CEO Mum Beautiful Chaos: Embrace the Juggle & Thrive

From Boardroom to Playroom: The Humorous Truth About Being a Down-to-Earth CEO & Mum

Ever tried to deliver a killer presentation while a tiny human is using your leg as a climbing frame? Or negotiate a major deal with the dulcet tones of "Baby Shark" playing in the background? Welcome to my world! The world of a down-to-earth CEO, juggling spreadsheets & sippy cups, board meetings & bedtime stories. It's beautifully chaotic, often hilarious, & definitely not what you see in those perfectly curated Instagram feeds. Honestly, it is what it is! Just like that time my infant son decided to explore the joys of projectile vomiting during a Zoom call – talk about adding a special effect to my presentation! (It's wine o'clock somewhere, right?)

The Reality of the 'Down-to-Earth CEO': It's Not All Glam & Filters

Let's be honest, the entrepreneurial journey, especially for us mums, isn't always the polished, power-suited image we sometimes see. It's more likely to involve dodging rogue Play-Doh projectiles while on a conference call or realising mid-meeting that your toddler has redecorated the wall with your best lipstick (true story!). Ever had one of those days? Like when you're trying to record a course module on strategic marketing, & your teenage daughter walks in asking if you’ve seen her favourite crop top – the one you specifically told her not to wear to school because it shows too much midriff? The struggle is real.

And the interruptions? Oh, the interruptions! Just the other day, I was mid-flow on a coaching call, discussing some seriously strategic stuff, when my two-year-old decided it was the perfect time to announce, at full volume, her newfound fascination with the inner workings of the toilet. Let's just say my client got a very authentic glimpse into my life. And you know what? She laughed. We all did. Because it's real life. See, that's the #beautifulchaos#beautifulchaos I always talk about! You know, the kind of chaos where you're trying to mediate a sibling squabble over the last cookie while simultaneously answering emails & pretending you’re totally unfazed? Been there!

Why the "Perfect CEO" Image is a Myth (& Why It's Holding You Back)

We're constantly bombarded with images of the "ideal" entrepreneur: flawless, focused, & seemingly immune to the everyday chaos of life. A recent study showed that 78% of entrepreneurs feel pressure to portray an unrealistic image of success on social media, leading to feelings of inadequacy & isolation. But this image, while aspirational, can also be incredibly isolating and, frankly, a bit demoralising. It creates this pressure to be something we’re not, to hide the messy, beautiful reality of our lives. But honestly, how sustainable is that?

This is especially true for mothers in business. We’re already juggling so much, & the added pressure to project an image of effortless perfection can lead to burnout faster than you can say "Paw Patrol." It's like trying to build a multi-million pound business while simultaneously navigating potty training, homework battles, & the existential dread of the school summer holidays – with limited support because, you know, grandparents are still working and trying to make ends meet themselves!

I remember, early in my entrepreneurial journey, feeling this intense pressure to present this polished image, to pretend the juggle wasn't real. It felt like I had to choose between being a “good” mum & a successful CEO. But then, after one particularly chaotic morning – involving a spilt strawberry smoothie, a missing sparkly pink school shoe, & my youngest deciding to use my laptop as a canvas for his artistic expression – I realised something profound. Trying to be someone I'm not was exhausting, & it wasn't authentic. I was drowning, not flourishing. It was like that fable of the Little Red Hen – I was doing all the work and not getting the right support when I really needed it! My PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship has highlighted this exact point, showing how crucial the right support systems are. What I learned from that experience is that you need to be clear about what kind of help you need and when you need it – like my plea to my mum: "I need help NOW, not when it's convenient for you!"

My clients, my community, they don’t want the polished facade. They want the real me. The mum who understands the struggle, the CEO who gets it, the woman who can laugh at the chaos while still delivering incredible value. I'm just Carlene, wife & mum, PhD researcher, and down-to-earth CEO, here to share my lessons!

Embracing the Juggle: Turning Interruptions into Opportunities for Connection

So, how do we embrace the juggle, the interruptions, the beautiful chaos, & still run a successful business? It's about shifting our perspective and leveraging our natural strengths. Remember, as women, we're often natural multi-taskers and masters of adaptability – skills honed in the trenches of motherhood! Think of the FOCUS pillar of our Business Flourish Framework; it's all about mindset, resilience, & leading with confidence, even when your toddler is demonstrating their artistic flair on your freshly painted wall. This is where your inner strength, that "Big Deal Energy," shines.

Those unexpected moments, those "oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-that-just-happened" scenarios? They’re not embarrassing mishaps; they’re opportunities for connection. They humanize us. They remind our clients, our community, that we're all in this together. What's more relatable than a bit of chaos? It's like how comedians work – their funniest material comes from real life, from those “cringe but true” moments we all experience. The more authentic you are, the deeper the connection. Just like when your perfectly planned Instagram Live is interrupted by your six-year-old proudly showing off their latest artistic creation (made entirely of toilet paper and glue, of course). It's not perfect, it's real. And that's what builds trust.

And, practically speaking, it’s about putting smart systems in place, leveraging the power of FLOW. Prioritising your well-being (FUEL), building a strong support network, and remembering that asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a superpower. Remember, you have to fill your own cup first, so you can serve others from your saucer! My ongoing research into female entrepreneurship really reinforces this point, showing that sustainable success often comes from focusing on the internal (mindset, well-being) as much as the external (strategies, systems).

Practical Tips for Navigating the Chaos (From One Juggler to Another)

• Power Hour: Dedicate 30 minutes to uninterrupted work on key tasks. Set a timer, eliminate distractions, & watch your productivity soar. It's like a mini-sprint for your business! For example, focus on outlining your next blog post, creating a social media graphic, or responding to client emails – one task, full focus, maximum impact.

• Boundary Boss: Set clear boundaries. Establish "work zones" & times. Communicate your need for focused time to your family. Even little ones can learn to respect "Mummy's work time." This might mean putting a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door (or the kitchen table, if that's your current command centre) and explaining to your family that when the sign is up, Mummy needs quiet time to focus.

• Tech to the Rescue: Use technology to streamline. Scheduling tools like Calendly, automated email sequences through platforms like Mailchimp, & AI assistants like Jasper can handle repetitive tasks, freeing you up for strategic work. Think of AI as your super-efficient virtual assistant, taking care of the busywork so you can focus on the big picture. This is what I call working smarter, not harder, by leveraging the power of AI integration – the FUSION pillar of our Business Flourish Framework.

• The Art of Delegation: Outsource tasks that don’t require your specific expertise. Imagine having a virtual team handling your admin, social media, or customer service. It's like having a clone (without the sci-fi drama)! Start small – perhaps by hiring a virtual assistant for a few hours a week to manage your inbox or schedule social media posts.

• Own Your Multifaceted Identity: You're an entrepreneur who is also a mum. Leverage the strengths of both roles – your empathy, multitasking skills, resilience. Think of it as your unique superpower! You're not diluted by motherhood; you're enhanced by it. Embrace your FLAIR and let your unique blend of experiences shape your brand.

Want to truly embrace this? Then explore our Business Flourish Framework! It’s a holistic system for success, integrating mindset (FOCUS), marketing (FLAIR), systems (FLOW), wellbeing (FUEL), and AI strategy (FUSION) to help you create a business that truly flourishes alongside your personal life.

You're Not Alone: Finding Your Tribe & Embracing the Journey

Building a business while raising a family can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Connecting with other women who understand the juggle, the triumphs, & the hilarious mishaps can be incredibly empowering. It’s about finding your tribe, your community of support, and celebrating the journey together. What's one thing you're celebrating this week? Share it below – let's cheer each other on!

If you're looking for a supportive community of ambitious female entrepreneurs who truly "get it," I invite you to join our free global online community, Femme:Connect. It's a space for authentic connection, peer support, and celebrating the beautiful messiness of entrepreneurship and motherhood. You'll find support from peers facing the same school holidays juggle, masterclasses on client attraction that fit even the busiest mum's schedule, practical templates to save you precious time, & tech tips without the jargon to help you feel confident online. It's like having a virtual coffee date with your business besties, anytime, anywhere.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?

Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community

We'd love to welcome you!