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Mums in Tech – feat. Misty Wilson, Ed.D

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Misty Wilson, EdD, Head of Education & Customer Support at Immerse, Inc.

The purpose of this ‘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 mom to 5 kids, ages 7 to 18 and I have spent the last 20 years in the international education space. While the majority of my background has been in English language instruction and the higher education administration sector, I transitioned out of higher education 5 years ago in hopes of entering the tech space.

For the last two years, I have been at an EdTech startup building the world’s first live language classes in virtual reality. As Head of Education and Customer Support at Immerse, I oversee our language programs, customer support department, and collaborate closely with our product team to define and prioritize product features and enhancements.

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

Balancing motherhood and tech-hood is a constant act of keeping plates spinning!

“Balancing motherhood and tech-hood is a constant act of keeping plates spinning!”

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

It is important for me that I am very intentional with my time. When I am at my desk, my kids know not to interrupt, but we have systems in place so they can get my attention if they need it. Conversely, though lots of work needs to get done outside of work time, I carve out time when my phone is not on me and I can completely focus on my children each day.

I also understand the importance of taking care of myself, so I try to treat myself during work hours, especially when I start to feel overwhelmed. Treating myself may look like sitting in front of my fireplace to do a few hours of work or taking a lunch break outside to get fresh air.

“I often think about the relationship between motherhood and leadership and believe some of the same qualities that make excellent mothers make excellent managers. ”

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

Balancing the time needed to do well at both is definitely a challenge for me personally. I’d also say that working in a male-dominated industry can be challenging because we are often working with others who have not had the same experiences and so workplace policies don’t take into consideration our needs.

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

OMG – so many! I often think about the relationship between motherhood and leadership and believe some of the same qualities that make excellent mothers make excellent managers.

There are many skills like crisis management, time management, remaining calm under pressure, finding the sweet spot between being firm and gentle, not taking things personally, confirming what was said was heard, helping others navigate challenging people and situations, enforcing rules with grace, time management, patience (is that a skill?), and so much more.

“Find a tribe of others who understand what you are going through. It can feel pretty isolating, but organizations that focus on female leaders are great places to find comradery and mentorship.”

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

Employ more female leaders. Review work policies through the motherhood lens and revise ones that are barring them from fully participating in your work culture. Value the unique experiences mothers bring to the table and ensure there is a seat for them!

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

Find a tribe of others who understand what you are going through. It can feel pretty isolating, but organizations that focus on female leaders are great places to find comradery and mentorship.

MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community & Event Series, driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry.

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Sophie Creese

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