Child Hosts Panel Of Mogul Moms To Discuss Successfully Balancing Work And Kids

Last week, Child Magazine Editor-in-Chief Miriam Arond hosted a luncheon and panel discussion at the Soho House with mogul moms who shared how they manage, and balance, career success and motherhood. Soledad O’Brien, Anchor of CNN’s “American Morning” show, joined Liz Lange, President of Liz Lange Maternity Wear, and three other top executive moms to discuss their experiences and share anecdotes about working while raising children. The audience was made up of magazine and advertising executives including Gruner + Jahr USA President & CEO Russell Denson as well as journalists, several of whom where expectant mothers.

“I am so glad that our Mogul Moms lunch had such a terrific turnout. Even after all these years of women being in the workforce, they are still eager to hear each other's secrets and strategies for combining motherhood and work,” Arond told BeNet. “I am thrilled that our panelists felt comfortable being open about their real-life challenges. They didn't gloss over the fact that sometimes things fall through the cracks, that their balancing act isn't necessarily as easy or as perfect as it looks. Yet it is clear that each of these women has found a fulfilling and creative way to integrate work and family."

Arond moderated the talk and asked the panelists about key issues she knows concern her readers including, "What keeps you up at night?” "How do dads play a role?" "What are the benefits of having a career while raising kids?" In response to the question of how she balances a demanding work schedule while raising four children, Soledad O’Brien admitted, “[she’s] been known to microwave French fries and call that dinner.” Panelist Ouidad Wise, owner and creator of the Ouidad Salon and Hair Care Line, acknowledged she has spent a lot of time away from her children and at times, they were upset. But each mother finds ways to deal with these obstacles. Panelist Jan Weinstein, SVP, group media director of Foote, Cone & Belding, never hesitates to take calls from her kids even if she is on a conference call. Amy Coe, president of a vintage-inspired bedding line that bears her name, said, “she lives her business.” She “literally had her baby strapped on, while making cold calls” for her baby bedding line. Liz Lange on the other hand said she has found ways to make the best of business travel and being separated from her family. Her husband lets her four and six year old kids watch movies and eat popcorn in their bed, while she is away for business, both practices she shuns. Now the kids ask when her next trip is scheduled. The overall advice from these top executives provided a candid look at the challenges and rewards of making time for the things you love.

When people see working moms at work and at home, one question often comes to mind, “How does she do it?” Arond and her panelists tried to provide a little insight into the answer but Arond explained in her closing remarks that there is no exact recipe for balancing both a career and motherhood, but what is conclusive is how reassuring for moms it is when they hear others' experiences. The panel discussion will be reprinted in a future issue of Child magazine.