Magnus is now four months old. How are you?
We are doing brilliantly. Personally, I've never been better because Magnus brings a lot of stability, love and fun into my everyday life.
Is it "already" or "only" four months?
Definitely "already". We've experienced so much together and have already been on short holidays. It feels like he's always been there. Although I've "only" been back at work for a month, the back and forth between family, couple time and work feels completely normal and natural.
Would you like to share a few special moments/learnings?
When Magnus was just a few weeks old, I asked my dad to look after him for the first time. When we came back, he was sitting there feeding Magnus with his bottle. My learning from this is: Just try it out! I could think a lot about when and what would be good for him. However, we've done well with the "trial and error" strategy several times and I want to keep it that way - a mixture of discovery (trial & error) and gut instinct. We can learn a lot from children, they don't think too much, they just go with it and report back whether it's ok.
Let's turn back the clock. Surely the news "I'm going to be a mum!" is pretty exciting. Apart from the very personal feelings that an expectant mother experiences, what thoughts went through your mind when you first thought about speaking to Jörg and making the good news official at work? How did the conversation go in the end?
I was super excited at the thought of telling Jörg. At the same time, I felt incredibly guilty. "Now I'm leaving Jörg alone". When I told him, I experienced a reaction that completely changed me and my attitude to leadership.
I experienced pure joy. He was so happy for me and didn't even think about the consequences for CC. That was a very special moment. I've experienced this joy with every single colleague and I'm very happy about it, because it also confirmed to me once again that I'm exactly where I belong.
You have been back with a weekday since the beginning of July. How does your new job as a mum affect your day-to-day work?
That's an exciting phrase. For me, being a mum doesn't feel like a job or a task. It just feels natural to me. As if it's never been any different and that's exactly how it has to be.
Yes, it's more juggling and yes, there are more interruptions. Concentrating for long periods of time is challenging, but it's getting better day by day.
I've become even more flexible in my working day and naturally also adapt to the times when Magnus is being looked after by his dad. From October, we are also planning for him to go to a childminder, which was very important to me in order to be well prepared.
I often got the horrified question: "What? You want to go back to work so early?". I always said: "Yes, I want to and I need to, that's me to a certain extent. One person added: "But you only get to see your child grow up once." - Yes, but the CC is also a baby for me. Together with Jörg and Vanessa, I've accompanied every adjustment. Knowing that CC would continue to grow up and not being able to be there was also challenging over the last few months. It is important to me to see both babies grow up. This knowledge and awareness allows me to be fully present for both of them.
Why did you decide to return to work so early?
For me, it is important to harmonise all areas of life and needs. For me, work means self-fulfilment and self-design. This aspect is very important to me in order to be balanced. Over the past year, I have learnt how important it is to bring everything into a good balance.
Almost 10 years ago, I was at a training programme and was given the task of painting my own gravestone. The question was "What do you want people to remember?". Almost 10 years ago, I wrote "Inspiring leader and loving mother" on it. And now, 10 years later, I am at the point where everything has developed in exactly this direction in the last 1.5 years. At CC, I get to inspire people, build up the team of trainers and advance them professionally. At the same time, I get to be a loving mum and get just as much love back from Magnus.
Mum on the job - how do your expectations six months ago differ from today? What (unknown) challenges does returning to work entail?
Firstly, the self-confidence to do it and not to be influenced by contrary opinions.
I also imagined that time management would be easier. It's not just a challenge to get everything under one roof, but above all to consciously set myself working hours and then not exceed them. My work is my passion. In this respect, I often find it difficult to set limits. At the same time, it's also good training to learn to pay enough attention to all areas of my life by "only" working 8 hours a week.
Switching mentally between the different areas of my life quickly to ensure that Magnus is looked after. However, we manage this very well. But it also means that I can't always choose when I want to work. I then orientate myself on that.
I don't know how Magnus managed it, but even at birth he made it clear to me: "I am me and you are you. That's okay too." If I'm allowed to do what I like to do, he's fine too. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it works.
Where can we support you as colleagues?
You already do a lot! For example, when the little one attends meetings, maintaining professionalism while creating a family environment and keeping it fun. I experience and appreciate this flexibility in our work together.
What thoughts, experiences and tips would you like to pass on to other mums-to-be?
Dare to talk about it with self-confidence and openness! It's a huge achievement to return to work as a mother and it should continue to be just as natural as it is for male colleagues. Have the courage.
