Mums in Tech ft. Fiona McKenzie

As part of the‘Mums in Tech’ series, Motherboard caught up with Fiona McKenzie, CEO at Revere.

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?

CEO of Revere, a strategic B2B technology marketing agency.

In my role at Revere, l develop and implement business strategies to achieve Revere’s short and long-term objectives. I lead the business and support all teams to ensure they are operating collaboratively and efficiently, resulting in optimal quality, employee experience, client performance, and retention – ensuring Revere is a great place to work and work with.

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

Challenging and equally rewarding.

“I try and keep perspective by keeping conversations open and speaking to other working mums.”

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

I don’t think any of us feel we ever get the balance right, over time I have come to accept that no one is doing everything perfectly and always feels like they could be doing more. I try and keep perspective by keeping conversations open and speaking to other working mums.

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

Lockdown in Covid was by far the biggest challenge of my career in terms of balancing work and parenthood. I lived on my own with my two children and it was an extremely difficult time.

“Putting in place policies are important, but it doesn’t take away from the personalised approach and importance of creating time to listen to employees.”

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

Prioritisation and perspective. You learn to focus on what truly matters and will make an impact. Equally, when things don’t go to plan they help remind me what is important.

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

Keep in touch days were invaluable to me to ensure I felt a transition back to work.

“Connect with fellow mothers who are navigating the challenges of work and parenthood. Having a community of peers allows for open conversations, where you can share experiences, offer encouragement, and provide valuable guidance to one another.”

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

Keep the conversation open and realise that everyone’s situation is different. Putting in place policies are important, but it doesn’t take away from the personalised approach and importance of creating time to listen to employees.

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

Connect with fellow mothers who are navigating the challenges of work and parenthood. Having a community of peers allows for open conversations, where you can share experiences, offer encouragement, and provide valuable guidance to one another.

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

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