Mums in Tech – feat. Sian Webb

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Siân Webb, Head of Product Operations at XpertHR.

The purpose of our ‘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 stumbled into the world of tech almost by chance. I initially joined a friend’s venture aimed at leveraging technology to address pay inequality, specifically focusing on the gender pay gap and equal pay. Despite my background in equality and diversity, I played a pivotal role in building and expanding the company, emphasizing commercial growth and advisory services. Eventually, I took the reins in shaping the product strategy.

Following the company’s acquisition, my role shifted towards product management and devising effective go-to-market (GTM) strategies. After a brief hiatus to start a family, I’ve now embraced a fresh challenge as their Head of Product Operations. In this role, I’m dedicated to optimizing the GTM strategy across the company’s product portfolio, while also overseeing aspects of data management and our internal enablement products.

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

Navigating the realm of working motherhood in tech entails skilful juggling of diverse priorities and opportunities, from managing stakeholders and continual learning to striking a delicate balance between timely nursery drop-offs and navigating traffic to avert late pick-up fees!

“Navigating the realm of working motherhood in tech entails skilful juggling of diverse priorities and opportunities, from managing stakeholders and continual learning to striking a delicate balance between timely nursery drop-offs and navigating traffic to avert late pick-up fees! ”

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

Balancing career and motherhood is a constant struggle I didn’t fully anticipate. The internal conflict between feeling guilty about sending my still slightly unwell child to nursery and the guilt of not being present for them is a perpetual challenge. Fortunately, my supportive manager, who is also a parent, has not only promoted me since returning to work but also understands when I need to prioritise parenting duties over work, alleviating some of the ongoing internal guilt.

“Having delved into gender pay gap data for the past seven years, it’s evident that the motherhood penalty is a tangible phenomenon… fearing this setback, I was determined to avoid it, making my return to work after an extended leave not just important but crucial. It became paramount to hit the ground running, immerse myself fully, bridge the gap in my knowledge, and capitalize on every available opportunity. ”

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

Having delved into gender pay gap data for the past seven years, it’s evident that the motherhood penalty is a tangible phenomenon. The moment a woman takes a career break to start a family marks a critical juncture where opportunities wane, and real-time pay begins to dwindle. Fearing this setback, I was determined to avoid it, making my return to work after an extended leave not just important but crucial. It became paramount to hit the ground running, immerse myself fully, bridge the gap in my knowledge, and capitalize on every available opportunity. The additional challenge I faced was maintaining an exceptionally high standard for myself, constantly proving my worth in a demanding environment.

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

Fortunately, I’ve always been organized and adept at time management. However, parenthood has taken these skills to a new level. Now, I consistently think several steps ahead, meticulously planning for every conceivable scenario to project a sense of consistency and reliability—qualities that benefit not only my role as a parent but also my responsibilities as a manager and colleague. This heightened organizational approach has significantly streamlined my life, even if some may find it extreme! Ultimately, it makes life run more smoothly.

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

Initially, I underestimated the challenges of integrating back into the workforce. Despite assuming that the process would be seamless, the reality proved different, especially with the closure of my local office, making my contract exclusively home-based and introducing me to new colleagues who had joined during my leave. Fortunately, a colleague introduced me to a Return-to-Work mentorship program, which proved immensely helpful. My mentor played a pivotal role in facilitating networking opportunities and connecting me with other outstanding parents within the organization. Their guidance and shared experiences were instrumental in managing my expectations. Additionally, working from home allowed me to achieve a more balanced work-life dynamic. Being close to the nursery provided flexibility, and the ability to multitask, such as attending to household chores or walking my dog during lunch breaks, ensured I could effectively navigate the challenges that arise when work dominates a significant portion of one’s life.

“I keep a post-it on my desktop as a reminder that imposter syndrome is something shared by everyone—whether as a mother, parent or a worker in the tech industry! Occasionally, I find myself questioning how I reached this point and doubting my capabilities, but then common sense prevails. The truth is, none of us have all the answers, and we’re all simply doing the best we can.”

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

Authentic guilt-free flexibility is paramount. I consider myself fortunate that my Flexible Working Request, submitted upon my return to work, was granted. However, my partner faced initial rejection, and subsequent negotiations led to an arrangement that fell short of ideal, underscoring persistent barriers to flexible working in the workplace. The ongoing campaign led by Mother Pukka advocating for universal flexible working, which is evolving into law, holds the promise of making a meaningful difference for parents.

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

I keep a post-it on my desktop as a reminder that imposter syndrome is something shared by everyone—whether as a mother, parent or a worker in the tech industry! Occasionally, I find myself questioning how I reached this point and doubting my capabilities, but then common sense prevails. The truth is, none of us have all the answers, and we’re all simply doing the best we can.

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