Mums in Tech feat. Sophie Bruce

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Sophie Bruce, Founder & CEO at MOLO.

The purpose of the ‘MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.

Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?

Hi I’m Sophie, Founder & CEO of MOLO- a tech start-up in the parenting app space. We’re disrupting the status quo of modern day parenting and helping parents manage the mental load in a smart & practical way.

If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?

Fast-paced. Tech is ever evolving and you have to be constantly learning, improving and iterating. No two days look the same and you can’t get complacent, which is why I love it!

“The juggle is REAL.”

How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?

The juggle is REAL. That’s why I built MOLO.  I found it bonkers that as professional mothers we’re using (and building) great technology all the time that makes our lives easier at work, but at home I was having to muddle my way through spreadsheets, post-its and WhatsApp notes.  We only have a certain amount of time to play with each day, and as an operational leader it pains me to see inefficiency and wasted time that negatively impacts our health, relationships & family life.

What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?

The mental load for sure. Juggling all the plates, all the time.  Trying to excel in all areas of life and often feeling like you’re failing in all of them (even though you’re not!)

“I’m 100% a better person, employee, manager, leader, strategist etc. now that I’m a mother.”

What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?

I’m 100% a better person, employee, manager, leader, strategist etc. now that I’m a mother. For me, it feels like a super power that I can lead with empathy and confidence and inspire those around me to work tirelessly towards achieving our shared vision.  Also, as the saying goes, “if you want something doing, give it to a busy person”- Mum’s are super busy, and therefore super productive, efficient and super-prioritisers. I honestly think we can achieve more in an hour sometimes than others can in a full day!

When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?

The phased return. I started with 2 days, then 3, 4 and gradually built up to 5. This allowed us time as a family to adjust to our new normal and put the systems & processes in place to support our family needs.

“If our employers can make an effort to truly be flexible, it’s a massive help.”

What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?

Flexibility.  Parenting is a ride… the best ride, but ups and downs for sure, and one that we can’t get off. If our employers can make an effort to truly be flexible, it’s a massive help. It also helps you keep your best people, so it’s a win, win! The amount of mothers leaving the workforce each year is staggering and we’ve got to do better to keep them (especially as the evidence tells us that female led businesses are higher performing).

Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?

Back yourself. Buckle up. Everything’s a phase. And of course, download MOLO at moloapp.io!

MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community & Event Series, driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry.

Interested in getting involved? Become a signatory today