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Motherhood in business: what are the challenges and opportunities?

Motherhood in business: what are the challenges and opportunities?

Nitya Fajardo shares her insights on the evolving dynamics of motherhood and leadership within the workplace, highlighting her personal journey balancing professional responsibilities with family life. Over her 13-year experience, she notes a significant shift in corporate values, with greater awareness surrounding motherhood and fatherhood. This change fosters a supportive environment where both parents can take advantage of paternity and maternity leave, enhancing team dynamics and communication. Fajardo emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in company culture during this crucial life stage and advocates for strong team management and career planning that respects individual circumstances. According to Nitya Fajardo, the commitment to fostering inclusive values within a company ultimately leads to a healthier workplace. Don’t miss more tips and insights on leadership and team management in the full episode.

2026·Season 3·Episode 4Highlight
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Nitya Fajardo · CRO at Factorial

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Transcription

00:04

Company and motherhood Wow, a pacifier!Company and motherhood,how has your experience been?

00:16

My personal experience.Well, I think that nowadays this doesn't really happen anymore or at least in the five or seven years I've been working at Factorial, I haven't experienced it.

00:32

And I have to say that I'm very close to the team.

00:36

If there's a pregnant woman in the team, we know.So, I this isn't something that's happening nowadays,I believe it's because companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of motherhood.

00:53

And not just motherhood, but also fatherhood.I became a mother 13 years ago, almost 14,and things have changed a lot since then.

01:00

Or at least I like to think so, and that's why we're not seeing some of the attitudes that I experienced back then.

01:08

As for my experience… I mean, my experience with motherhood was amazing,I have an amazing teenage daughter and there's a new set of challenges.

01:18

But in the professional world, I didn't take a single day off from work.

01:24

I worked until the very last day, I felt good,and didn't need to take any time off before giving birth.

01:31

It doesn't make me a better or a worse woman.There are women who don't feel well and have complications, and it's valid that they need to go home and rest,because what's coming next is what truly matters.

01:44

But I say this because, in the end,I showed commitment while I was feeling well.

01:50

It wasn't a big deal.If I felt good, I wanted to work. I wanted to feel useful.

01:55

When my daughter was born and I returned from maternity leave,I saw a series of actions and attitudes in the company I was working for at that time that just didn't feel right.

02:09

They ended up changing my position because they had hired someone to, somehow,temporarily cover my role while I was away.

02:20

But then this girl was lovely,we became great friends, and she did an amazing job.

02:25

They gave me a role that was supposed to carry more responsibility, but it was the way they did it.

02:30

I think it's not so much about what I experienced, but more about how.

02:35

I think it's very important to be sensitive,because it's such a crucial stage in a woman's life,to be entering the workforce,working, and at the same time building a family.

02:49

Men are now also able to experience the same benefits as women, taking longer paternity leaves,which is amazing,because at the end of the day,a baby needs both a father and a mother.

03:02

So summing up, that was my experience.I feel proud to see that nowadays this doesn't happen as much or at least I want to believe it doesn't.

03:14

Where I work.