A gift that goes unnoticed at times is a woman’s ability to wear different hats, seamlessly. Celebrating mums is a song we’ll always sing at the top of our lungs. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mum or boss corporate mama.
Here’s a conversation with an unsung hero who’s unapologetic about being a corporate mama. And how being a new mum has only added more meaning to her already thriving life.
Tell us about yourself.
I am Imaan Kader, a new mummy to a beautiful baby girl.
I’m a working mum in the corporate-legal space. Delighted to be a Partner at Bookbinder Business Law.
I’m based in Botswana and specialise in corporate transactions. Advising clients both domestically and internationally.
Above all that, I’m currently studying at the London School of Economics, with the hope of completing this year.
Was practicing law something you aspired to pursue from a young age?
I was that kid who always knew what she wanted. Being a lawyer was definitely something I aspired to be.
I remember, in my early teens, reading about the late Associate Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her tenacity cemented my aspirations to become a lawyer.
What are you passionate about in your vocation?
I want to be the best version of myself. There is no limit, there should be no limit. That said, I’m very passionate about training and opening up platforms for aspiring attorneys.
Was the decision to be a working mum an easy one to make?
I’m grateful, very grateful in fact, that I have the opportunity to be a working mum from home. I do, however, believe that each woman is different. For me, working is so important.
As a woman of this generation. I see no reason why I can’t be both.
I love the feeling of independence and knowing that I have my own path, separate from my space at home. My identity is not defined, and honestly, it shouldn’t be.
As a woman in this generation, I see no reason why I can’t be both.
Imaan
Was your transition from maternity to returning to work an easy one to make?
Yes and no.
Yes in the sense that I was ready to start applying my mind again and engaging in high-end transactional work. No, because I loved spending days in bed cuddling with my daughter.
Is the work life balance a myth or achievable?
It’s most definitely not a myth. Balance is always key.
I believe that if you have solid systems in place, the balance is achievable. I’m grateful that I have a wonderful support structure at home, so I am able to sustain a well fed husband, a happy baby, and meet my deliverables at work.
I was raised by a working mum, so grew up seeing my mum work, my grandmothers work and my aunts work while keeping a happy home. Now, I’m even more grateful to watch my mother-in-law do the same, so it definitely is achievable.
How do you bond with your daughter?
Bonding with my daughter is so important to me, she’s my everything.
I love taking her out for walks, having picnics together, and just playing together.
I make sure that, despite what’s happening around me, my daughter and I spend a lot of quality time together. That means undivided attention spent purely on her.
Have you discovered any time management hacks you can share with working mums?
Yes, I wake up before sunrise to make sure all my housework is done. I then catch up on emails, pray and take a moment to embrace the day ahead of me.
I encourage a to-do list for the day and prep all meals and playtime activities in advance. Also, giving up sleep sometimes helps.
Growing up was there anything you saw the women in your life do that you now cherish as a parent?
Yes, so many things.
My mum showed us unconditional love. She was always present no matter what. That’s something I want my daughter to feel and know.
My grandmothers would show their love through food. If I was sad, I knew they’d be cooking up a storm with my favourite meal. Food is love.
Have you ever grappled with mum guilt? What would you say to mums who work full time while raising young kids?
Yes, mum guilt is real.
My office is in a room next door to my daughter’s, yet I’m always feeling guilty that I am not spending enough time with her.
Dear corporate mama, you got this, and your kid loves you no matter what.
Mamas, we love to support you along the parenting journey through our online magazine. Find more amazing parenting stories here. Remember to share the links with your community.
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