Secrets to Being Both an Executive and a Mom Essay Example
Secrets to Being Both an Executive and a Mom Essay Example

Secrets to Being Both an Executive and a Mom Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
  • Pages: 3 (584 words)
  • Published: August 19, 2018
View Entire Sample
Text preview

There is a fundamental difference between men and women - women have the ability to become pregnant, while men do not. This poses challenges for career-oriented women who need to make decisions about when and if they want to have children, as well as how to effectively manage both their parental responsibilities and executive roles. The situation becomes even more complex when one parent focuses on their career while the other takes on childcare duties. Kira Wampler, Lyft's chief marketing officer and a mother of two, suggests that instead of striving for balance, it is more advantageous to embrace the concept of "flow".

She recognizes the need to prioritize work and spend more time at the office during certain periods, while also acknowledging the importance of dedicating time to her family. Wampler, who is currently employed at Lyft, mentions

...

that there will be times when work demands are high, such as during brand relaunches and achieving milestones quickly. However, she also values family events like recitals and school plays. Before joining Lyft, Wampler held the role of chief marketing officer at Trulia, a real-estate marketplace. Prior to her current position, she was vice president of marketing at Lytro, a camera company. While taking care of her 8-year-old and 6-year-old children, she realized how crucial it is to choose a suitable partner.

"To her, marrying well" does not mean choosing someone wealthy, but rather someone who supports and stands by you.
Related:
"A lot of your life's decisions are heavily influenced by your partner and the choices you both make," she explains. For instance, when she was considering a job at Lytro after business school,

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

she and her husband Jeff were also contemplating having a third child. They made the decision together. "My husband actually said, 'I would rather you join an early stage startup than have another baby right now.' Which was great," Wampler shares. "I believe it reflects the kind of relationship we have." Alongside avoiding the pursuit of an impossible balance and marrying a true partner, Wampler believes working for a purpose-driven company makes it easier to manage both career and a busy home life.

"When I see women who are successfully balancing different aspects of their lives, I notice that they have discovered a purpose beyond themselves and their professional roles." At its core, Lyft's mission is to maximize efficiency, promote sustainability, and foster a sense of community. This doesn't mean that individuals like Wampler don't prioritize profitability for themselves and their companies. However, the organizations they work for or establish prioritize more than just financial gain.

Related:
Ultimately, Wampler believes in embracing the unknown. It's inevitable that there will be chaos. Nevertheless, the answer should always be that somehow everything will work out. When Trulia, a real-estate website company, offered Wampler the opportunity to become CMO (Chief Marketing Officer), she initially had reservations. She knew she shouldn't pass up her first chance to become a CMO in a public company – an important milestone in her career.

Despite her doubts about her family's reaction, a friend advised her not to turn down the opportunity. Instead, she was encouraged to openly demonstrate her commitment to her family. Many women unnecessarily quit their careers because they fear they cannot balance motherhood and a high-level job. However, when she spoke with

the CEO of Trulia and emphasized that her family comes first, he fully supported her choice. Wampler emphasizes that lacking a plan doesn't guarantee failure.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New