Maternal Ingenuity: How Moms Drive Progressive Innovation

Our world thrives on innovation and change. The arena of innovation is so often attributed to men, and for all the men out there, we celebrate you for the progressive advancements in technology, medicine, business, etc. that you have achieved.

But you know me. I am also eager to champion Moms; the often-overlooked wellspring of progressive potential that has been quietly honed through one of life's most demanding roles - motherhood.?

You might have heard me say this before 'Motherhood is a boot-camp in future leadership and business success' which - started as a gut feeling - was prove through a dedicated two year research which will soon be published (Wisdom Hub.)

We have all learnt a lot from the pandemic. The one which stood out most was, that COVID was an accelerator for change and progress. We know now, more than ever that innovation in business should not be limited to the role of a CIO or other innovation positions and departments. Today progress should be part of every position in a company especially in leadership roles.

Innovation is more than a Scrum or Design Thinking process. It’s a mindset that?requires systemic thinking to manage complex dynamics, empathy to understand each member's unique perspective and needs, foresight to prepare for future challenges, and the ability to take decisive action in the face of uncertainty. These qualities, intrinsic to motherhood, serve as a solid foundation?to create innovative solutions, as leaders, on a consistent basis.?

But there is more to innovation. The drive for sustainable progress!

Explore here how moms possess the qualities essential for sustainable innovation. As always, I like to spice it up with real-life examples and reiterate why integrating mothers into leadership positions is pivotal shift for a brighter future for society.

The Power of Maternal Leadership in Fostering Innovation for Generations to come

Innovation is the engine that propels societies and industries forward. Thriving on diverse perspectives, collaborative efforts, and the ability to anticipate and adapt to change. All of these are abilities that moms have to practice every day!

As the world becomes more interconnected, complex, and fast-paced, maternal leadership qualities such as systemic thinking, empathy, foresight, regenerative action, and collaboration are increasingly essential and also play into creating a culture of innovation.

These qualities not only enhance the innovation process but also contribute to creating ethical, sustainable, and people-centric solutions to global challenges. This is a direction we must head with urgency in order to secure a positive future for generations to come.?

By conducting essential research into the parallels between motherhood and leadership, we recognize that mothers foster a supportive environment that harnesses the innate strengths of maternal leaders. momslead.org

Mothers, not just at home, should be a big part?of shaping a future where innovation is not only about technological advancement but also about positive change and holistic progress.

Besides our research, many scientist found, being a mom does more than just change our bodies, it maximizes our brain power - read further for all details.

The 5 Top Skills of Maternal Advantage in Innovation

Innovation is fueled by diverse perspectives, unique insights, and a holistic approach to problem-solving. Moms, by nature of their experience, exhibit a remarkable set of qualities that align seamlessly with the demands of the innovation field.?

Here are 5 reasons why moms are, in fact, natural innovators:

• Systemic Thinking:?Motherhood requires a multifaceted understanding of complex systems. From managing daily schedules to anticipating the needs of each family member, moms develop a keen ability to navigate intricate networks. This systemic thinking translates seamlessly to the business landscape, enabling moms to identify interconnected opportunities and challenges.
• Empathy:?Understanding and catering to the emotions and needs of family members is a hallmark of motherhood. This finely-tuned empathy extends beyond the home, fostering better communication and understanding within teams. Empathetic leaders create environments where team members feel heard, safe, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. Increasing productivity, and happiness in the workplace and advancing innovative new approaches to problems, solutions and ideas.
• Foresight:?Mothers are skilled at predicting potential issues and planning ahead to mitigate them. Whether it's foreseeing a child's developmental needs or anticipating household logistics, this foresight is a valuable asset in a dynamic business world where risk assessment and strategic planning are crucial. Mothers adopt an innate curiosity for trends and new developments.
• Focused Agile Action:?Moms are experts at turning plans into action. Juggling multiple responsibilities, we become adept at efficient time management and ensuring tasks are completed promptly. This trait translates into a drive for tangible results, propelling projects forward in the corporate sphere. Many agile frameworks support an individual approach, but moms get things done collectively and one sprint at a time. Whilst still holding up the larger target to adjust and re-evaluate when needed.
• Collaboration:?The ability to foster collaboration is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Mothers, as natural coordinators and negotiators within their families, bring this talent into professional settings, creating cohesive teams that work harmoniously towards a shared vision. Open Space Technology existed in a mother’s life long before this framework existed!

Top Examples for Maternal Innovation & Leadership

For our first example of a mother utilizing her maternal instincts, skills and leadership qualities to create innovative solutions to problems, ideas and actionable results we are delving into the inspiring story of @Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox.

Ursula Burns, a trailblazer in the business world, exemplifies the fusion of maternal wisdom and tech leadership. As the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Burns' journey to the helm of Xerox is a testament to her visionary leadership skills.?

Drawing inspiration from her experiences as a mother, Burns approached leadership with a blend of compassion and determination, reshaping Xerox's trajectory.

In her role as CEO, Burns spearheaded Xerox's transformation from a traditional copier company to a diversified tech innovator. Her systemic thinking, cultivated through her role as a mother, enabled her to identify connections and opportunities others might miss.?

Her empathy-driven leadership style led to the development of a more inclusive company culture, where diversity was valued and innovation flourished.

Burns' foresight, a skill sharpened by years of anticipating her family's needs, translated into strategic decisions that revitalized Xerox's business model. Her actions were deliberate and results-focused, as she guided the company to explore new avenues while upholding its core values.

A Vision of more Girls in Tech

Another example of an amazing mother and leader, I want to highlight the inspirational story of Reshma Saujani. Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, demonstrates the fusion of maternal instincts with technological innovation.

Reshma Saujani, is a shining example of how maternal leadership can drive innovation, particularly in the technology sector. Saujani recognized the gender disparity in tech fields and the crucial need for diversity in driving innovation. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother, she embarked on a mission to close the gender gap in technology.

Her maternal empathy & and foresight led her to create Girls Who Code, an organization that empowers and educates young girls in computer science. Saujani's systemic thinking enabled her to design programs that fostered collaboration, while her foresight helped her envision a future where more women play pivotal roles in shaping technology.

Saujani's actions were fueled by a commitment to providing opportunities for girls who were often underrepresented in the tech world. Her leadership resonated with empathy and the desire to create positive change. Through her initiative, Saujani has not only impacted individual lives but has also influenced the tech industry's mindset, promoting a more inclusive and innovative future.

The Numbers call for action!

According to data on The STEM Gap: Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics AAUW has discovered that “Girls and women are systematically tracked away from science and math throughout their education, limiting their access, preparation and opportunities to go into these fields as adults.

Women make up only?28%?of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid?jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.”

It's time for change. Don't you think?

Now I don’t know about you, but I feel the urge of change and in the same time SO inspired! Let's mention a few more mothers and innovators such as?Marie Curie, @Hedy Lamarr?(Wifi),??@Indra Nooyi ?(Pepsi),?Jessica O. Matthews (renewable energy),??@Linda Avey and @Anne Wojcicki (23andme).

Who do you have in mind?

Leaders who Dare & Care are needed for our Ever-Evolving Landscape of Business and Social Turmoil.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, we can all hear the clarion call for leadership that transcends conventional boundaries and embraces the values of innovation (diversity, empathy, and foresight.)?

Yet progress for the sake of innovative potential or to just create convenient solutions will not yield good results long term. An innovative mindset with future generations in mind is the key to accelerating positive & necessary change that not just business but our society needs.?

By reflecting on the remarkable qualities that moms bring to the table, it becomes evident that maternal leadership is not only a unique asset for innovation but a necessary one for shaping the future for next generations.

The journey of motherhood is, in essence, a boot camp in innovation and leadership, equipping moms with an extraordinary toolkit of skills. From the moment they navigate sleepless nights and juggle responsibilities to the times they anticipate their children's needs and foster harmonious environments at home, moms are already engineering a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape for progress.

As the world grapples with complex global challenges, from natural disasters to technological disruption, the influence of maternal leaders becomes ever more crucial. These leaders are not just equipped to navigate uncertainty but to pave new avenues of progress that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, regenerative innovation and holistic well-being - all abilities moms poses.

Curious for even more Reasons to bring Moms into Boardrooms?

Harnessing the innovation and leadership potential of mothers isn't just about acknowledging their skills; it's about reaping the benefits of a more diverse, creative, and resilient employee and leadership landscape - and social change!

The Wall Street Journal?reports, on a published study from the Netherlands, that found pregnancy markedly changed the brain of a woman for the better. According to the Journal’s summary:

“Women who became pregnant between the scanning sessions showed neural changes so distinct that a computer could distinguish between pregnant and nonpregnant women based on their brain scans alone. The heightened estrogen and progesterone hormones of pregnancy trimmed back some “grey matter”—the cell branches that connect neurons to each other—which has the effect of sharpening, not diminishing, mental capacities. The neural pathways that remain are streamlined and strengthened in the process.”

Check out this article and research: Smithsonian?magazine. The findings are clear, being a mom does more than just change our bodies, it maximizes our brain power too!

In order for us to capitalize on this extra brain power, alongside the exceptional qualities mothers gain with their specialist leadership training (motherhood) - we must focus on bringing positive change into the corporate system, enabling a work-life balance that supports both parents in the corporate world and at home.

Why have we still not seen an overall shift to a 6h/day or 4-day week for all? These initiatives have been successful in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, both areas with high evolution, personal satisfaction and innovative progress.

As the world grapples with complex challenges, companies win that aim to empower mothers to step into leadership roles.?

In closing, we stand at the threshold of a new era, where the ideals of maternal leadership are celebrated and integrated into every facet of society. The journey of motherhood, with its trials, tribulations, and triumphs, is proof?of the incredible capabilities of moms to lead, inspire, and innovate.?

MomsLead Change

As we look towards the future, we hope the profound impact of maternal leaders in steering the course of innovation, progress, and positive change will be recognized and the way of working will adjust to the needs of moms.

I am still deeply touched by every story, insight and role model I had the honor to meet by conducting over 50+ interviews exploring the landscape of a successful working mom. This Living Library (our Wisdom Hub ) will inspire many and champions the incredible mothers who showcase their impactful work in business, economy and the wider society.

Who should I interview next?

In addition, I also wanted to highlight an incredible interview in our Wisdom Hub with Michael Nuesser, father and professional at Vodafone exploring the parallels of Moms and working agile. Michael also wrote in his blog about this on several occasions.

The next open course, of our signature program ‘Inner Leadership Compass’ based on the framework of Oxford Leadership SML (Self-Managing Leadership) will be in November in Vienna. Sign-up?here.

Only collectively we can change the way we work and live!

Like to pick my brain?

Love to explore how we can translated this wisdom into solutions for moms in your company to step up their game and to adjust the way we work to the needs of moms, so they can bring in their brilliance and still not neglect their families.?

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