The Early Years: Balancing Exams and Motherhood

I still remember sitting for my final accountancy exams while pregnant with my first child. The pressure was immense—not just because of the difficulty of the exams, but because I knew that having to resit while caring for a newborn would be incredibly challenging. Thankfully, that wasn’t an issue because I passed. It was just the beginning of learning how to navigate the dual demands of career and motherhood.

After a short maternity leave of just four months, I returned to work—partly due to the fear of how extended time away might impact my career progression. That worry is something many women can relate to, and while progress has been made, the pressure to "stay in the game" remains very real.

A Family Decision: Redefining Roles

When our youngest daughter arrived, my husband and I made a practical decision—he transitioned to part-time work to take on the primary caregiving role while I continued to build my career. It was the right choice for our family, allowing us to balance both financial stability and childcare in a way that worked best for us.

Working long hours while raising young children is tough, and having a strong support network is essential. I have been fortunate to have a close-knit family living nearby, incredible friends, and supportive colleagues. But building a professional network while prioritising family is not always easy—especially when you want to be home for bedtime.

The Mental Load: Staying Organised

 Like many women I know—whether they work or not—I naturally took on the role of "family organiser." My husband is incredibly supportive, but when it comes to schedules, appointments, and the logistics of managing a household, I’m the one who keeps everything running smoothly. Over time, I’ve learned that organisation is key, and now that my daughters are older, a shared family calendar has been a game-changer!

Pride, Responsibility, and Progress

Being the main earner in our household comes with both responsibility and immense pride. I’ve worked hard to reach this point in my career, and achieving a senior leadership role as Trust CFO is something I do not take for granted.

It remains challenging for women to reach leadership positions, though progress has been made. Initiatives like shared parental leave, flexible working policies, and the lessons learned from the pandemic have contributed to a more inclusive work environment. While there is still more to do, the direction is positive.

Looking Ahead

On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate not just my own journey, but the countless women navigating similar challenges—those breaking barriers in their careers, advocating for flexibility, and redefining traditional roles at home and in the workplace.

To those striving for leadership while balancing family life: surround yourself with supportive people and don’t hesitate to lean on them when needed, embrace resilience, and never underestimate your own potential. The path isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Lucie Funnell

Chief Financial Officer