Between CRM expertise and bedtime stories: balancing a role as a senior consultant and a mother

We meet Anne-Laure, a senior consultant at Converteo for two years. Two years may seem short, but Anne-Laure has already experienced one of the most significant events in her life: the arrival of a child. How did her return to work go after the birth of her daughter? How has she managed to juggle her life as a new mom with her professional career?

Anne-Laure shares how she balances her role as a senior consultant and a mother at Converteo.

“I was excited to return to work.”

After five intense months with her daughter, it was time for Anne-Laure to rejoin the bustling atmosphere of the open space, the lunches with colleagues, and the client briefing meetings. Excitement and impatience were palpable. At Converteo, the return from maternity leave is gradual: Anne-Laure knew she wouldn’t be thrown into a new client project on her first day back. The first month is entirely dedicated to a smooth transition.

The first weeks were still filled with emotions and adjustments: how to balance her roles as a mother and a consultant? “It was a source of anxiety at first; having a child is a constraint, whether we like it or not. I was afraid I wouldn’t find my rhythm,” Anne-Laure confides.

Baby bottles and client presentations on the same day: balance is possible!

Finding a balance between professional and personal life has become a priority. The flexible working hours offered by Converteo are a considerable asset: by adapting her work hours to her new constraints, Anne-Laure was able to find a rhythm that suited her. “In practical terms, it’s very simple; my workday starts earlier and ends earlier, which allows me to pick up my daughter from daycare regularly and spend time with her.”

In the daily life of a consultant, there is often another party in the equation: the client! This flexibility was very well received by the company where Anne-Laure was on assignment: “The issue was addressed right from the start of my assignment to align project imperatives with my hours. A relationship of trust was established immediately,” Anne-Laure shares.

The flexibility of remote work also allows Anne-Laure to quickly pick up her daughter from nearby in the evenings, twice a week. This is a precious time-saving!

Promotion and Serenity

Anne-Laure was promoted to the rank of “senior” during her pregnancy. Although the advancement was logical given her evaluations, she was still relieved “to see that this change in her life did not represent a barrier to her professional progression.”

The experience of motherhood has undoubtedly marked a turning point in Anne-Laure’s career. She reflects on a significant transformation: “Previously, I would sometimes put pressure on myself. Motherhood has brought me more composure and calm. I find it easier to take a step back in situations.”

Anne-Laure, now an active member of the #mamans-papas channel

Converteo’s company culture has evolved over the years, becoming more inclusive towards parents. The significant growth in staff has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the number of parents: +36% in births over three years. Anne-Laure shares the importance of the parental community within the firm: “Parents exchange on the company’s internal messaging tool (Slack), where questions, experience sharing, and good tips are really practical.” Anne-Laure’s latest contribution? Recommendations for vitamins to a dad whose baby is experiencing colic. From clothing sales and stroller advice to sharing funny anecdotes, the parents’ network is lively at Converteo.

Our young mom concludes our interview with an anecdote: “My daughter managed to fall asleep during the Converteo ‘Kids Party’ [in June 2023, ed.] amidst 50 children laughing at a clown’s antics, while the night before, of course, it was impossible to get her to sleep!”

Looking forward to the next Kids Party!