100 People Behind Bay Business - 2023

London is the epitome of city living, which I
absolutely loved while there, but being back in NZ
is very comforting, and Tauranga provides the
perfect mix of beach and city life. You still have
good restaurants and bars, but you can go for a
walk along the beach no matter where you are - and
that’s simply not something you can do in London.
WITHIN TWO YEARS OF RETURNING TO NZ,
YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE AND HAD A BABY.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER WITH
MOTHERHOOD?
Ha! Good question… I feel like I’m still figuring it
out. Even when my son was a newborn I found
myself craving that mental stimulation. That was
a big reason I returned to work so early - I enjoy
having that professional element in my life and
think it’s important to still do things that challenge
and excite you, even while being a new mum.
You’ve got to show up for yourself – in whatever
form that may be. For some people it could be
creativity and art, for some it might be fitness, but
it shouldn’t be about choosing, it’s about ‘how do
I be a better version of myself to show up for my
kids?’. Having family, friends and work that support
you is important too, and surrounding yourself with
people who encourage your goals.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PEOPLE OUT
THERE WHO MIGHT DISAGREE THAT YOU CAN
HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND BE A GREAT
MUM?
Before I became a mother all I ever heard was that
you need to choose - kids or your career. It’s such
a stigma that needs to be broken down and I feel it
often detracts career driven women from having
kids because we’re told you can’t do both. I was
determined to show people you can if you want to.
HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THE MUM GUILT OF
COMING TO WORK FULL TIME?
It was hard initially but I’ve always wanted my kids
to be independent and confident in themselves,
and we chose a daycare where we knew he would
be safe and loved just like he would be at home.
Knowing that he constantly has new experiences,
gets to play with different toys, and engages with a
wide range of kids is a proud moment rather than
feeling like I’ve failed him. I also make sure the time
I spend with my son is focused quality time, which
helps me to be completely present and not feel like
I am trading one for the other.
WHAT’S THE SECRET TO SUCCESS WITH
BALANCING A CAREER WITH MOTHERHOOD?
Do something you love. If you love what you do, it
doesn’t feel like a chore. I don’t think the balance
will ever be easy, but having passion and purpose
in your career helps with that balance and removes
the idea that work is the draining part of your week.
This energy will be seen by my kids and hopefully
passed onto how they view work and their career in
the future.
AND FINALLY… WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST
ABOUT WORKING AT SWIPEDON?
It has to be the work life balance along with valuing
the people within the organisation.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 47