Have a Powerful Role and Achieve Your Potential working Part-Time

I hate the phrase “having it all”.

Mainly because “it” implies a lot of stereotypes and I prefer bespoke needs.

Oprah said “You can have it all, just not at the same time”.

I want the flexibility and choice to make a difference and contribute, work the hours that suit my specific lifestyle, reach my potential and be the mother I want to be.

Feeling confident that your career can still progress and will continue rising with a little one on board is something many of my clients admit to being concerned about before and after they give birth.

Priorities do change when you become a mother but holding on to your own identity and finding a way to balance all your needs is something I am very passionate about supporting, and making happen in my own life!

Becoming a mother and transitioning out of the work place can be challenging. Whilst you are super excited for your baby’s arrival you are also committed to your company and enjoy your career.

Recently I discovered the Power Part Time List and thought that this was pretty inspiring.

Flexibility experts Timewise have launched their 2014 search to find and celebrate 50 of the UK’s of the UK’s most senior-level and successful part time workers and it includes both men and women which I love.

I also love this quote by Sheryl Sandberg

“I look forward to the day when half our homes are run by men and half our companies and institutions are run by women. When that happens, it won’t just mean happier women and families; it will mean more successful businesses and better lives for us all.”

We need men and women to have more flexibility in the workplace and accepting men can work part-time in a powerful role is equally as important as women.

Now in its third year, the Power Part Time List aims to bust the myth that part time is just for low-skill jobs. It will showcase the inspiring stories of 50 men and women who exceed profit targets, drive innovation and manage large teams – all whilst working a contract that strikes a healthy balance with the rest of their lives… whether that’s family commitments, running a charity, or writing a novel.

The Power Part Time initiative, which is supported by EY and 6 executive search consultancies, aims to prove that modern work is changing and that the best, most progressive employers are happy to hire in and retain talent, on alternative working structures.

During my conversations with all my guests as part of Bumps and the Boardroom, FLEXIBILITY was the key word of the week.

Karen Mattison, MBE. Director, Women Like Us and co-founder of Timewise, describes why nominating and celebrating your best flexible workers is important, in a special blog for Red magazine. Check it out here.

Nominations are entirely free to make, require just a few hundred words and can be made anonymously. Timewise welcomes individuals who want to nominate themselves. Please call Jo on 0207 633 4553 or Matt on 0207 633 4446 for more information, or email PowerPartTime@timewise.co.uk

I’d love to know your thoughts on working part-time? So many of my clients don’t want to return to working more days than they spend with their new baby or miss key events like the morning wake up and bath and bed routine but how can this be accommodated in your previous position which saw you at your desk or on a ‘plane 10 hours a day, 5 days a week?

What is the ideal work/life balance for you?

As an employer how are you embracing flexibility for your staff? Are you open to doing things differently and seeing some positive results?

Are you in the process of negotiating your return to work, like it to be part time and like more support in doing this?

Let me know your comments below.