions: 1. What lessons have you learned from parenting that you've found applicable or beneficial in navigating challenges or leading teams at work? 2. Can you share examples of skills or wisdom passed down by your mom that you've found particularly valuable in your career? Click here to read their heartwarming answers: https://ow.ly/Nvp450RCec6 Happy Mother's Day!

🌸 Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Mothers in the Workplace 🌸   As we approach Mother's Day, it's crucial to acknowledge and honour the incredible contributions of mothers in the workplace. At The Pipeline, we not only celebrate this special day but also recognise the ongoing efforts to support working mothers in achieving a better work-life balance.   An evident and recurring theme that emerges from the primary data collected for The Women Count report centers around addressing the obstacles posed by family responsibilities and striving to achieve a better work-life balance for women. Some organisations, acknowledge the significance of reconciling personal and professional commitments as a pivotal aspect of facilitating women’s progress into senior executive positions.   Today, we salute the working mothers who seamlessly juggle career aspirations with the joys and challenges of motherhood, all while navigating the demands of the workplace. Your unwavering commitment and determination inspire us daily.   To all the mothers at The Pipeline and beyond, thank you for your hard work, sacrifice, and endless love. Happy Mother's Day! 🌷   #mothersday #workingmothers #gratitude #celebration #ThePipeline #appreciation

Breaking Stereotypes: Celebrating Motherhood and Professionalism This week as many rush to buy #mothersdaygifts and social media teams are tasked to generate thematic #mothersdaymessages can we start with the archaic stance of organizations that overlook the incredible value that mothers bring to the workplace? 🤱 It's disheartening to witness some organizations holding onto outdated beliefs, assuming that hiring mothers means welcoming "family baggage." These organizations are missing out on recognizing the fundamental aspects of motherhood that actually enhance a woman's professional capabilities. First and foremost, let's acknowledge the exceptional multi-functional and task management skills that mothers possess. Juggling the responsibilities of raising children while excelling in their careers requires an unparalleled level of organization, time management, and adaptability. These qualities are invaluable in any professional setting, as they foster efficiency, problem-solving, and the ability to thrive under pressure. 💪🧠 Let's not forget the unmatched empathy and compassion that mothers naturally embody. Their experiences in nurturing and guiding their children instill a heightened level of emotional intelligence, enabling them to connect with colleagues, clients, and customers on a profound level. This empathy cultivates a harmonious work environment, fostering collaboration, understanding, and teamwork. 🤝❤️ Mothers often become masters of prioritization and strategic decision-making. Balancing the needs of their families with professional commitments teaches them to evaluate tasks critically and allocate resources effectively. Their ability to make tough choices with grace and determination translates seamlessly into the business world, making them invaluable assets to any organization that seeks to turn challenges into triumphs and setbacks into opportunities. 🎯 Let's remember that #diversity and #inclusion are not just buzzwords limited to certain aspects of the social fabric. By embracing working mothers, organizations open doors to fresh perspectives, creativity, and unique problem-solving approaches. Embracing the full spectrum of talent, regardless of parental status, is key to fostering a vibrant and dynamic professional landscape. If indeed the #futureisfemale, we need to have a present where professional success and motherhood go hand in hand, empowering women to reach their full potential. 💫🚀 #Mothersday2024 #workingmoms #workfromhome

🌟 From Me To WE: Redefining Motherhood and Career 🌟 As a mum to a spirited two-and-a-half-year-old, I've experienced firsthand the delicate balance of motherhood and career. "From Me To WE" was a passion project and collaboration of LinkedIn ERG's aimed at bringing motherhood to the forefront, addressing its impact on our professional lives. For too long, discussions around women in leadership have overlooked the role of motherhood. I wanted to shift the narrative, showing that we can excel in our careers while embracing our roles as parents. It's about being able to bring our authentic selves to work, even as we navigate the profound changes that come with motherhood. I was talking about mom guilt—the daily struggle that many of us face. But did you know it's not just in our heads? Science has proved that motherhood actually rewires our brains, along with producing hormones that create a constant tug-of-war between work and being with our babies for over 6 months after they are born. And this huge change in our brains isn't bad thing either: it gives us newfound superpowers of compassion, empathy and resilience that enhance our professional capabilities and are a huge benefit to our companies and workplaces! However, societal pressures we put on ourselves increase the feeling of guilt, highlighting the myth of the 'perfect mom.' who is always there, which we know isn't possible but we still hold ourselves accountable to. It's time to challenge these outdated norms and reshape the narrative around motherhood and career. So, what's the solution? It begins with acknowledging that mom guilt isn't a personal failure—it's a shared experience rooted in societal expectations. By fostering supportive communities and workplaces that prioritize flexibility and understanding, we can alleviate this burden and empower mothers to thrive both personally and professionally. Key takeaways from the event: 💡 Let's recognize the transformative journey of #matrescence and enable workplaces to support women returning to work better 💡 Addressing the mental load is key for reducing stress and increasing productivity, its essential to ask for what we need 💡 Allyship and addressing biases are crucial for creating an inclusive workplace where parenting is visible and valued, by embracing flexible work and 'leaving loudly' to normalize parenting in the workplace Together, let's create a world where women no longer have to choose between their careers and motherhood. Let's embrace the journey and redefine what it means to be a mother and a professional. Special shout out and thanks to for enabling this event to: June Oh Ella Badis Michelle Koh Eleni Garidis Hania Oddie Deven Somaya Khatija Aslam #womenshistorymonth #iwd2024 #powerherunity #frommetowe Thanks for joining Vaishali Sood Serene Ong Kay Kutt Ginny Domlija Surina Dugar Alyce Lampe Louise Wong Stefan Pantry Magdaline Yeo Natalie Tan Mona Bajani Christina Teo

We hope everyone had a great Mother's Day weekend filled with meaningful connection and appreciation for all that moms do for everyone around them, which often goes unseen and uncompensated, yet is depended on by so many in order to be successful. Join us in our mission to make sure all women, including moms, are seen, heard, and validated in the workplace and beyond. Let's bake some "Mother's Day energy" into our everyday routines and normalize supporting mothers. Some things you can do if you find yourself in a position to do so: ❤️ Hire Moms ❤️ Allow flexible working hours ❤️ Advocate for remote/hybrid working culture ❤️ Promote women into positions of leadership ❤️ Stop the "Motherhood penalty" - see resume gaps for caring for children as a positive thing, rather than a negative. You gain plenty of new experience as a mother and hone valuable skills such as patience, delegation, prioritization, negotiation, time management, and supervising the work of others. ❤️ Create an employee resource group for women at your workplace ❤️ Support breastfeeding moms at work, know the law: https://lnkd.in/gYKeVt5K ❤️ Listen ❤️ Be kind What would you add to this list? Leave us a comment below ⬇ It isn't enough to simply put our appreciation for moms into words, we must follow it up with action and lasting change. #Weareareallinthistogether #togetherwewill #happymothersday #momswithmoxy

Late to the party but as Mother's Day approached, I couldn’t resist but to reflect on the journey of motherhood intertwined with career ambition. The transition back to work after maternity leave was a whirlwind of emotions. I was torn between the desire to excel in my career and the overwhelming longing to be with my child. I'll admit, I felt like I was losing my grip. How do other women seamlessly balance it all? I reached out for guidance, hoping to find solace in shared experiences. Some dismissed my struggles, while others boasted about their support systems. Yet, amid the sea of responses, one sentiment stood out - the need for women to open up about their challenges as mothers. We need spaces where we can share our fears, doubts, and vulnerabilities without judgment. I yearned for a mentor, a fellow mom in the workplace, to offer a comforting embrace and assure me that my feelings were valid. It's in these moments of support that we find strength and resilience. Let’s pledge that by next year’s Mother's Day, we would not only honor the incredible women in our lives but also become allies to one another. Let's accept the beauty in diversity of our experiences and uplift each other, regardless of our paths. Together, we can create a community where every mother feels seen, heard, and supported. #MothersDay #SupportiveCommunity #EmbracingMotherhood #CareerAmbition 

Happy to share my article about working moms status in general, behind the scenes of Insurance, in the Middle East and its importance for us as an organization. https://lnkd.in/gJhTzGQK

Today, I had the great privilege of speaking at LinkedinSingapore at the invitation of Mama Rising Coach and Senior Workplace Leader Sara Pantry with a room full of women and mothers about Matrescence, and the impact this insight can have in our workplaces. Even though I've been talking about, researching and sharing Matrescence for more than 5 years now, and working with mothers for more than 10, seeing the impact this word has on women - no matter their own stories and culture around motherhood - leaves me speechless. This word breaks down barriers and opens conversations about the REAL experience of becoming a mother and trying to balance your work identity with your new identity as a mother in a way that nothing else can. And by bringing an understanding of Matrescence into the workplace in a positive and empowering way can change the huge misconception that a 'woman of a certain age' can't be relied upon because she's likely to take time off for her children. A survey of 500 managers by law firm Slater & Gordon revealed that a third of managers thought that women were not as good at their jobs when they returned from maternity leave. A similar number would rather employ a man in his 20s or 30s than a woman of the same age for fear of maternity leave. (You can read the full report into mothers in the workplace here - https://lnkd.in/g7NfvP4T ). But from the response of these women today, and the women I speak with around the world on a daily basis... I know that we can change that assumption - and show the world what is possible if you actually support and empower a working mum in a completely different way.