Anja van Beek | Talent Strategist | Owner | Anja van Beek Coaching & Consulting | mail me |
Being a mom has made me a better businesswoman. Let’s face it, when you have little kids, you stop stressing the little things because you simply don’t have time to. I have always felt that being a woman in business was an advantage, not a disadvantage. Being a mom makes it even more so.
I read this in Harvard Business Review, and I couldn’t agree more, especially when it comes to leadership.
Why working moms are the secret weapon of the modern workforce
Working mothers represent a new breed of leaders. Yes, you read that correctly. Women juggling diapers, deadlines, schoolwork and dinner duties possess a secret weapon: a unique mix of talents that make them untapped powerhouses in the boardroom. In fact, more moms are needed in the workplace to fully leverage this advantage.
Today’s rapidly evolving work environment requires a new era of thinking. We often underestimate how real-life experience translates into the working world. Transferable skills can be carried over from one role or experience to many other work-related scenarios.
As a working mom myself, and having led many successful multinational teams, I have witnessed the direct impact a working mother has on a business. She drives productivity and brings different perspectives to the boardroom table. Looking at the statistics, I am concerned.
The motherhood wage penalty is still widening
According to the 2025 State of Motherhood survey by Motherly, a staggering 66% of mothers said the cost and stress of childcare led them to consider leaving the workforce or reducing their hours. Younger moms, especially Gen Z, report even deeper challenges. Limited access to flexible schedules and paid leave affects them disproportionately. Gen Z mothers are 2.5× less likely to have position flexibility than Millennials and half as likely to receive paid maternity leave.
Meanwhile, a 2024 Bankrate study shows the motherhood wage penalty is still widening. In 2024, full-time working mothers earned 35% less than fathers. This could translate into a lifetime loss of up to $600,000 over 30 years. I am sure South African statistics would show a similar picture.
Furthermore, Gallup’s recent wellbeing data confirms that working women, especially mothers, experience higher levels of stress and burnout compared to men. About 50% of working mothers report feeling the mental load intensely, versus 40% of men. This reflects the dual pressures of work and home life.
Why working moms are the leaders businesses overlook
These figures reinforce that supporting mothers requires more than acknowledgement. Realising the potential of working mothers entails more than appreciating their abilities. Companies must step up with helpful policies such as affordable childcare, flexible work schedules and family leave alternatives. Clearly, more moms are needed in the workplace and supported properly to achieve this.
Here are a few real-life examples of transferable skills:
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Empathetic navigators
Balancing family and professional responsibilities builds empathy. Working mothers comprehend the complexities of different lives, negotiate multiple points of view and bridge gaps between competing agendas. This makes them master communicators and conflict-resolution specialists. These skills help them develop cohesive, high-performing teams.
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Innovative problem solvers
Managing a household teaches innovation. Working mothers hack low-cost meals for picky eaters, make budgets work amid rising living costs and handle last-minute schedule changes. This resourcefulness and adaptability translate into innovative thinking in business.
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Masters of several schedules
Juggling laundry, conference calls and budget presentations requires advanced time management. Working mothers prioritise quickly, delegate efficiently and achieve more productivity in less time than most people manage in an hour.
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Developing resilient teams
Raising children teaches resilience and mind-management. Working mothers learn to recover from setbacks, adapt to new circumstances and persevere under pressure. Their optimism, humour and emotional maturity influence teams to flourish, learn from mistakes and adopt a growth mindset.
One of my clients, a super ambitious career-driven woman, worried about how she would cope with motherhood while achieving her goals. Two years later, she said becoming a mother made her better at her role. She gained different perspectives, and “urgent” acquired a new meaning, especially when compared to a baby who needs a bottle… right NOW!
Blending work and life
Real people with real-life experiences are what today’s working world requires. Working mothers understand the value of balancing job and family life. They embrace flexible hours, support family-friendly policies and set a good example by prioritising wellbeing. This fosters a work environment where social safety is evident. Employees feel valued and supported. With that sense of belonging, they recognise their contributions to the team are meaningful, resulting in higher engagement and retention.
Leaders expecting performance must create environments where people can perform. Businesses benefit from investing in the wellbeing of working mothers because it leads to happier, more productive, and innovative teams. This is why more moms are needed in the workplace; their skills and influence strengthen organisations.
So, the next time you’re looking for a leader, go beyond obvious candidates. They’re found in the real-life experiences of playrooms, kitchens, and school drop-off areas. Mothers who face these challenges daily deserve to be considered.
You may be surprised to discover the value of skills coming from life experiences and community roles you may not have expected. Indeed, more moms are needed in the workplace to bring these perspectives and drive positive change.
