Mums in Tech ft. Tessa Hebditch

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Tessa Hebditch, CEO/Founder at Chickp. — Global Finance Transformation Partners.

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?

Hi, I’m Tessa Hebditch. I’m the founder of Chickp., where we’re on a mission to disrupt the corporate world for good by transforming finance in a way that actually puts people first. My career has taken me through large corporates and SMEs, but what really drives me is building healthier, more inclusive environments where all can thrive. I’m also a mum, so I know first-hand how important it is to design work that works for people, not against them.

At Chickp., I lead on developing and delivering our proven process for finance transformation sure we always balance efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability with the wellbeing of the teams we support. I spend a lot of time shaping our client programmes, creating frameworks like our Close in 5 Accelerator and Exit-Ready Finance Lab, and bringing bold new ideas into play so CFOs can hit their targets without burning out their teams. Day-to-day, that means blending strategy, people-first leadership, and a bit of challenger spirit to show that finance transformation doesn’t have to come at the cost of people or planet.

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 like running two start-ups at once with both being unpredictable, relentless, and wildly rewarding.

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

I don’t. Balance is not possible. I constantly feel like I’m falling short. I can’t be the best at work or at home because the demands are relentless and they often pull in completely opposite directions. The guilt never really goes away. I’m learning to reframe it. Instead of chasing some perfect version of “balance,” I focus on being present in whichever role I’m in at that moment. Some days I smash it at work and bedtime’s chaos. Other days I leave emails unanswered but get extra cuddles in. Neither is perfect, but both matter to me.

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

My greatest challenge was when my son was seriously ill in hospital, and I still showed up. I literally joined calls from his bedside while he was on oxygen. I kept on top of all the work, but the client still let me go. That’s the brutal reality for many mums in tech. I find it worse as a contractor because I’m disposable. Companies also still cling to the idea that one person has to be “full-time, five days a week” to deliver value. It taught me that the issue isn’t mothers not working hard enough. It’s systems and mindsets that refuse to adapt.

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

Motherhood has taught me to lead with empathy and set boundaries. It’s also given me perspective. I care even more deeply about building workplaces where people are treated as humans first, not just resources.

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

I went back after 7 weeks because when you run your own company, there’s no safety net. What helped me was my cleaner stepping in as a nanny so I could still be at home and breastfeed while getting back to work. What hurt was that I couldn’t put those expenses through the business. What could be more wholly, necessary, and exclusively required for business purposes than childcare that makes it possible to actually do your job? It showed me just how far the system still has to go in supporting working mums.

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

The top priority has to be flexibility. Part-time options, genuinely flexible working, and the trust to let mums get the job done without being chained to a desk. Beyond that, support for mental health is huge. Therapy, coaching or someone to talk to when the juggle feels impossible. The little things matter too. Trying to create moments that make mums feel valued instead of invisible. At Chickp., we’ve built all the above principles into how we work, because we know that when mothers feel supported everyone wins.

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

Stop apologising for being a mum. The skills you’ve gained make you a stronger leader than most boardrooms are ready for.

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