Jakub Kaczor, PhD’s Post

Today marks my return to work after being promoted to the title of “Mama” by my newest (and tiniest) boss, Evelyn. This chapter has kicked off an eye opening journey, filled with valuable lessons that apply both at home and at work. Here are some of them: 1. 🫶Compassion: Parenthood has deepened my understanding and appreciation of compassion - both that which I extend and am shown. Whether it's supporting a colleague through a tough project or lending an ear during challenging times (and lack of sleep), empathy and kindness make all the difference in fostering a supportive environment. 2. 🤝Collaboration: My view on the importance of teamwork is further galvanized. Collaborating fosters innovation and productivity - as well as easing the individual strain and burden. By harnessing the diverse strengths of our team, we can achieve remarkable results together. 3. 🙇🏼♀️Humility: Parenthood reminds us that we don't have all the answers. Embracing humility opens the door to learning from others and continuously improving ourselves, both personally and professionally. 4. ⏳Patience: Perhaps the most enduring lesson from becoming a mom is the value of patience. Whether navigating deadlines or unexpected challenges (like a 4 week old refusing to nap), maintaining a calm and patient approach enables us to tackle obstacles with clarity and resilience. 5. 🙏🏻Gratitude: We’ve had a large village of support gather around us in the form of family, friends and colleagues. Preparing meals, helping with household chores, sending kind words and gifts and covering important tasks and projects. This chapter is impossible to tackle alone, and it’s great to know we don’t have to. As I return to the workplace, I carry these lessons with me, eager to continue to contribute and grow as a teammate, leader, and now, mama. Here's to embracing the journey ahead! #BackToWork #LessonsLearned #ParentalLeave

"Daddy/Mommy, why aren't you at work today?" 🙄 I recently saw a friend and his 4-year-old daughter, who was home for the day. She's typically at preschool, but was at home during a "work day." My friend has been out of work for nearly 9 months, doing the relentless #LinkedIn #jobsearch dance that so many others do daily. #Jobseekers are hard enough on themselves, but sometimes gut punches come in totally unexpected ways, like when your kid innocently starts to ask about your job status. To them, it's nothing more than something out of their ordinary routine: Kid goes to school, parent(s) go to work. But to the parent, it cuts deep. "Why aren't you at work today?" is such a simple, innocuous question yet it hits right at your #selfworth. Right at the fact that you've been trying, and trying, and TRYING to get work. But, again, like so many other amazing, qualified, successful #candidates out there, the plane hasn't landed yet and you don't know when it will. As devastating as it might feel to be judged by your kid (real talk: you're projecting), how's this for an alternative school of thought? When our kids are little, we get one shot with them at #childhood. Time flies and next thing we know, they're too big to pick up and their #imaginations have moved on from tea parties and building forts and "keeping the uppies" with you to wanting time with their friends, a phone, or worse yet, TikTok. As hard as it is to shake off the job seeker exhaustion, maybe leaning into their childhood #joy is EXACTLY what you need. Think about all that time you missed with them before while #travelingforwork, in #latemeetings, missing dinner while on Zoom calls, etc... and make that time count now. Laugh with them, play with them, be present with them when you normally wouldn't be able to. I promise it will help you take the the edge off, while at the same time your littles will be beyond delighted that they get YOU, and only you, during times you were previously unavailable. So "Daddy/Mommy, why aren't you at work today?" Here's a simple answer: "Daddy/Mommy's taking a little break from work right now and I'm so excited I get to spend more time with YOU." Go do it and watch your mood, your body and mind improve. All from leaning into the joy of your kid's childhood. You might even be able to reclaim your own. 

The Tooth Fairy forgot to come last night. And on Monday, mommy logged on to the summer camp registration site 2 minutes late. All 12 spots for Little Mermaid camp were already taken. Result: spot #2 on the waitlist. It’s hard to do everything perfectly, every time. Work, life, kids, you name it. Life is hectic. If we’re honest, the mental load probably falls disproportionately on moms (based on my extensive, informal research!). This, in turn, may contribute to working moms reducing their work hours, taking a career break (which, let’s also be honest – still negatively affects us), or running around like a frazzled, decapitated chicken. In the U.S., we have a saying: “workin’ 9 to 5,” made famous by the one and only #dollyparton. Work literally stops at 5pm. Plenty of time to, say, coach kids’ soccer, go to the gym, hangout, pick up the kids, do homework, go for a stroll, whatever you please! That’s why I was shocked when I started my first communications job in Paris, and everyone was still at the office at 7pm. I would occasionally try to sneak out, unseen, to squeeze in a 7pm dance class. As we head into #internationalwomensday (my favorite holiday, after Christmas!), this is a reminder that “having it all” is not easy. It would be refreshing if parents weren’t penalized – even informally – for choosing to privilege kids over career, or creating equal space for both. My personal job criteria when my kids were younger: the one that let me leave by 5pm. (I even turned down a great opportunity because I was scared when I heard there could be occasional weekend work, yikes!) Was this optimal for my career development? Probably not, but it let me do daycare and school pickups, and those squeals of delight upon seeing mommy are something I’ll never regret or forget. Just some food for thought, if you’re wondering why we have some few women in the upper echelons of the executive suite. Perhaps, if we normalized 5pm, beyond Dolly’s world, things would look a bit differently.  #parenting #worklifebalance #genderequality #iwd2024 IMAGE: How the heck could the Tooth Fairy forget this sweet angel?! (don't worry, dad swept in with a ruse - money was "under the stuffed animal," not the pillow!)

🌟 Choosing Self-Employment: A Decision for Freedom 🌟 I wrote this ⬇️ 5 years ago when I was about to go back to work after maternity leave. I loved working in a corporate environment and had invested a huge amount of myself in it. In a male-dominated industry, I had put myself out there and made myself uncomfortable time and time again. And in a traditional sense, I was succeeding. Then my twins came 9 weeks early, and my whole life changed. Everybody tells you that you won’t feel the same when you become a parent, but that is so difficult to understand until you actually feel it. Work was the furthest thing from my mind as we spent the next 6 weeks traveling to and from the hospital to care for our premature babies. Fast forward through my maternity leave - I wrote a pros and cons list and decided to take the plunge and work for myself. I did NED work which I enjoyed and it gave me some great experience within SMEs that was a very different world to what I was used to. It broadened my skillset and thinking. But I never fully committed. And due to my lack of commitment, in 2020, I went back to work. Deep down, it was fear of failure. That meant, during the key early years of my babies' lives, I didn’t have the freedom and flexibility I had really wanted. Now, I do. ❤️ Does this look like something you could have written? What is stopping you from doing what you really want to do? Book an appointment with me to chat ⬆️ #CareerJourney #WorkingMum #SelfEmployed #EntrepreneurLife #Parenthood #LifeBalance #PersonalGrowth #WomenInBusiness #Reflecting #CEOMUMS

I am a Mother to these two wonderful human beings... ...and proud of it. But it wasn't always easy. Being a mother is tough... I did it while having a full-time career in global MNCs… Moved to 4 countries in 11 years. I gave birth to baby number 2 while abroad. I never took a career break, except for maternity leave. There was no extended family around to help me. That's why I’m lucky to have a very supportive partner. I couldn't do it alone! It's great to have help. Being a Mother is work that is not economically compensated. It’s work that sometimes slows down your career progression. It tests your ability to juggle priorities, make wise choices and be resilient. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁. Because I am making a difference to the lives of these 2 special people. And I’m nurturing the next generation of our little family. My greatest contribution as a Mother is to teach them everything I know about life… To encourage them to keep learning and growing… Be their cheerleader. Love them unconditionally, no matter what happens... So they can be independent and achieve their dreams. And they are getting there… And I am so proud of them. My 3 learnings: 1. 𝗕𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀. It will help when conflict happens. When push comes to shove, I always prioritize family over any job-related commitment. And I communicated that at the very start to my bosses. Sometimes, my promotion happened later but no regrets. 2. 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. It's tough to grow a family, run a household and pursue a full-time career. Talk about these things even before you decide to be serious and have children. 3. 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻. Get help. You don't have to do everything personally. Channel your time on the most impactful things. Like playing with your kids, attending their school activities, being there for them whenever they need you. Motherhood is a blessing. It has made me a better, fuller person. Photo: These are my "kids" now. When they were little, I used to read them a book every night and tuck them in. I'd whisper in their tiny ears, “𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒. 𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑦 𝐴𝑁𝑌𝑇𝐻𝐼𝑁𝐺.” And they still do! =============================== Hi! I'm Rocky Esguerra. I help leaders reach their goals without sacrificing their other roles in life. Book a Discovery Call to see if we're the right match to work together. #mothersday #parenting EDGARDO (GARY) ESGUERRA Melissa Noelle Esguerra Enzo E.

As a young professional woman facing my first career break, is it possible to have both; a flourishing career and a fulfilling family life? The question of balancing career aspirations with the desire to start a family is one that many individuals face, especially women considering maternity leave. While my concerns and doubts may arise, it is crucial to remember that having a strong career and a fulfilling family life can coexist harmoniously. I am highlighting some of the career boosting benefits motherhood will bring me. 😥 but firstly, what am I anxious about? 1.      Pursuing a demanding career can lead to long working hours, potentially impacting work-life balance. Balancing professional responsibilities with family time can require careful planning and compromise. 2.      Maternity leave and the challenges of juggling work and my family responsibilities may result in career interruptions or slower progress than others on my team. 3.      Balancing my career and family will sometimes lead to increased pressure and stress. The expectations to excel in both domains simultaneously may create challenges, requiring effective time management and support systems in place. 🥰 What I think this challenge will bring me! 1.      An opportunity for growth: There is no doubt that parenthood will challenge me to develop new skills, expand my perspectives, become more patient, compassionate, and adaptable. These new skills will compliment my career allowing me to build better interpersonal relationships within my team. Professional achievements at work can contribute to a sense of purpose, self-worth, and satisfaction. 2.      Financial security: Everything is expensive! We are in cost-of-living crisis and childcare payments can be crippling. A strong and stable career for me translates into financial stability, providing the means to support my family and offer my baby a comfortable upbringing. 3.      Happiness and purpose: Starting a family brings joy, love, and emotional fulfilment. Building strong bonds with children and witnessing their growth and milestones is a priceless experience that can bring immense happiness. I will have something amazing to look forward to and something to motivate me on my toughest days at work. 📝 post featuring my nephew #maternityleave #parenthood #careerbreak #worklifebalancematters #supportnetwork

Hey there, mamas! 👋 Are you ready to reclaim your confidence and conquer the workplace? As a mom navigating the journey back to work, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to put yourself out there. But fear not, because I'm here to guide you every step of the way! 📝 Before we dive in, make sure to save this post for easy reference when you're reaching out to companies or gearing up for your next career move. As a proud mother of four, I've been on this journey myself, and I'm passionate about empowering more moms like you to thrive in the workplace. At [Your Biz Name], we've helped countless mothers rediscover their confidence and land their dream jobs, and I'm committed to doing the same for you! 💪 So, let's talk strategies for reclaiming your self-confidence: 1️⃣ Acknowledge Your Strengths: Take a moment to recognize and celebrate all the amazing qualities that make you an incredible mother and professional. You are resilient, capable, and worthy of success. 2️⃣ Embrace Your Journey: Remember, every step of your journey, whether it's raising children or pursuing your career goals, has shaped you into the amazing person you are today. Own your experiences and trust in your ability to navigate whatever challenges come your way. 3️⃣ Surround Yourself with Support: You don't have to do this alone! Seek out a supportive community of fellow moms, mentors, and allies who can uplift you, provide guidance, and remind you of your worth. 📝 And here's a little reminder to jot down: "You are strong, capable, and you don't have to choose between your career and your family. You can have it all, mama!" Now, it's your turn! Drop a positive message you wish someone had told you before returning to work. Let's lift each other up and celebrate the incredible journey of motherhood and career success! 💖✨ #MomBoss #WorkingMoms #ConfidenceBoost

🐣 Last day of work before heading off on my second #maternityleave – and feeling all the feels.    ⚖ Being both an ambitious woman who values her career, as well as a devoted mother who cherishes time with her family, can be a tough balancing act to achieve harmony between these roles.   🚀 I feel extremely fortunate to work for an organization with leadership that supports and encourages my decision to take time off to care for my family – However, I also am very aware that while MY 'world of work' will slow down for a period of time, the rest of the business universe will continue to move at rocket speed – and this can feel a little unsettling.    🤷♀️ I’ve heard lots of stories from other parents struggling with a similar predicament – worried about whether taking a momentary step aside will cause them to fall behind, whether parenthood and ambition can be mutually exclusive – Which is more fulfilling? Which is more enjoyable?   🌍 All valid questions and feelings – the answers, however, not always so straightforward. What I can say from personal experience is surrounding myself with a strong community of people that I can trust and go to for honest advice has been extremely valuable.   🤲 I feel grateful to have a supportive manager, an incredible team, powerhouse peers/coaches and the most understanding and reassuring partner.   🙏 This community has not only supported me through what can sometimes feel like an intimidating and vulnerable shift, but has also helped me navigate some of these deep rooted questions, while also empowering me with autonomy and choice over my parental leave.   ☝ Everyone will have different motivations, but it's important that you take the time to think and make the decision that is right for YOU and YOUR family.   ✨ So, as I prepare to log-off from my computer, and log-on to the hectic schedule of newborn shift work, I am reminded again how precious personal life is, and (for me) the importance of prioritizing these moments. And when I return to work, I will be ready to tap back in with a new perspective, excited to take on new challenges (with a double espresso in hand). And, I  will continue to advocate with my team and peers that taking time off (if they choose) is not reflective of a lack of drive, but rather a sign of a strong, balanced leadership. ☕ Curious if anyone has been faced with a similar predicament? My door is always open for a coffee or chat ❤️

Last month's speaking events truly turned into a cherished family adventure from San Diego to New York City with my grown children and my beloved mother! It's a stark contrast from the challenges I faced as a young mom, juggling childcare and career aspirations— a journey often uniquely female. Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of the resilience, focus and self-care it took to get here. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my work that I'm so passionate about with my family. To all the young moms out there, here are my tips for balancing motherhood and a professional career. You CAN have both! 1. Prioritize self-care: Make time for yourself amidst the chaos. It can be hard, but taking care of yourself first will help you be better at all of your roles. 2. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and family time. This might mean setting specific work hours, delegating tasks, or saying no to commitments that don't align with your priorities. 3. Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Having a support system in place can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood and a career. Remember, you're capable of achieving your professional goals while being an incredible mom. Trust in yourself and your abilities to thrive in both roles. #WorkingMoms #GenderEquity #WomenInScience

Working, successful, career-driven parents: How do you do it all? Help? Flexible work environments? A supportive partner? Being organized? Family-first workplaces? All of these things certainly contribute to the juggling the demands of parenthood + career, but even with all the cards stacked in your favour, it's still impossible to be and do everything. When I was creating new projects at work and advancing creative ideas, I was missing family dinner and bath time. When I was in my element presenting on stage in front of hundreds of people, I was missing my kids gymnastics, swimming lessons and homework. It is always a trade off. So why does it seem like some people can do it all? Be it all? This quote from Shonda Rhimes is the truth bomb that many of us need to hear. It's certainly resonating with me. When asked how she does it all, writes award winning TV shows and still looks after her 3 kids, she responds: "I don't. Whenever you see me succeeding in one area of my life, that almost certainly means I am failing in another area of my life". ~from the book Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes Holy. Shi*. If you were raised to believe that you can "do it all" or when you look at someone's life and it seems perfect, it's not. Everyone makes sacrifices and no one does every facet of their life 100%. It. Is. Impossible. In the words of Shonda Rhimes, "if anyone says they're doing everything perfectly, they're a liar". Join me in telling more truth bombs. How do you juggling parenthood and a career? Sacrifice. Not being there for all the projects at work and all the moments at home. That's how. It's messy, and it's real. Picture below of my little family. The reason I have become a more patient, wise, empathetic and all around better human. #workingmoms #workingparents #wisdom #worklifebalance