A few days ago, a colleague shared something that stayed with me.
“I always wanted to be a leader,” she said. “But after my maternity break… I’m not sure I can anymore.”

She wasn’t doubting her capability.
She was doubting if the world would still see her potential.

And I get where she’s coming from.
But when I look at her, I see a leader in action – every single day.

She manages two toddlers with grace under pressure.
She solves emotional meltdowns like a trained coach.
She juggles calls, meals, school runs, and team meetings – without dropping the ball.

She leads. Every single day.
Motherhood didn’t make her less of a leader. It made her more.

And yet, somewhere along the way, society has made us believe that taking time for motherhood means hitting pause on leadership.

Here’s the truth: Motherhood isn’t a setback. It’s a masterclass in leadership.

The qualities we admire in best leaders – Empathy, Patience, Resilience, Time Management, Agility, Problem-Solving – aren’t new to her.
She lives them, every single day.

Taking a break to raise a life doesn’t put your leadership on pause.
It builds it in ways no training program ever could.

So why is there still doubt about whether mothers can lead?
They already are. And they are doing it brilliantly.

But here’s the part we often miss: organizations need to step up if they want to keep these incredible women in leadership roles.

Flexible work hours.
Childcare support.
Career growth opportunities.
These are not just nice to haves – they are essential.

No women should have to choose between being a good mother and a great leader.
Both roles can and should thrive together.
It’s time we stop questioning if mothers can lead.
It’s time we start supporting them so they can lead at their full potential.

To every mother wondering if you still have it in you – yes, you do.
And the world needs more of it.