Mums in Tech feat. Clare Young

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Clare Young , Delivery Director at dxw.

The purpose of the ‘MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, 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?

I am a director at dxw, a leading employee owned digital agency. We work with public sector clients including the Department for Education, Ministry of Justice, the British Library and Mind to help them to design and build better services for their users and to help them make good decisions about data and technology.

I am also a mum and my daughter is nearly 2 years old.

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

It’s ever changing and takes some getting used to. I like to plan and whilst being organised helps there are a lot of unexpected things that crop up that require more planning than before I was a mum. My working hours have tighter boundaries, I can’t travel with no notice and I have to prioritise clearly. It feels like The Plan is changing constantly.

“I have to be strict with my working hours and mark this clearly in my diary. I also mark things like “nursery pick up” so that people can see what I am doing. I don’t want to hide the fact I am a parent.”

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

I have to be strict with my working hours and mark this clearly in my diary. I also mark things like “nursery pick up” so that people can see what I am doing. I don’t want to hide the fact I am a parent. I spend some time working in the office and some time working at home, which means I gain a few extra hours of commuting time back without missing out completely on seeing colleagues in person. And importantly, I ask for help and plan my week in collaboration with my partner.

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

I find it hard to find time to do the “extra” things alongside my day job such as attending events, networking and writing. These feel important for professional development and staying relevant. I was recently asked to do a talk at an event and said yes enthusiastically but then found it really hard to make time to prepare and practise my talk and it became very stressful. Before becoming a parent I’d use my evenings or weekends to prepare but I have much less free time now to play with.

“I find it hard to find time to do the “extra” things alongside my day job such as attending events, networking and writing. These feel important for professional development and staying relevant.”

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

I think I’m better at letting go and adapting to change quickly now than before I became a parent. Becoming a mum has made me more decisive and at times I feel very efficient (because I have to be).

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

My mentor (via Mentor Mums) was brilliant.

“I know lots of working parents who doubt themselves unnecessarily though and I would like to see employers debunking that. ”

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

Making sure they feel valued by offering praise and feedback. I think for many working mothers work is a great opportunity to flex their skills and regain their identity away from their children so do not underestimate them. I know lots of working parents who doubt themselves unnecessarily though and I would like to see employers debunking that.

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

You can choose how much you want to tell people about your family. You don’t have to mention it all, or you can tell people straight away.

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