Across our global team, we look at how the challenges of parenting and a culture of flexibility drive professional excellence at SE10.
This Mother’s Day, we’re stepping into SE10’s Engine Room to hear from three colleagues balancing a global career in industrial PR with the double shift of motherhood. Mariana Santos (Account Director, USA), Salmah Elhaissane (Account Manager, Singapore), and Maria Oliver (Financial Controller, UK) share how being mothers shapes the way they work today.
1. How has becoming a mom influenced the professional you are today?
Mariana:
I definitely see myself as a much more creative and solution-oriented person after I became a mom of two boys. They’re close in age and full of energy, so I’m constantly finding ways to communicate effectively, be heard, and handle disagreements. Those same skills translate directly into my work, whether it’s developing engaging social media content or finding compelling angles to promote our clients’ products.
Salmah:
Becoming a mum has made me more focused with my time and more adaptable at work. I’m more intentional about what I do and how I show up each day, and I’ve learned to manage both my time and my priorities better. My kids also continue to inspire and motivate me in everything I do.
Maria:
In finance, we are often dealing with figures and tight deadlines, which can be demanding. Being a parent has made me more patient and more attuned to the emotional intelligence required to manage a global team’s operations.
2. What have been the biggest challenges in balancing motherhood and professional life, and how have you navigated them?
Mariana:
Since my kids are still young, they require a lot of attention. Not having family nearby makes things more challenging, especially when one of them is sick or my husband and I have overlapping work commitments. What has made a big difference is the strong community we’ve built around us. Having a network of families who support each other has been essential in helping us navigate the realities of what often feels like managing basically two full-time jobs.
Salmah:
Balancing both isn’t always easy, especially when things overlap. I try to stay organised, plan ahead, and be flexible when needed, and accept that not every day will feel perfectly balanced and that’s okay!
Maria:
Balancing the changing needs of a child while maintaining the same pace and momentum at work was my biggest challenge in the beginning. I’ve had to be very disciplined with my workspace and schedule but honestly the key has been the transparency I have with SE10’s leadership, so that when I’m ‘on the clock’ I’m fully present and focused.
3. What are some ways the workplace can support moms, especially those with young children, in balancing their careers and family life?
Mariana:
To me, being part of a team that understands the demands of raising kids — and is willing to step in when you need some time off — is fundamental! Motherhood carries a significant mental load, as society expects more from moms than dads, which can be very exhausting. Women bring enormous value to the workplace, and employers can better support them by fostering flexible environments and structures that accommodate real-life needs. Creating that kind of support not only helps retain talent but also empowers women to thrive both professionally and personally.
Salmah:
Small things make a big difference. Flexibility, trust, and a culture that understands we have responsibilities outside of work. When that support is there, it allows us to do our best and bring strong, meaningful work to the table.
Maria:
It comes down to trust and building a culture that values output over desk-time during the 9 to 5. Having the flexibility to adapt my hours is what made it possible for me to stay in my role and do meaningful work while providing a stable home for my child.
Account Director
About the author:
Mariana Santos is an Account Director at SE10. She handles PR for some clients in the packaging industry writing press releases, thought leadership pieces, managing social media, supporting event setup. Before joining SE10 in 2016, she had worked as journalist for 15 years in Brazil, Germany and the U.S.
