Mums in Tech ft. Michaela Hinton

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Michaela Hinton, Delivery Lead at Great State.

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?

Hi! My name is Michaela, and I am currently one of four Delivery Leads at Great State. I manage a diverse programme of work across various sectors, ensuring they are completed on time, on budget, and to a high standard. I coach a team of Delivery Managers through challenges, continuously seeking process improvements, and more generally oversee the quality of our deliverables. Besides leading the team, I also get to roll my sleeves up and spend roughly 20/30% of my time on hands-on project delivery too – so really best of both!

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

Being a working mum in tech is a constant balancing act of prioritising, adapting, and finding efficiencies both at home and at work.

“Being a working mum in tech is a constant balancing act of prioritising, adapting, and finding efficiencies both at home and at work.”

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

For me this is an ongoing learning curve, I try to set clear boundaries whilst also making the most of flexible working arrangements. I don’t always get it right because I love what I do, and can’t help myself from doing more than I need to, but my little one isn’t going to be little for long and I don’t want to regret giving all my energy to work.

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

The greatest challenge has been managing the unpredictability of both work and family life, ensuring that neither is compromised. Which of course I easier said than done if you have a projectile vomiting toddler and a huge deadline to meet!

“I think that flexible working arrangements and fostering a culture of understanding and support should not only be a priority, but a standard baseline! ”

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

A supportive and understanding work environment was crucial when returning to work. Flexible working hours and the ability to work from home helped ease the transition significantly. I could have benefitted from access to a mentor to help me overcome my imposter syndrome and mum guilt, but I won’t get into the lack of representation in the mentor space for senior black mums in the tech industry!

“Stay confident in your abilities and don’t be afraid to ask for the support you need… Your career and your role as a mother can coexist with the right balance and support.”

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

I think that flexible working arrangements and fostering a culture of understanding and support should not only be a priority, but a standard baseline! I can’t imagine what it must be like for mums who don’t get this.

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

Stay confident in your abilities and don’t be afraid to ask for the support you need. Be an ally for other mums. Embrace flexible working arrangements, set clear boundaries, and prioritise your time effectively. Lean on your support network, seek out mentors even if they are scarce, and remember that it’s okay to put your family first sometimes. Your career and your role as a mother can coexist with the right balance and support.

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