Motherhood and Entrepreneurship Skills: Unlock Your CEO Power

From Play-Doh Picasso to Powerhouse CEO: How Motherhood Prepares You for the C-Suite

Let's be honest, shall we? The life of a mum-slash-CEO is less about perfectly curated Instagram posts & more about navigating a daily obstacle course of sticky fingers, rogue crayons, & the occasional toddler meltdown strategically timed for your most important Zoom call. Sound familiar?

But here's something you might not expect: that beautiful chaos, that constant juggle, isn't just a hurdle to overcome. It's actually the ultimate CEO training ground.

I mean, think about it. One minute you're negotiating a hostage situation with a toddler who's discovered the joys of permanent marker, the next you’re closing a six-figure deal. That level of adaptability, that ability to think on your feet & switch gears faster than Espresso (my hyperactive miniature pinscher) chases squirrels, is a skill most CEOs would kill for. And it's this unique blend of chaos & commitment that truly sets female entrepreneurs apart.

The Unexpected Perks of Organised Chaos

Remember that feeling of dread when your carefully crafted morning routine imploded? Maybe the WiFi went down just as you were about to join that all-important webinar, or perhaps you found yourself mediating a heated debate about the correct way to eat a banana (peel first, or gasp not?). I've been there. I vividly remember one investor call where my two-year-old decided the perfect backdrop for my presentation was her interpretive dance routine featuring a feather boa and a saucepan lid. Yeah, not ideal. But what did it teach me? Resilience. Resourcefulness. The ability to prioritize under pressure. As Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows." This has become my mantra – because if I’m not fuelled and grounded, how can I possibly pour into my business and my family?

The truth is, motherhood throws curveballs like no other. It's a constant exercise in crisis management, problem-solving, &, let’s face it, advanced negotiation tactics. These "interruptions," these unexpected detours, are honing skills that are invaluable in the high-stakes world of business. My PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship often reveals this theme of resourcefulness born from necessity - finding ways to not just survive but to thrive amidst the juggle.

Just this morning, I had to convince my six-year-old that her shoes were, in fact, not made of lava. Meanwhile, my eldest was having a full-blown fashion emergency (apparently ripped jeans are so last year because they weren't ripped enough - honestly, the nuances!). All this before my 9am meeting with a potential investor. Talk about pressure! By the time the investor meeting rolled around, negotiating a deal seemed like a piece of cake. My morning had prepared me for anything. Who knew deciphering toddler logic could be such a valuable business skill?

From Mum Guilt to Momentum

It's easy to feel like motherhood is holding you back. Like that never-ending to-do list & the guilt of not being able to be everywhere at once is a constant drag on your entrepreneurial dreams. I've been there.

There was a time, shortly after my youngest was born, when I was trying to manage PhD deadlines, client calls, and, you know, basic survival (like remembering to eat a whole meal without interruption), and I felt like I was drowning. Balancing my PhD, building Femmeprenista, running the house, & being fully present with my four children has been a journey, & honestly, it's often slower than my peers. But I refuse to buy into the narrative that fulfilling one role means sacrificing another. In fact, a common theme I’m exploring in my PhD research is agency despite systemic challenges - my journey might look different, but that's not a barrier to success. It just means my “why” – that burning desire for freedom & fulfillment – has to be even stronger to fuel me through those "one-eyeliner-on" mornings.

The key is to shift your perspective. See those moments of chaos not as interruptions, but as opportunities to build resilience, hone your focus, & tap into your inner resourcefulness. Sometimes the most unexpected turns can lead to the greatest growth. As Simone Biles says, "I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles." It's about finding your own unique path. If you're a Foundation Builder feeling this pull, know you're not alone.

If you're feeling the weight of "mum guilt" or struggling to reconcile your roles, our support for female entrepreneurs can help you rediscover your inner drive. I remember a time, after my third daughter was born, when the sheer exhaustion of juggling a demanding corporate role with motherhood made me question everything. That’s when I knew something had to change. My corporate experience had become a soul-crushing grind, and the thought of returning to that rigid, inflexible environment filled me with dread. The MBA, ironically, helped me realize that even a bigger paycheck wouldn’t solve the fundamental misalignment.

Leveraging the "Interruptions": "Juggler's Shortcuts"

How can you turn these everyday challenges into entrepreneurial superpowers? These “Juggler’s Shortcuts,” inspired by my own rollercoaster ride, are about working smarter, not just harder:

• Embrace the Unexpected: Stop fighting the interruptions & start seeing them as training. Every tantrum, every spilled juice, every unexpected school project is a chance to practice adaptability & problem-solving. It’s all about perspective, right? For example, that investor call with my two-year-old's impromptu dance performance? It actually broke the ice and led to a really relaxed and productive conversation. Ask yourself: What’s the lesson here? How can I turn this into a strength?

• Prioritize Ruthlessly: Motherhood is the ultimate masterclass in prioritization. You learn quickly what truly matters & how to make decisions on the fly. Apply this skill to your business. This week, I had planned a whole day of deep work on my new program, but the school called - my son needed me. I had to let go of my initial plan, but by prioritizing my family, I actually freed up mental space to tackle a different, equally important task later that evening. What are the two most important tasks that will move the needle today? Focus on those, and let the rest go (for now).

• Build Your Support System: We all need a village. Whether it's your partner, friends, fellow mums, or paid support, having people you can rely on is essential. Find your tribe & share the load. For me, this looks like dedicated evenings for work while my partner manages the kids, weekend deep dives into strategy with him by my side, and swapping childcare with a trusted friend. It all counts! It’s not always perfect, and I’ve had my share of moments where promised help didn’t materialize – but it's taught me the invaluable lesson of clear communication and setting realistic expectations. What does support actually look like for you, and how can you build it?

• Celebrate the Small Wins: Motherhood is full of little victories. Celebrate them, no matter how small. Did you manage to shower and put on both contact lenses today? Win! Did you finally finish that proposal between nap times while simultaneously diffusing a sibling squabble & preventing the dog from eating the mail? Major win! This positive reinforcement builds momentum & fuels your resilience. And yes, wine o’clock absolutely counts as a small win sometimes! You deserve it. This week, my small win was finally getting the baby to sleep through the night – trust me, that’s a game-changer for productivity!

From Chaos to Clarity

The truth is, building a successful business is a lot like raising kids. It's messy, unpredictable, & incredibly rewarding. And just like motherhood, entrepreneurship demands resilience, adaptability, & the ability to perform under pressure. So embrace the chaos, leverage the lessons, & remember, you've got this. As Lisa Nichols powerfully puts it, "You are the designer of your destiny. You are the author of your story.” This entrepreneurial journey isn't always easy; there have been times, especially juggling the demands of four children, a PhD, and building Femmeprenista from the ground up, where I came this close to throwing in the towel. It was the thought of creating a life of true freedom and flexibility, a life where I could be both a fully present mum and a successful CEO, that kept me going.

Ready to launch your online business with confidence and secure your first clients? Our Launch Programme is a 12-week accelerator designed to help you build a solid foundation and gain momentum. Learn more about the Launch Programme here.

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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