Lindsey DiGiorgio’s Post

As any mother or caregiver knows, the dedication, patience, and problem-solving skills learned in parenthood equip moms with invaluable assets in any workplace setting. This #MothersDay, McCormick and our Women's International Network (WIN) Employee Ambassador Group are excited to celebrate the remarkable mothers who effortlessly blend their rewarding roles as caretakers and professionals. To kick off the Mother's Day celebration, we asked employees to answer one of two questions: 1. What lessons have you learned from parenting that you've found applicable or beneficial in navigating challenges or leading teams at work? 2. Can you share examples of skills or wisdom passed down by your mom that you've found particularly valuable in your career? Click here to read their heartwarming answers: https://ow.ly/Nvp450RCec6 Happy Mother's Day!

On my LinkedIn feed, on my Zoom screen, and in my community, I see mamas rising, uplifting causes, and amplifying voices and stories. Stepping up, speaking out, and driving change. Each and every one of them, driven by her own motherhood and career challenges, is leaning on her unique skills, opportunities, and strengths to shine a light on issues that matter deeply to her, issues that are personal, pivotal, and purposeful, shaping the conversation around working mothers. I see Cristina Sanchez striving to close the hiring and pay gaps for mothers. I see Julie Nguyen creating safe spaces for mothers and allies to connect and grow. I see Lubna Forzley, MA, PCC, guiding mothers to discover their “why” through their stories. And I see Mera Horani championing a new vision of work-life integration for new moms. These are just a few of the incredible mamas I see and the amazing work they are doing. And still, there is so much work to be done, so many voices to rise, and so many stories to be told… Because every story matters. And you? Who do you see? On your LinkedIn feed, on your Zoom screen, and in your community? PS: Thank you, Sahar Salim Kazi, for the awesome video edit! #whatsyourstory #mothersrising #womenleadwhenmotherslead #mothersinleadership __________ I initiate conversations that matter. On mothers. On leadership. On inclusion.

I don't like Mothers Day celebrations. Here's why celebrations fill me with dread: Firstly, I love celebrating Mothers Day with my family, and any other occassion that recognises significant people in our lives. When I was a kid, filling out a family tree was a popular activity. But I never knew how to fill out half of mine. Every time there was a Fathers Day event at school, I had to figure out how to both manage my pain and tell other people why I didn't have a Dad. My kids have 2 Mums. And I love celebrating Mothers Day with my family. We get to celebrate each other and our own wonderful Mums. Fathers Day is the same for us, we celebrate in our own way with the special males in our life. But events are hard for minority groups. Perhaps not all minorities feel the same. When we are asked to celebrate a group of people that they don’t necessarily identify with, it can be tough. For parents and for children. How we approach these special days needs sensitivity as well as a broad and unique understanding that not every family fits the traditional mold and not every parent or child knows how to reconcile or explain that. I am all for celebration, in our own way. Happy Mothers Day to all the mums, stepmums, grandmothers, aunts, and all the incredible women who step into parenting roles, showing love and guidance for the special people in our World. Feel free to leave any comments or perspective in the comments below, would love your thoughts! Am I PC gone mad? #HappyMothersDay #diversity #DEI #HR #leadership #growth #HRtech #recruitment #talentacquisition #humancentred #humanled

Good afternoon, colleagues and friends, In the reflective quiet of the day after Mother's Day, as we transition back from family celebrations to our professional roles, I find myself contemplating the essence and impact of this special day. Beyond the flowers and cards, Mother's Day offers a moment to acknowledge the multifaceted contributions of women in our lives and society. It's a day that recognises not only the personal and emotional labour of mothers but also their professional achievements and sacrifices. As the bouquets begin to wilt and the memories of breakfasts in bed fade, I ponder: do these gestures adequately encapsulate the gratitude we owe to the mothers among us? How did you feel waking up post Mother's Day? Did the day leave you feeling truly appreciated and seen, both in your personal and professional capacities? Let's open up a dialogue about the real experiences of mothers in our professional network. Are there gestures that deeply touched you, or perhaps reflections on how we, as a professional community, can better support and acknowledge the dual roles many women play? This conversation goes beyond just recognising the commercial and traditional aspects of Mother's Day. It's about understanding and appreciating the endless balance of professional and personal life that mothers navigate daily. I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions on how we can make appreciation for mothers a more integral part of our professional and personal lives. Together, we can explore ways to truly honour the role of mothers, not just on a designated day, but every day in our actions and attitudes. #EmpoweredWomen #MotherhoodAndCareer #BalanceInLife #MidlifeStrength #CelebrateMotherhood #WomenInLeadership #DualRoles #BeyondMotherhood #EmpowermentEveryday

What are the barriers to progress for black talent in business and the professions? This is new, insightful and thought-provoking from the Black Talent Charter. Please make time

I went for an interview today at an anonymous organization, however I was later turned down with the explanation that "the organization doesn't wish to waste their meaningful resources on me because as a new mother I wont be able to fulfill my work responsibility."  Society often places mothers in a narrow box, believing that once a woman becomes a mother, her entire identity should revolve solely around her child. While motherhood is an incredible, life-changing experience, the idea that a mother should sacrifice her professional ambitions or personal dreams is outdated. The truth is, a woman can love her child deeply while also feeling the pull to return to work. She can be both a nurturing mother and a passionate professional. It’s time to break the stereotype that a mother must choose between being dedicated to her family or having a fulfilling career—because she can absolutely do both. For many mothers, going back to work is about more than just earning an income. It’s about reclaiming a part of themselves, continuing their professional journey, and contributing to society in ways that inspire them. It’s about showing their children the value of hard work, passion, and determination. Being a mother doesn’t mean giving up who you were before. In fact, motherhood can enhance your skills—patience, multitasking, empathy, and resilience—qualities that make women even more effective in the workplace. And let’s not forget that the workplace benefits from the presence of strong, capable mothers who bring unique perspectives and life experiences. Let’s shift the narrative. A mother going back to work isn’t abandoning her family. She is balancing two important roles in her life—both of which can thrive side by side. Her decision to rejoin the workforce doesn’t lessen her love for her child; it enriches her sense of purpose, giving her the energy and fulfillment that, in turn, benefits her family. It’s time we support, uplift, and celebrate mothers who look forward to rejoining the workforce. They’re not just working mothers—they’re role models, leaders, and trailblazers, showing the world that motherhood and ambition can coexist beautifully.

Sign up now to our next event 'Parenting Perspectives: the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Parenthood' hosted by Bain & Company, Thursday 14th March. A key area of focus for businesses wishing to retain talent has, for many years, been the challenge of when staff become parents. The intersection between parenthood and race is less frequently discussed. We have partnered with Bain & Company for a discussion around the impact of parenthood through the lens of race and how this affects both women and men. A panel discussion will focus on cultural differences and expectations, shared parental leave, maternity, as well as stereotypes and assumptions. This will be followed by a networking opportunity. This event is for anyone with an interest in the topic including HR, line managers, Black professionals with parenting responsibilities, and those considering starting a family. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eEc7cCDf Can't attend in person? Register for the virtual link here:

🌸 Celebrating Mother's Day: Honoring the Backbone of Our Lives 🌸 Today, we pause to celebrate and honor the guiding lights in our lives – our mothers. To all the mothers out there, your love, sacrifice, and unwavering support shape the very fabric of our communities and workplaces. Your boundless strength, resilience, and compassion inspire us all. On this special day, let's take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the women who have played pivotal roles in our personal and professional journeys. Whether it's providing a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, or simply being a pillar of strength, mothers have an unparalleled ability to uplift and empower those around them. We also recognize the unique challenges that working mothers face as they strive to balance the demands of their careers and families. From managing deadlines to attending school events, working mothers juggle multiple responsibilities with grace and perseverance. The struggle to find that elusive work-life balance is real, yet they tackle each day with resilience and determination. As we celebrate Mother's Day, let's not only express our appreciation for the mothers in our lives but also strive to create workplaces that support and empower working mothers. By fostering an inclusive environment that values work-life balance and flexibility, we can ensure that mothers can thrive both personally and professionally. To all the amazing mothers out there, thank you for your endless love, wisdom, and guidance. Happy Mother's Day! 💐 #MothersDay #Gratitude #WorkingMothers #Empowerment #CiteHR #HR

Lately, I've been writing on some important topics like breastfeeding, postpartum depression, maternity deserts, and parental leave benefits. I've learned so much interviewing OB/GYNs, doulas, maternal health advocates, and moms in every stage of life. Moms, what are some important topics we should highlight next?!

Did you know? Women of color are more likely to experience 'othering' microaggressions at work. But for eldest daughters of color, this challenge often begins much earlier. From a young age, eldest daughters of color are often praised for maturity and responsibility, leading to: - Accelerated emotional growth - Potential isolation from peers - Taking on 'mom friend' roles or rebelling As the eldest daughter, have you heard: "I expect more from you because you're older; you should know better." "They're younger than you; let them sit there." "Your siblings look up to you; make better choices." These early roles teach us to shoulder invisible labor without recognition, which often transfers to the workplace. We unknowingly take on similar burdens at work, perpetuating the emotional labor we've been socialized to accept at home. This early conditioning creates a pattern of: - Caretaking for others while neglecting your wants & needs - Managing household responsibilities and forgoing childhood fun - Providing emotional support for family while neglecting your own - Setting an example for siblings and striving to be perfect - Meeting high parental expectations and feeling like a failure when you don't For us, it doesn't stop with our family; these deeply ingrained behaviors often translate into the professional world. Eldest daughters of color often: - Take on additional emotional labor at work by diffusing tensions between team members, even when it’s not part of our job, because we're seen as "mature" or "calm under pressure." - Provide excessive support to colleagues by being the go-to person for coworkers who need emotional support or reassurance, often being called on to listen and provide comfort during tough times. - Feel pressure to be a perfect role model by taking on additional unpaid labor, working late hours, and overworking - Struggle with unrealistic expectations by believing that we are supposed to be perfect and not make mistakes 👉🏾The result? We often don't recognize these burdens at work because they are so familiar. Eldest daughters of color are conditioned from childhood to prioritize others' needs, making the additional emotional labor at work feel like a natural extension of their role. Eldest daughters of color, if this resonated, what would you like to see shift or change personally and professionally? #WomenInTheWorkplace #EldestDaughterSyndrome #Microaggressions #WorkplaceCulture #DiversityAndInclusion