Mums in Tech ft. Ashleigh Fisher

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Ashleigh Fisher, Senior Solutions Lead at ASOS.

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

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

I’m a Senior Solutions Lead at ASOS or as my Son would describe it, “Mummy works in computers.” I lead the Tech delivery for 3 product development teams: PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), Supplier Systems, and Sustainability – all areas that support the Product Lifecycle and ASOS’s Fashion With Integrity strategy.

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

Exhausting, exhilarating, engaging – a bit like ‘Whack-a-mole’.

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

Let’s be honest “balance” is a bit of a myth, as there are not enough hours in the day to work through the motherhood “backlog” in a prioritised fashion whilst maintaining a successful career, let alone in a perfectly balanced way! But as my Son has grown-up and I’ve become more confident as a Mum, it’s started to feel a less chaotic. Staying super organised is my not-so-secret weapon, so yes I do have a Kanban board on my fridge!

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

Coming back from maternity leave during COVID to a brand-new remote team was tough. I knew I had grown in so many ways, but I felt quite disconnected, so over time I started to purposely challenge myself to create the opportunities to be visible and this helped grow my confidence and career.

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

Multitasking, of course — but also knowing when not to multitask because some things (and people!) need your full attention.

I’ve also learned how to prioritise what really matters. Motherhood has taught me to work with my “why” , it gives everything more meaning, but it also helps you realise that your job is important but it’s not everything. That’s a powerful perspective to have, especially in tech where the pace never lets up.

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

A maternity buddy scheme would have made a difference, just having someone to talk to who wasn’t my boss or HR. I ended up creating a buddy scheme myself later on, to help others feel more supported. Outside of work, I volunteer for APNI, a postnatal illness charity that provides resources to help mums and there are lots of others, this would be helpful for those who need extra support, especially during the transition back to work.

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

Really understanding what ‘flexible working’ means. Lots of companies say they’re flexible, but you still feel guilty for leaving early for school pick-up. It’s not just about offering flexibility on paper — it’s about creating a culture where that flexibility is respected and normalised.

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

Working in Tech and being a Mum can both be really fast paced. Slow down where you can (I wish I could take my own advice here), it’s hard to switch off and be fully present at home but your kids will thank you for it. You’re not alone and you’re almost certainly doing better than you think!

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