One of the greatest compliments I get is when a friend asks me to spend time with their kids. It is the greatest vote of confidence and I know when I blow my kids in the direction of other adults it is the biggest compliment I can give them.
So, why in the world does corporate culture still not get it?!? I get rejected a lot, but the one that stuck in my craw is when I got rejected from a job as Sustainability Director after multiple hiring rounds when I said: “Mother” is my most important work and my most relevant and important experience. Really?!? They could not make the “prioritize future generations” connection?!? — I wasn't exactly eating bon-bons and changing diapers all day. Someone somewhere is not paying attention to values and this is such a simple equation to solve!!
The most important economic equation of our time is to solve species survival.
My friends, if it’s not abundantly clear, we’re in a bit of a pickle. And shifting what we value is so darn easy! Let’s start with the big eco-brand companies: reset your hiring filters to search for those individuals courageous enough to list “Mother” at the top of their resume.
Moms have mastered the art of prioritizing the needs of future generations. Clearly, managing the household is like managing a corporation, and we excel at managing resources, prioritizing budgets, tasks, and schedules. We're multitasking ninjas!
Our intergenerational communication skills are top-notch, even when all parties are hangry and tired. We have the unique ability to unclench fists, remove toys and keep calm in stressful situations. We create games out of clean-ups. We spark curiosity, make continuing education, healthy lifestyles and household chores fun. We deescalate power struggles and can wear multiple hats at the same time as Ministers of fun, referees, judges, and juries. We have honed our excellent conflict resolution skills. We win arguments, remove weapons quickly, and finesse diplomatic resolutions, while driving at high speeds even if it is just to sit in the endless test of patience — the carpool pick-up line.
Most moms work 80 hour work weeks and do their job for decades with no pay, health care, or retirement benefits — the basics! We do it because we care about our family and future generations. We work everyday to leave this planet a little better for our kids than the way we found it. In my kid’s speak: “Director of Sustainability Much?!?!?”
So here's a shout-out to all the mama bears out there. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep putting the needs of future generations first, even when it feels like no one's appreciating you. And who knows, maybe one day there will be a LinkedIn for moms and we'll get paid for our sustainability service. Until then, just remember: you're a sustainability superhero and we see you — future generations are counting on you.
Well put, Celina- Maybe we need to de-gender and rebrand the title “mother” to something more appropriate and of this century like “species survival specialist” (tongue only slightly in cheek :)