You’ve curated an amazing network of professionals that support Motherly. What advice do you have for young professionals looking to build a robust network?
I’d advise women to think big and that not doing so means they are holding themselves back – don’t be afraid to ask for help, mentorship, and advice. Today’s female leaders are looking to lift up other women – we recognize the responsibility we play in growing the bench. So take the plunge and ask!
I’d also offer to value quality over quantity. Having a large network isn’t more valuable than having a strong network – when you go to an event, take time to truly connect with a few people vs. trying to collect the most business cards.
Motherly was named one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing companies. How have you navigated such rapid growth?
Entrepreneurship, especially venture-backed entrepreneurship, is a roller coaster. Over the years, I’ve navigated it, including during a pandemic, by not letting myself get rattled by the highs or the lows. I’ve come to see that they are but a moment in time and that staying focused on the mission and our audience is the only path to success. I’ve also counted on my co-founder, my executive team, those in my YPO forum, my husband, and mediation to help me navigate it all.
How have you redefined what it means to be “motherly”?
Motherhood is a lifestyle-redefining shift that affects the vast majority of women. We are redefining what it means to be “motherly” by empowering mothers to thrive – showing them that motherhood can be an opportunity to nurture, not lose, their true sense of self. We do that by taking motherhood seriously, advocating for moms, and offering resources to help women live their best lives as mothers and women.
What advice do you have for new parents navigating and creating balance in both their professional and personal lives?
Be gentle with yourself. New parenthood is life- and identity-shifting. You won’t be the same person when you get to the other side, but that’s OK. Give yourself grace and time to navigate it, and you’ll find amazing superpowers that have the potential to supercharge your career.
What does the next five years look like for you and Motherly?
In the next five years, Motherly will be a generation-defining brand – we will be the leading destination guiding mothers along the journey of motherhood. You’ll see more tools, services, and products from us in the coming years as we double down on our audience and begin to grow with millennial parents as they navigate the teenage years and meet Gen Z as they become parents.
On my end, I’ll be here, serving Motherly and our audience, amplifying their voices as we increasingly advocate for the structural changes we need in our country to value caregiving and make motherhood sustainable for all.
Jill, thank you for your time and insights.
Interview conducted and article written by Hailey Hoyos.
