Mums in Tech ft. Pooja Khairnar

As part of MotherBoard’s ‘Mums in Tech’ series, they caught up with Pooja Khairnar, Transformation Manager at BT Group.

The purpose of the ‘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 & data teams for women.

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

Hi, I’m Pooja—a proud mum of two and currently working as a Transformation Manager at BT Group. I’ve spent over 13 years in the IT industry, growing from a software developer into leadership roles spanning project, program, and portfolio management. Today, I lead major transformation efforts that focus on embedding Agile ways of working and improving how we deliver technology at scale—ensuring we stay aligned with customer needs, deliver value faster, and make smart, strategic use of our resources.

A big part of my role involves working with diverse teams across the business—guiding tech delivery, tracking outcomes against effort, and supporting stakeholder engagement at senior levels. I’m also deeply involved in initiatives that promote continuous learning and cultural change. I co-created a learning platform with our Agile coaches and learning team, helped launch Agile Fest, and actively support our growing Agile community at BT—all of which help foster collaboration, upskilling, and innovation.

In 2024, I was honoured to receive a Women in Tech 100 award, a proud moment that I shared with my children to show them what’s possible with passion, perseverance, and hard work. As a working mum in tech, I know the challenges—but I also know the immense value of representation and resilience. I’m passionate about creating space for others—especially women and parents—to thrive in this industry.

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

Being a working mum in tech is a challenging yet rewarding journey of continuous learning, where resilience becomes your greatest strength.

“Being a working mum in tech is a challenging yet rewarding journey of continuous learning, where resilience becomes your greatest strength.”

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

Balancing a demanding career in tech with motherhood is not easy—it’s a continuous learning journey that requires a lot of planning, resilience, and heart. I approach home life with the same structure and intention I apply at work, keeping everything from school events to activities organised in my calendar so I can stay present for what matters most.

While I have a very supportive husband who’s been a steady source of encouragement, I take pride in actively managing both worlds. Quality time with my children is non-negotiable—we prioritise meaningful moments, whether that’s daily routines, school involvement, or family holidays that we believe create lasting experiences far beyond material things.

My career is incredibly important to me—not just for personal growth, but because I want my kids to see that being strong, independent, and passionate is something to be proud of. And in those tough moments when I’m stressed or exhausted, a hug from my kids resets everything. They are my world—and my career is a big part of the example I hope to set for them.

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

One of the biggest challenges has been keeping pace with the constant evolution of technology while also managing the responsibilities of home and motherhood. Tech moves fast, and staying current requires ongoing learning and adaptability—which isn’t always easy when you’re also juggling school runs, family schedules, and everything in between.

There are moments where it feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned to be intentional with my time, lean into continuous learning, and prioritise what matters most in each moment. It’s not always perfect, but I’m proud of the way I keep showing up—for my career, for my kids, and for myself.

“Motherhood has also taught me the value of self-care. I’ve started focusing on my health more intentionally, because I’ve learned that to show up fully at work and at home, I need to take care of myself first.”

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

Motherhood has been one of the most transformative learning experiences of my life—and it’s made me a better professional in many ways. One of the biggest changes is how much more organised and efficient I’ve become. Managing school events, trips, birthday parties, and daily routines requires a high level of planning, which naturally translates into my work—whether it’s coordinating complex projects or staying on top of stakeholder commitments.

I’ve also developed stronger emotional intelligence and empathy. Supporting my kids through challenges has taught me to listen more deeply, be more patient, and lead with compassion—skills that are invaluable when working with diverse teams or navigating high-pressure environments.

Time management has become sharper than ever—I’ve learned to make the most of the hours I have, prioritise ruthlessly, and remain focused even when things feel chaotic. I’ve become more resilient too; when you’re balancing the emotional needs of children with the demands of a tech career, you build a strong ability to stay calm under pressure and bounce back quickly.

Motherhood has also taught me the value of self-care. I’ve started focusing on my health more intentionally, because I’ve learned that to show up fully at work and at home, I need to take care of myself first. And finally, being a mum keeps me grounded—it reminds me what truly matters, and that clarity helps me make better, values-driven decisions in both my career and life.

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

One of the hardest parts of returning to work was dealing with the emotional pressure and guilt of leaving my child with a childminder or at nursery. It’s a heavy feeling—constantly wondering if they’re okay while trying to focus on your job and re-establish yourself professionally.

What would have helped me most during that time was flexible, remote working. Just knowing I could be nearby in case of an emergency, or quickly step out for a nursery pickup, would have provided enormous peace of mind. Flexibility isn’t just about convenience—it’s about emotional wellbeing, and it can make all the difference during those early transition months.

Having gone through that experience myself, I’m now mindful of how I support others returning to work. I try to check in with team members who are new parents, advocate for flexible work arrangements, and ensure they feel safe being honest about their needs. I believe it’s not just about policies—it’s about creating a culture of trust,

empathy,and support, where working parents can thrive without having to choose between their families and their careers.

“Ultimately, employers need to recognise that working mothers have unique needs, and offering flexibility, understanding, and practical support isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision that benefits everyone.”

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

I believe the needs of working mothers can vary greatly depending on their individual circumstances and the support systems they have in place. For me personally, having access to a childcare facility near the office would have been a game-changer. Just being able to visit my child for 10-15 minutes during the day would have eased the emotional burden of leaving them at nursery for long hours. It’s not just about the logistics; it’s about feeling connected to your child while managing the demands of work.

Employers should make childcare support a priority—whether that’s offering on-site childcare, providing subsidies for external care, or creating flexible working arrangements that allow mothers to balance work and family more easily. Additionally, offering the option to work from home when needed, especially for new mothers or during times when childcare is unavailable, can make a huge difference in reducing stress and increasing productivity.

Ultimately, employers need to recognise that working mothers have unique needs, and offering flexibility, understanding, and practical support isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision that benefits everyone. When mothers feel supported, they’re more engaged, more loyal, and better able to contribute their full potential at work.

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

Balancing motherhood with a career in tech is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My best advice is to keep pushing yourself, even when it feels difficult. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of separating emotions from practicality. It’s essential to stay focused on your goals while also embracing the emotional side of being a mum—there’s no perfect balance but finding a way to manage both is crucial.

Our children learn so much from us, and seeing their mother work hard, be independent, and achieve her goals is a powerful lesson. I remember the excitement and pride in my daughter’s eyes when I received my Women in Tech 100 award. Moments like that fuel my motivation to keep pushing forward and to always give my best in every situation.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Don’t hesitate to ask your line manager or employer for help or accommodations. It’s a tough journey, but resilience and determination will carry you through. Finally, I’ve found that connecting with other mums—whether through formal support groups or informal conversations—can provide a great sense of solidarity and encouragement. Sharing experiences and advice with others in the same boat can make a world of difference.

Keep believing in yourself, stay true to your goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. You’re doing amazing, and the industry needs your perspective!

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