Leading Through Motherhood: How Becoming a Mother Can Develop Leadership Skills

Does becoming a mother put your career on hold – or could it actually develop some of the skills that make great leaders?

Conversations about motherhood and work often focus on the challenges such as career breaks, reduced earnings, and juggling competing demands, but new research from the University of Surrey is exploring another, much less talked-about side of the story.

Join Professor Emily Ma from Surrey Business School to explore how motherhood can also be an important period of personal and professional growth, developing skills and capabilities that are highly valuable in the workplace and in leadership.

Drawing on research with working mothers and women leaders across sectors including healthcare, higher education, banking, IT, hospitality and public services, Emily has uncovered powerful stories about the skills women develop through combining work and caring responsibilities. These include prioritisation, resilience, empathy, managing conflict, making decisions under pressure, building relationships and becoming more values-driven as a leader.

This won’t simply be a presentation of research. You’ll hear real experiences and take part in conversations and activities exploring how caring for others can shape the way we work, lead and relate to people. There will also be opportunities to reflect on and share your own experiences and perspectives.

The event will also introduce the SBS Motherhood, Leadership & Belonging Initiative, established by Professor Ma to build on this growing body of research and explore how organisations can better support working mothers, retain talented women and recognise the valuable skills developed through motherhood.

Whether you’re a working mother, returning to work after maternity leave, considering your next career move or simply interested in leadership, this event offers a different and empowering perspective on motherhood and work.

ROOM: 66MS03, at the Rik Medlik Building, Surrey Business School. Free parking is available opposite the building and a location map will be shared as part of the event joining instructions.

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science - Please review the University of Surrey's Privacy Notice regarding events here.

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