Mums in Tech ft. Rhian Higgins

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

I’m Rhian Higgins, a first-time mum to an almost two-year-old and a Creative & Digital Project Manager, currently working freelance and contract roles under my company name, RJH Project Management.

I’ve spent over eight years delivering creative and digital projects across a range of industries, from bespoke software builds to content-led digital programmes, and I’ve always loved the pace, variety and problem-solving that comes with the work.

While pregnant, I completed both my APM PMQ and Level 4 Associate Project Management qualification (including sitting my PMQ exam in my third trimester — which, as any parent knows, felt like an achievement in itself!). I wanted to return to work feeling confident, capable, and ready for the next chapter.

More recently, I’ve been working on a longer-term contract with a great team, and it’s reinforced just how much difference the right working environment can make for working parents.

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 means constantly finding creative ways to make things work, we’re natural problem-solvers, multitaskers and master prioritizers, which are all invaluable in this industry.

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

I’ll be honest, I underestimated how much my career would shift after becoming a mum. The balance is real, and at times it can feel like juggling two full-time jobs.

It took some reflection to work out what truly worked for me, which meant moving to a compressed four-day week. Having that flexibility has allowed me to work with brilliant people in an async setup and still deliver real impact, while also spending precious one-on-one time with my son while he’s little.

Having strong support at home has helped hugely too. Being able to share the load with my partner and work around each other when it comes to childcare makes the balance feel far more achievable and sustainable.

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

The biggest challenge has been navigating how work and childcare fit together, something I’ve since realised is a challenge many parents face across the industry, rather than something unique to one role or workplace.

When I returned to work after maternity leave, I was surprised by how complex that transition could be. I was fortunate to work with supportive people, but even with goodwill on all sides, the structures themselves don’t always make flexibility easy.

It took a mindset shift to realise this wasn’t a reflection of my ability or commitment, but part of a much wider, societal challenge around how work and childcare intersect. Exploring different ways of working ultimately allowed me to regain balance, rebuild confidence, and continue doing work I love.

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

So many of the skills I’ve developed as a parent translate perfectly into project management:

• Prioritising what really matters (and letting go of the rest)
• Staying calm when everything feels chaotic
• Communicating clearly and with empathy
• Adapting fast when plans change, because they always do!

And honestly, after managing a toddler, I feel ready for any stakeholder challenge that comes my way. Tough negotiator. Unpredictable moods. Zero respect for timelines. A true test of patience and diplomacy!

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

Having a community of working parents to share experiences and advice with would have made such a difference. It can feel lonely trying to navigate that transition on your own, so finding online spaces like MotherBoard was a huge help. It gave me perspective, confidence, and a sense that I wasn’t the only one figuring out how to make both sides of life work.

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

A well-structured return-to-work plan, similar to an onboarding process, can make a huge difference. It helps rebuild confidence and gives returning parents the support they need to hit the ground running.

Small touches of empathy and flexibility go a long way too. The first few years of motherhood are a huge life adjustment, and a bit of understanding from employers can make all the difference in helping working parents thrive.

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

You’re still just as valuable, if not more so, than before. Parenthood doesn’t diminish your skills; it sharpens them. Know your worth, set your boundaries, and remember you can still do everything they can do… just on three hours of sleep and while fending off nursery bugs!