I am delighted to present our February Featured Super Working Mum, Kemi Macaulay-Newman.
I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Kemi in person as she lives in the States but I can call her my friend. We’ve had a chance to face-time and I thoroughly enjoyed our chats.
Kemi Macaulay-Newman is a kindhearted & jovial person and most definitely a super working mum.
In this feature, Kemi shares more about herself, work and how she juggles it all.
Kemi Macaulay-Newman, thanks for letting us into a bit of your world!
1) Please tell us about yourself?
I’m the queen of finding the most convenient way of getting things done – I don’t believe in spending any more time than is necessary on ‘menial’ tasks and would rather create more time to curl up on a couch with a good read and a glass of wine. Hence my handle, “The Lazy 9ja Mom”
I’m very adventurous, love reading, traveling, eating, trying out new restaurants, outdoor activities (swimming, kayaking, rafting, etc… you name it and I’m game) and painting the town red with my extremely supportive hubby!
2) How many children do you have and how old are they?
I have one – a 3.5yr old boy who thinks he’s 16! 🙂
3) What do you do for work?
I’m an IT Security & Privacy Consultant and recently launched a line of mom and baby products that showcase the Nigerian heritage – www.houseofbotori.com.
I also run an online pregnancy and parenting portal/community for Nigerian moms – www.9jamom.com.
4) Please tell us about the 9jamoms initiative?
9ja Mom provides a support community for Nigerian moms and moms-to-be globally.
It is a forum for sharing the joys and challenges of being a Naija mom!
A platform for connecting Nigerian parents and parents-to-be all over the world in order to Educate them with the information needed to make sound decisions, (Empower) for their families through provision of news, resources and support thereby reducing the high rates of Infant and Maternal Mortality and improved well-being (Elevate). (Three E’s)
5) How do u juggle working full time, working on your personal projects and family?
Oh boy! God first – my daily prayer is for his grace to continually balance my priorities.
A supportive husband, who shares my vision, is a strategic partner and checks me on time management!
Lists – I’m always making one list or the other and use tools to help organize and plan accordingly.
My calendar is my best friend – if it’s not on there, its not happening. I remember having a calendar reminder to scuff my wedding shoes 😉
6) Please tell us what the phrase “super working mum” means to you?
A super working mum to me is a working mum who recognizes she doesn’t have to be perfect or a wonder woman. Accepting you don’t have to get everything perfect, e.g. whipping up eclectic meal combos, occasionally letting your child have candy or off-list items etc.
I once packed my son lunch comprised of rice, ketchup and frozen nuggets and veggies – a one-off event but lifesaver, as I didn’t have any lunch planned for the day!
A super working mum is constantly improving her professional skill set, is confident, understands and asks for what she’s worth, is assertive and doesn’t let bullies get over her in the workplace. She’s able to decide when to put some of her career on hold to focus on family priorities and when to insist on making the right moves to advance her career!
7) What success tips do you have to share with other super working mums on juggling work and family life?
If you’re with someone, make sure your significant other gets your vision – its a lot easier when you have to spend a few more hours on something while he’s handling baby feedings or other errands!
If you’re single, make sure you have a good support system – a buddy that can fill in when you need the extra hands!
Get help – if you can afford it, I’m a strong advocate for regular or occasional help to clean up the house – how much is your time worth? Consider how productive you can be focused on building your career/business or spending time with your family?
Spend time with yourself– Try and incorporate 1hr of “me” time each day doing something you alone enjoy! Sounds like a lot of time but you’ll be happier for it since you’ll be ‘fed’
Set boundaries at work – if you can do without bringing work home, then don’t. If you have to, set a few hours to work on your stuff after your child is in bed. Try not to do this often – if it delays your career somewhat, don’t stress too much as you can always pick up your career but moments with your children are lost forever.
Delegate – don’t try to do it all yourself. Get hubby’s help in chores, errands and accept the way he does it – hubby’s a pro at grocery shopping and occasionally brings home the wrong item (which I’ve learnt to laugh off). He’s much better at it because he’s in and out, buys what he needs and doesn’t waste extra time while grocery shopping sometimes takes longer because of the distractions 😉
Finally, don’t stress out if you can’t ‘balance’ it all every time – it’s a lifelong lesson! Just remember to take it day by day and pick up from where you left off the next day 😉
8) How and where can we connect with Kemi Macaulay-Newman?
- Website – www.9jamom.com
- Twitter – twitter.com/9jamom
- Facebook – Facebook.com/9jamom
- Pinterest – pinterest.com/9jamom
Thank you Kemi Macaulay-Newman for sharing part of your life with us. 🙂
