When I was informed that the next issue of the magazine revolve arounds “Women of Impact”, I lost it. I have always wanted to create an impact. But right now, I find myself at home nurturing a baby fully immersed in this phase of life that feels world apart from the high-powered images of women I admire.
As I sat down to think about the concept to write this article, a few names and images flashed through my mind; women excelling in business, politics, education, and entrepreneurship, breaking barriers, and making waves in their respective fields. These were the women who seemed to embody the term “woman of impact”.
You know, the world often tells us that impact equals success, that it’s about climbing corporate ladders, earning awards, and making a visible mark in the world. But in that moment, I began to question this narrow definition of impact. Wasn’t nurturing the next generation equally significant? The more I reflected, the clearer it became: impact doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, the quiet, everyday acts of care, guidance, and love ripple out into the world in ways we can’t always see or measure right away. In my own way, I am making a difference; even if it’s not the way I initially envisioned. So, I decided to rewrite my own definition of “woman of impact.” It’s not confined to the boardrooms or political offices but it’s in the home and in the choices we make every day, no matter how small they seem.
When I first became a mother, the idea of stepping away from my career for an extended period felt like an irreversible shift. I’ve always been someone who prided myself on my professional accomplishments. I was a leader, a manager, driven and ambitious. At that time, success was defined by milestones in the workplace i.e. promotions, projects completed, teams led, and goals achieved. Those were the markers of impact. But now, I find myself in a different world. I am into the world of diapers, late-night feedings, and sleepless nights. The workplace that had once been a central part of my life seemed miles away. My professional identity, once centered around tangible outcomes and successes, now had to coexist with this more intangible, yet profoundly impactful, role as a caregiver. At first, it felt like a sacrifice. Like it’s an erosion of the person I had worked so hard to become. I struggled with the idea of giving up a part of myself, especially when the world often defines a woman’s worth by her career success. Yet, as the months wore on, I came to realise that my work at home was in no way less significant than my work in the office; it was simply a different kind of work which required its own set of skills and sacrifices.
I began to realise that this break was not a setback; it was a transformative journey which have helped me to reshape my understanding of purpose, impact, and personal fulfillment.
Motherhood has helped me to be more patient, more adaptable, and more empathetic. It taught me to manage my time more effectively and make decisions based on the needs of another human being. Many of the skills I developed as a mother like multitasking, managing crises, and making decisions under pressure are transferable to any career. I began to see that my capacity for leadership has expanded in ways I never could have imagined.
The transition was not a loss of identity, but rather a redefinition of it. Motherhood expanded my professional identity, pushing me to redefine what “success” meant to me. It became less about climbing a corporate ladder or achieving awards and more about creating a life that balanced personal fulfillment with professional aspirations. I found that my definition of success now included my ability to nurture, my capacity for empathy, and my commitment to creating meaningful relationships; skills that are crucial in any career.
Another powerful aspect of this identity shift is the opportunity it provides to impact others in a new way. I have been drawn to share my experiences; whether it’s by writing, speaking, or joining groups that support other mothers. As I am going through the process of redefining myself, I want to help other women navigate similar transitions. My stories of reinvention, resilience, and redefining purpose are some of the most powerful forms of impact I can offer. I want to contribute to a broader cultural shift that celebrates the multiple dimensions of a woman’s life. We are no longer seen only as professionals or mothers; we are multifaceted individuals whose impact is shaped by both our personal and professional journeys. By sharing my story, I want to inspire others to find their own voice and redefine their path.
To my fellow postpartum mothers, I want to remind you of something so important that you are not lagging behind. In fact, you are in the midle of creating one of the most profound impacts that exists or one that’s often overlooked. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison like me when we see women celebrated for their professional success, their titles, and the visible marks they make in the world. But let’s pause and reflect that our impact is just as valuable, even if it doesn’t come with a paycheck.
Motherhood is a leadership role of its own. Every day, you’re teaching patience, empathy, and confidence to your child and these are the qualities that any leader in a corporate office would value. So, the next time you hear the phrase “woman of impact,” I hope you see yourself in it. You’ve made a conscious choice to pause, to invest in the next generation, and to create an environment where love and growth thrive. The leadership qualities you’re instilling in your child are just as important as any boardroom negotiation, and they will serve your child in every aspect of their life.
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