I made a human.

Hey there, everyone! I wanted to take a moment to share something incredibly special with all of you. I have recently become a proud parent and brought a beautiful little human being into this world. It's been an extraordinary journey so far, filled with ups and downs, and I'd love to give you a glimpse into my experience.

Let me start by saying that the first two months post-surgery were no walk in the park. Recovery seemed to drag on forever, and there were moments when it felt like I would never regain my energy. But amidst the exhaustion and discomfort, I managed to attend a few important meetings that were crucial for me and my team. Those brief bursts of energy gave me hope and a sense of accomplishment, marking the beginning of my transition back into the professional world.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have an amazing support system. With the help of caring nannies, a night nurse, and, of course, my incredibly supportive husband, I've been able to navigate the challenges of early motherhood. Having family close by has been a tremendous help as well, providing much-needed breaks and a shoulder to lean on. But even with all the assistance, there were days when exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks, especially when I had to keep up with the demands of two little boys. And then there were those other days, filled with excitement and an undeniable itch to dive back into work and reclaim a sense of purpose beyond motherhood.

Finding a balance between being a mom and pursuing a career has been a real rollercoaster ride. On one hand, I've cherished the days without meetings or commitments, reveling in the pure joy of spending quality time with my little one. But I've also come to realize that without a sense of purpose outside of motherhood, feelings of emptiness and even depression can creep in.

Before fully immersing myself back into work, I took a brief holiday—a little breather to rejuvenate and prepare for the exciting times that lie ahead. Maternity leave lasted just shy of two and a half months, which may not seem like much compared to the traditional timelines, but it felt like a considerable amount of time, especially considering my previous experience. You see, I've always been the kind of person who values privacy, preferring to cocoon myself and keep my head down, focusing on my work rather than broadcasting personal milestones on social media.

But now, as I step back into the professional realm, a renewed sense of excitement fills my heart. We have some incredible partnerships on the horizon, and I'm beyond thrilled to be a part of these ventures. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite as rewarding as facilitating event sessions and sharing knowledge with others. The two sessions I did before going on maternity leave, "Getting Job Ready" and "How to Ace Your Interview," garnered an amazing response and became some of the most popular recordings from our speaker series and mini online sessions. Knowing that I can make a positive impact by sharing my experiences truly warms my soul.

As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful people who have supported me along the way. From my loved ones who have been there through thick and thin to the investors who were taken aback by my pregnancy and subsequent arrival of my little one—thank you for your understanding and encouragement. While I may not have made a big fuss about it on social media, I firmly believe that the magic of motherhood and the pursuit of professional success can beautifully coexist.

Throughout my maternity leave, I made a conscious effort to stay connected with my team and the company. One way I achieved this was by staying active in the WhatsApp groups, ensuring that I remained up to date with all the happenings and discussions. It was incredible to see the flow of ideas and conversations taking place, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of inspiration myself. I found myself brimming with fresh ideas and perspectives, taking a step back and realizing areas where our playbook could be improved.

In addition to staying connected through WhatsApp, I dedicated the first 10 days of my leave to tackle the formidable task of clearing out my overflowing inbox. To my surprise, I discovered a whopping 3,000 emails awaiting my attention. It was a daunting challenge, but I approached it with determination. Day after day, I chipped away at the mountain of messages, organizing and responding to each one. It took me a full week to sift through the sea of emails, but it was well worth the effort. Clearing that backlog not only provided a sense of relief, but it also allowed me to start my return to work with a clean slate and a renewed focus.

By staying connected and engaged during my maternity leave, I was able to contribute ideas, stay informed, and maintain a sense of involvement. It gave me the opportunity to stay in the loop and ensure a smooth transition back into the work environment. I firmly believe that keeping those lines of communication open helped me hit the ground running and be more effective upon my return.

As I settle back into my professional role, I am excited to bring forth the fresh perspectives, ideas, and insights that emerged during my time away. It's amazing how stepping back for a while can provide a valuable perspective and clarity on areas that can be improved. I'm looking forward to collaborating with my team, implementing new strategies, and making positive changes that will propel our company forward.

So, buckle up, my friends! This adventure is just getting started, and I couldn't be more excited. I'll be sure to keep you all updated as I continue navigating the joyous chaos of parenthood while striving to achieve my goals in the professional world.