In my ideal world, I would like to do it all: lead the change to transform the airport experience globally through my company Plaza Premium Group, fly from airport to airport, head a global team, innovate new concepts and build on our portfolio of airport hospitality services, all while taking my kids to their weekly playdates and parent-accompanied classes (they’re still very young), cooking all-organic fresh meals, and doing arts and crafts with them every day.

With 9 months to plan this perfect scenario in my head, when I had my first-born, Camilla, my plans went topsy-turvy and I found myself constantly chasing time and consequently exhausted. But when I came to terms with my new reality where time, working hours, and sleep are limited, I started to embrace my role as a mom.

In fact, I was able to bring this new role into the things I did. I started introducing nursing rooms, baby changing tables, children’s menus, and playrooms in our airport lounges. I also found a way to travel with my children and brought them on some work trips, however, there were times when I had to leave them at home, and I was okay with that too.

One little disclaimer: these are things that worked for me and they may not work for everyone because we are all different. I think the real key is self-realisation, reading tips, and guides but what's most important is accessing your situation and working out a timetable that suits you best.

With COVID, I think everyone has really found a way to adapt. I tried doing this but found it challenging as my daughter would need her diaper changed, she would want a cuddle, or she would cry and I felt haunted by mom guilt if I did not attend to her. However, what I find most helpful is to take time, whether it be the morning or few hours in the afternoon, to make sure I spend quality time with her where I am actually home and engaged fully.

I've put a schedule together with her classes, activities, and meal plans so that whoever takes care of her on any particular day, usually my mother or our nanny, they are able to help me maintain my daughter's routine.

I never knew this existed until I experienced it for myself. I felt bad that I wasn’t spending enough time with my daughter, and I don’t think that will ever go away. But I also know having a career makes me happy and it’s a part of my personal growth. A happy me makes me a happy and better mom, plus, the reality of life is that most of us have to work, so we can stop feeling so bad about it!

You’re not alone because there are a lot of moms in the same boat! Getting involved will help you feel less alone because you will find support and will be able to share the good days and bad. These relationships help us to better navigate the path of being a parent. 

Also, your work colleagues have had similar experiences too. Engage with them, grab a coffee and talk about it. If anyone understands it is them.

Technology these days allows us to stay connected 24/7. We can now watch our child from our office desk, over lunch, using a baby monitor. The Xiaomi camera is a great inexpensive option, but lately, I’ve been using the Arlo (bought from Retykle) and it’s fantastic.

Running on little sleep, taking care of your kids, and working full time can be draining. Make a conscious effort to invest in yourself by doing something you enjoy to help you reset.

During my morning send off with my daughter, she says, “Goodbye mama, have a fantabulous day at work! Don’t miss me too much and come home early!” This is part of our morning ritual where she greets me, says goodbye, and then closes the door. Making it fun means we can avoid tears.