Mums in Tech ft. Beth Ward

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, Motherboard caught up with Beth Ward, IT Business Relationship Manager at Canal & River Trust.

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 Beth Ward and I’m IT Business Relationship Manager at the Canal & River Trust, the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales.

In my current role, I support colleagues and volunteers at all levels across the Trust to get the most out of technology in order to help them achieve their strategic goals.

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

Your brain is always on – switching from the latest technology challenge or problem solving task, to the life admin and constant juggling associated with bringing up children.

“As my job is a massive part of who I am, it’s important for my self-esteem and my confidence that I continue to achieve what I want in my career.”

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

As a single mum of two under 6, it’s really important that I’m available to my children when they need me, and that we spend quality time together, however, I need to balance that with the need to earn enough to provide us with the lifestyle that we want. As such, I work full time, but my organisation is really flexible and allows me to work the hours that suit us, provided I get the work done. In addition, as my job is a massive part of who I am, it’s important for my self-esteem and my confidence that I continue to achieve what I want in my career. You don’t suddenly lose your ambition when you become a parent – your priorities may shift but you are still you! I also think it’s important that my children see me as not just their mum and that I’m a role model for them for the future. Weekends and holidays are always important for adventures and making memories as a family.

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

Remaining up to date with new technologies is the most challenging aspect of my role. When I had my most recent parental leave AI was just exploding into the workplace, so getting up to speed on that was my first priority when I returned (it’s still a work in progress as things move so fast!). In addition, I’m more constrained in what travelling I can do, but I do still try and connect with colleagues face to face when possible as it’s important to help maintain relationships (but the technology helps massively when I can’t be face to face).

“I had a mentor via the Reed Women in Technology Mentoring programme when I returned to work after my first child. It was an invaluable relationship which helped me through that huge life change…”

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

Being a mum has increased my conflict resolution and negotiation skills (even if trying to reach a logical conclusion with a 5 year old isn’t always possible!), and improved my ability to empathise with others.

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

I had a mentor via the Reed Women in Technology Mentoring programme when I returned to work after my first child. It was an invaluable relationship which helped me through that huge life change and allowed me to thrive in both work and parenting.

“Watch out for burnout and ask for help when you need it! It’s so easy to try and be perfect at both work and parenting, sometimes ‘good enough’ is all you need to be.”

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

Allowing flexibility in a role and providing opportunities for support within their organisation (i.e. employee networks) helps working mothers, and carers generally, to balance all that they need to with being productive at work.

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

Watch out for burnout and ask for help when you need it! It’s so easy to try and be perfect at both work and parenting, sometimes ‘good enough’ is all you need to be. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – from colleagues, friends, families, neighbours. Usually they are all more than willing to help if you just have the courage to ask – and sometimes it’s the practical stuff, like popping to the shops rather than a big ask like babysitting, that just lightens the mental load.

MotherBoard is powered by ADLIB.

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