Momming and a Mic Drop

I had a profound #workingmom moment recently, so with #mothersday right around the corner, this is #momspiration for all of you working parents out there.

For the past couple of months, I’ve been preparing for an exciting keynote presentation (#inperson) to @Lockton at their 2022 Lockton Employee Benefits Symposium in Denver, CO. This was an exciting opportunity for me to present in actual person, since the pandemic has demoted most conferences to virtual over the past two years.

So to gear up for a big crowd and recommence my public speaking prowess, I have been diligently crafting my delivery of the #cultureconsulting content... practicing my presentation out loud, and mentally evaluating the perfect stage wardrobe- because for young professional women, sometimes #yourpersonalbrand is half the battle.

Okay so it was finally show time! ?And with all my preparation, what could go wrong?

Well.. I’m embarrassed to say, that I showed up to the venue exactly 24 hours early. Yep. With all my anticipation and eustress (positive anxiety), I had dressed in my perfectly pressed cobalt paper bag pants, stage makeup and shiny new heels, only to arrive an entire day early. Just, wow.

Naturally, I was shocked at my mixup, and moreover, really embarrassed. I mean, who the heck does that- mess up a huge date for a major professional moment like this?

So, feeling upset and a little shocked, I went home, hung up my clothes, and confessed the mixup with my kids and husband.?They helped me laugh about it, and feel #grateful that I got the day early, not late. #Ammiright?! #Whew

But let me continue to the BEST part of this story.

The next morning, it truly felt like #groundhogday.?I repeated my ritual to get pumped for the presentation, blasting a strategic song choice, Lizzo’s “About Damn Time.” So fully dressed with speaking notes in hand, I go to grab my work bag and witnessed the most remarkable, generous thing.

Scattered on my keyboard, were lime green #postitnotes. And with careful studying, handwritten in pencil, were positive affirmations from my daughter (she’s 11): “you can do this,” “you’re awesome and amazing,” “mic drop,” “it’s going to be a piece of cake,” and “have fun!”

Melt. My. Heart.?

What a gift. ?With tears, we took a selfie before I again, hit the road to the event.

Obviously, NOTHING, absolutely nothing could go wrong, with a day started with such pure love and confidence.

So, with all the preparation I could have given, and now, the incredibly inspiring pep notes, I hit the road, blasting Lizzo’s adrenaline pumping beats.?Happily, I can report that the keynote delivery was a success.?I felt relaxed, excited and grateful to encourage organizations to be intentional about designing a positive work culture.?#micdrop!

All of this said…?While I had planned on writing an article about organizational culture, clearly, the soul of this article has taken a different path to celebrate the reality, mess and delight of being a #workingmom.?

And, in case I’ve fooled anyone, I’m here to divulge that juggling life as both a #parent and a #girlboss is perpetually chaotic, despite my daily attempt to present a cool & collected, organized demeanor. ?

And yes, I am still bothered by my mixup. It is an unswerving reminder to slow down, and double check the details. In reflection.. I’m not going to beat myself up or conceal the mistake, in fear of seeming like a #spacecadet.?I am deciding to share my work blunder with pride. I want to say that #momming is hard, and all the while rewarding. I hope this story helps you all revel in your own imperfections.?And in the wise words of my daughter.. you’ve got this.?Have fun. And yes, you ARE awesome and amazing.

?Have a perfectly imperfect Mothers Day.

Jenny ???

?I write with admiration for the hard working women in my family who worked and #mommedsohard throughout my entire life, to inspire me to be who I am today. With gratitude to the partners and husbands who scaffold us along the journey.