A Certified Mom-ager! Ira shares her take on leadership, motherhood, and the power of being a woman
I remember it vividly. I was lying on a hospital bed beside my husband, moments away from undergoing what I thought would be a routine CT scan. Until suddenly, the procedure was halted. They asked for my husband because they had something important to discuss. I can’t even describe the fear that rushed through me as I imagined what the doctors might have discovered. Then the doctor informed us that they needed to halt the procedure because they saw a fetus. My husband and I were both shocked and in awe. I literally froze because I thought of the worse scenarios, and it turned out to be the best blessing we would ever receive!
While it has been a blessing, my biggest hope was that I could build a life where I don’t have to choose between being a mom and succeeding in my career, that I could be present for my child while pursuing the work I am passionate about. And I’m grateful that P&A allows me to juggle both. Motherhood didn’t ask me to choose between career and family. Instead, it challenged me to build a life where both can coexist.
I’ve read that the first 10 minutes after a child wakes up and the last 10 minutes before they sleep are some of the most crucial moments of their day. So, I always make sure to talk and play with her in bed, greet her good morning and say our affirmations. Then I prepare for work. When I am at work, I am fully focused and intentional about the work I do. Work ends, motherhood begins. At night, we eat dinner together and I make sure to read books and play with her.
Of course, it wasn’t always that easy. There are days when work becomes demanding that I don’t have that much time. While I work at home, and my baby wants to latch and becomes clingy, I have to hide because I have meetings or I need to review a draft or I have a deadline to catch. So, I’ve learned to set a clear boundary—when it’s time for work, I focus on work. And at the end of the day, I make it a point to be fully present and make it up to my baby.
As someone who always plans ahead, my definition of success has changed. Before, it used to be all about achievements and recognition. Now, it is about balance, fulfillment, and having a deeper sense of purpose. I become more intentional with my time. It became more valuable and it has taught me to prioritise quality over quantity in everything I do. I also became more understanding. When you’re a mom, you will always think, “would my baby be proud of me if I do this or that?” That’s always the question I ask myself.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I am just grateful to my little village for allowing me to balance motherhood and everything else in my life. My husband and I have been navigating parenthood together, sharing the emotional load, stepping in when I needed rest, and reminding me that I don’t have to carry everything alone. Ate Inday, our helper, who used to care for me when I was a baby, is now also taking care of my own. The Firm, the partners, associates and co-managers, for being understanding and respectful of my time and for the hybrid set up. P&A allows me to balance and to show up fully both as a professional and as a mother. Supportive workplaces are essential to create an environment where mothers don’t feel forced to sacrifice one aspect of their identity for another.
To all women, take up space. Take up space in your career. Take up space in your home. Take up space in the world you are building for your child. Motherhood does not diminish your ambition; instead, it expands your capacity. Don’t shrink to fit the mold. Know that you are capable of doing everything at once, with grace, resilience, and strength.
What I am most proud of is that I never stopped showing up for the different versions of myself. I have always been a go-getter. I have always envisioned myself as a CPA lawyer, a wife, and a mom, doing everything all at once. I am glad that I learned to redefine myself through every season, whether building my career, stepping into leadership, or embracing motherhood. I am proud that I allowed myself to grow, to stumble and make mistakes, to change directions, and to pursue my dreams without sacrificing or giving up any part of who I am and what I can become.