CEO Mum Work-Life Balance: Embrace the Chaos & Thrive

From CEO to Mum in 60 Seconds: Embracing the Beautiful Chaos

"Right, team, let's nail down those Q4 projections… amazing work everyone, we're absolutely smashing it!" I click 'End Meeting' on my laptop, feeling that buzz of a productive work session, like we're really making waves. I'm in full CEO mode, strategizing, leading, envisioning… You know the feeling, right? Truth be told, there were times in my early days, juggling my first little one & that fledgling Nisbett & George venture, when "CEO mode" meant balancing a laptop on one knee while bouncing a fussy baby on the other. Talk about a multi-tasking marvel! It was a "cringe, but true" moment, honestly! This whole scene, while crazy-making in the moment, is also exactly why I'm so passionate about helping female entrepreneurs build businesses that actually fit their lives. My PhD research constantly reminds me how much we need strategies that embrace, not erase, this beautiful chaos.

Sound familiar? Thought so! This lightning-fast transition from "CEO" to "mum" is the daily rollercoaster for so many of us. One minute you're commanding a boardroom (or, you know, a Google Meet), the next you're negotiating a truce between a toddler & a crayon-chewing puppy. It's a constant juggle, a whirlwind of shifting gears, & frankly, it can be exhausting. For those of you who are Foundation Builders – meaning you're just starting out, validating your idea, perhaps pre-revenue or earning less than £1k a month and feeling utterly overwhelmed – this can feel especially daunting.

But guess what? It’s also incredibly normal. & I'm here to tell you: it doesn’t have to break you. This isn’t about some Instagram-perfect ideal of "balance." This is about embracing the messy reality, finding the joy in the madness, & building systems that support you, not drain you. Because, as I often tell my clients, you're an entrepreneur first, period. Motherhood is a beautiful, demanding part of that, not a limiting label. "When you say 'mompreneur,'" I often find myself saying, "honestly, it defines you as a woman by one thing & one thing only – as a mum. And that's just one part of who we are."

Mindset: Owning Your Power (Even When Covered in Crayon Wax)

Let’s be honest: mindset is everything. If you’re constantly telling yourself this juggle is impossible, guess what? It will be. You might have days where you feel like you’re failing on all fronts – like you're not giving enough to your business or your kids. That “mummy guilt” can be a real beast. Trust me, I know. One particularly tough week, after pulling an all-nighter to finish a PhD chapter while the baby was teething, I completely forgot to send out a crucial email to my Spark Programme participants. It was a "face-palm" moment, for sure. But I’ve also learned that the key is to shift that narrative. As Lisa Nichols powerfully puts it, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer.”

My ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship often highlights this: even within systemic challenges, your mindset & your choices are the most powerful tools you have. Yes, the system might not be set up to support female entrepreneurs. Yes, childcare costs can be crippling & “grandparents still working” is the new norm – as millennials, we really got the bad end of the stick. Remember when a block of cheese cost £2.50? & that was the cheap one! Now? Don't even get me started! But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? Is it just down to the system? What are the small, smart steps you can take today? This isn’t about ignoring systemic issues, it’s about owning your agency within them. My own journey, juggling four kids, a PhD, & running a business, has taught me that while the path might be slower, taking ownership of my progress is what matters.

Key Takeaway: Mindset is key. Choose a narrative of empowered action, not one of being overwhelmed.

Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smooth Transitions

I'm a firm believer in the power of systems. When life feels like a constant reaction to the next crisis (like, you know, a puppy art project involving your toddler's face), it’s the system that will anchor you. "It's the system that's going to help us," I often say, especially when facing overwhelm. My early venture, Nisbett & George, taught me so much about this. While it ultimately didn't work out due to different priorities with my co-founder needing the stability of a job while I, as a new mum, was ready to go "all in," it was a pivotal lesson in the necessity of structure & shared vision. I’d be trying to build a business plan while simultaneously juggling nappies & nap times, wishing I could clone myself! Even now, with systems in place, it’s not always smooth sailing. Just last week, despite having a carefully planned content calendar, my toddler decided to stage a dramatic meltdown during a recording session, leaving me with a half-finished video & a healthy dose of self-doubt.

Think about Rory Sutherland’s brilliant insight: "Don’t make the Eurostar faster, make the journey more enjoyable." He understood that perceived value trumps objective reality. Think about that in the context of your own life. What are the “psychological moonshots” – those small, smart changes – that can make this daily transition from CEO to mum less stressful?

• Time Blocking: Schedule specific blocks for work, family time, & (crucially) self-care. Treat these appointments as non-negotiable. A shared family calendar, synced with your work schedule, can be a lifesaver.

• AI-Powered Automation: Explore tools that can automate repetitive tasks, like scheduling social media posts or managing emails. Think about it – what if you could reclaim an hour a day by automating just three tasks?

• Strategic Outsourcing: Even small tasks, like getting groceries delivered or hiring a virtual assistant for a few hours a week, can free up significant mental space & energy.

This is where smart AI integration comes in – what we call 'Fusion' at Femmeprenista. Fusion is about strategically using AI to enhance every aspect of your business, making everything from marketing to operations more efficient and enjoyable. For example, an AI scheduling tool can sync family and work calendars, minimizing conflicts and freeing up mental space. An AI assistant can handle emails & social media, allowing you to focus on high-impact tasks. An AI-powered meal planner can take the mental load off dinner decisions. These AI tools, when integrated thoughtfully, become part of your support system, working with you, not replacing you.

Key Takeaway: Implement robust systems, including AI-powered solutions, to reduce overwhelm & create smoother transitions between your roles.

Self-Care: Not Selfish, Necessary

Here’s the thing: self-care isn’t some fluffy extra. It’s the fuel that keeps you going. When you’re constantly pouring out – to your business, your kids, your partner, everyone else – you need to make sure you’re also filling your own cup. Remember Lisa Nichols's powerful quote: "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." This resonates so deeply with me, particularly when I think back to my time at Electrolux. On my very first day, during the new starter induction, I remember the surprised looks I got from some of my fellow newbies. Seeing a young Black woman, they automatically assumed I must be joining the customer service team. Their expressions when I told them I was the new Marketing Manager were... telling, to say the least. Those microaggressions, combined with the stuffy corporate environment & the sheer exhaustion of my daily commute, really chipped away at my well-being. Those experiences brought the importance of prioritizing my own needs into sharp focus.

So, carve out those pockets of time, even if it’s just 15 minutes for a quiet cuppa or a quick walk in the fresh air. It will make all the difference, trust me. Honestly, as I've learned with balancing work & motherhood while doing my PhD, taking even 15 minutes to refuel makes a difference. Even something as simple as listening to my favourite playlist while making a cup of tea can be a mini-reset. It's about recognizing that self-care is not selfish, but essential. It's a form of empowerment, allowing you to bring your best to every area of your life. It's about taking responsibility for your well-being, which allows you to be more fully present for your family and build a truly thriving business. My research for my PhD constantly reinforces this: female entrepreneurs who prioritize their wellbeing are more likely to experience sustainable growth & avoid burnout.

Key Takeaway: Prioritise self-care. It’s not selfish; it’s essential for sustainable success.

Practical Tips for the Juggle (Because We All Need a Little Help)

Here are a few tried & tested tips from my own life & from working with incredible female entrepreneurs just like you:

Juggler's Shortcut: Batch similar tasks. For example, instead of scrambling for social media content every day, block out two hours on a Sunday afternoon (maybe when your partner can take the kids to the park) & record all your social media content for the week in one go. Think of it like meal prepping for your business! Similarly, designate specific times for responding to emails – say, 30 minutes in the morning & 30 minutes in the afternoon. This focused approach creates pockets of undistracted time & prevents you from feeling constantly pulled in different directions. Remember, it’s about working smart, not just hard. What’s one area where batching could save you an hour this week? Download our free weekly batching template here!

System Saviour: Implement a consistent morning routine that prioritizes your well-being. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of mindful breathing or a quick stretch, starting your day with intention sets the tone for focused action, not frantic reaction. This could be as simple as waking up 15 minutes before the kids to enjoy a quiet cup of tea & set your daily intentions. What’s one small change you can make to your morning routine that would set you up for a more empowered day? Explore guided meditation scripts for busy mums here!

Quick Clarity Tip: At the end of each day, review your to-do list & identify your three MITs (Most Important Tasks) for tomorrow. This helps you focus your energy on what truly matters, avoiding that feeling of being pulled in a million directions. Imagine waking up knowing exactly what three things you need to achieve to move your business forward. How much more focused & productive would you feel? Grab our free MITs worksheet here!

Embracing the Mess (& the Magic)

The truth is, there's no such thing as perfect balance. As entrepreneurs & mothers, we are constantly evolving, adapting, & navigating the unexpected. Some days the crayon wax wins, & that’s okay. What I've learned from my own journey, especially with four kids & a PhD, is that taking ownership of your progress is non-negotiable. If I don't reach my goals, even if my path is a little slower due to other commitments, that's on me. It's not about blaming the system or my circumstances. It’s about owning my power to create change.

This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. We all stumble. We all question our choices. You might twist your ankle, but the difference is, is you get back up again. But what matters is that we keep going, that we keep learning, that we keep believing in our vision. This entrepreneurial path, let's be real, is rarely a straight line. It’s more like a winding country road – full of unexpected turns, occasional potholes, & maybe even a few crayon-related roadblocks!

This is also where our Business Flourish Framework: Female Entrepreneurs' Blueprint for Success comes in, offering a holistic blueprint for building not just a thriving business but a fulfilling life. The Framework, inspired by my own experiences & years of research, offers tailored support to female entrepreneurs through four integrated pillars: FOCUS (to gain clarity & resilience), FLAIR (for authentic branding), FLOW (for streamlined systems), & FUEL (to prioritize wellbeing). Woven through these is Fusion, representing strategic AI integration for enhanced efficiency.

So, how do you navigate this beautiful chaos & keep your sanity (mostly!) intact? Come join us in Femme:Connect, our free online community where you can connect with other incredible female entrepreneurs who truly get it. This is a space where you can be yourself, share your challenges without judgement, ask your "silly" questions, & tap into a network of support that understands the rollercoaster journey of juggling business growth & family life. Get instant access to free resources, expert trainings, and a supportive community of like-minded women by Join Femme:Connect Today! What are your favourite tips for finding even just 15 minutes of peace amidst the chaos? Share your thoughts below!

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!

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