Lead Like A Mother

When people talk about women in leadership — and mention mothers — I laugh. The word leadership almost feels too small. They’re better associated with superpowers.

It’s Ramadan, and my mom’s superpower is at its peak. Her routine starts at 3 AM, with no alarm being set. It’s her body clock doing the work.

She finishes a day’s worth of cleaning before the birds even chirp. While I’m tucking myself back in for a nap before my official workday starts, she’s already dressed for her morning lecture. It never ceases to amaze me... She has earned a moment of rest, but she chooses that window to learn.

I wake up again to the hum of the washing machine. As for the rest of the day, I can guarantee you that she always has something to do. Let me remind you, this is during Ramadan. No water, no meals, no coffee (she doesn’t even drink one!). But she remains a constant engine of productivity — no matter what day or time it is.

Reflecting on this humbles me a lot. I only get into a productive mode after my coffee. Or, I would promise myself a nice meal to push through my shift. Meanwhile, she does this every day with no working hours — at least until she clocks at 9 PM — all while maintaining a remarkably healthy lifestyle.

She might not have what we perceive as deadlines or quarterly targets. But watching her, I realize those are just corporate words for what she’s been doing for decades. She knows what’s in the pantry, who needs a clean uniform for tomorrow, and what time she needs to prepare iftar so our family can break our fast with a full-course meal. It’s a level of foresight that CEOs pay thousands to learn in a seminar, yet she does it all by heart.

She is the most efficient COO I’ve ever met, and she doesn't even have a LinkedIn profile.

Through her, I am learning that leadership is a lifestyle. I am learning that nurturing is just another word for ‘long-term strategic investment’. She doesn't need a corner office to prove her authority because her influence is written into the character of her children and the peace of her home.

So to all the women with no title big enough to hold the honor of what you do — we see you. Happy International Women’s Day to the architects who build us up before the sun even rises. We are your greatest legacy!