Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms Meet a Mom series where we feature our local mamas – what they’re up to personally and professionally. To date, we’ve feature just under 100 women, woah mama! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is Winnetka mama of four wee ones and Talent Manager from The Mom Project, Megan. Megan’s telling us all about The Mom Project and how you (yes, you mama) can pivot to your next career. Welcome, Megan!
Hi Megan! Please introduce yourself.
Hi! My name is Megan and I am a Talent Manager at The Mom Project! I am a born and raised Chicagoan and currently reside in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago, Winnetka!
You’re a mama! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have four daughters ranging in age from 7-12.
Please share your favorite thing about being a mom?
The small moments of awe that catch you off guard: the child that all of the sudden looks to be 5 ft taller than the day before, the smile that lights up an otherwise dim room, the laugh that makes your realize the important things in your life.
Please share your favorite mom tips that make quarantine life a little easier…
staying connected to mom friends has been the key to survival! Whether it be group texts, FaceTime/zoom calls, or the socially distanced walk. All have been needed to make this crazy balance just a little bit more normal.
If you have any podcasts or apps that help inspire you, calm you, help you run your business or organize your life, what are your faves?
I have not caught on to podcasts yet. My biggest asset is my calendar!!!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
My most productive time of the day is 5am-6am!!!
Favorite local takeout restaurants?
New fave is Sophia Steak in Wilmette! Also love Mino’s Italian in Winnetka.
Your place of work is a much needed asset for our moms. Please tell us more about The Mom Project and your roll as Talent Manager.
I work for The Mom Project, a talent marketplace focused on bringing moms back into the workforce. It’s a fantastic place to work with a mission I wholeheartedly believe in as I myself took a career pause when I had my children.
How does The Mom Project work? If our mom friends are interested in reaching out for job search help, what steps do you recommend they take?
We make it very simple. You can create a profile and our site can walk you through all of the steps of creating a resume to applying for roles on our platform. You are able to indicate what kind of work you are looking for, part time/full time, remote, permanent roles, etc. Once you have created a profile our algorithm gets to work to match you with best fit roles!
Who founded The Mom Project and when?
The Mom Project was started in 2016 by Allison Robinson. She was on maternity leave from Procter & Gamble with her first child and she started to imagine a future where women would not have to choose between parenthood and their careers, and could not stop thinking about what a real solution might look like.
Who are your influencers and/or mentors that have helped you get to where you are today and/or continue to inspire you.
My fellow mom friends!! We have a common ground in raising our kids and despite different perspectives, we all support each other day in and day out.
What advice can you give other mamas out there who are looking to re-enter the workforce?
Don’t give up! And be flexible. Don’t sell yourself short but be open to different opportunities!
How important is it for you to have a career outside of being a mother?
It has become very important over the years. I find that it brings me balance. Which seems counterintuitive but I’m able to really put things in to perspective better than I ever was before.
What’s on the horizon for The Mom Project?
Continuing to work towards finding more flexible roles for Moms! Follow The Mom Project on Instagram, Facebook Twitter and LinkedIn and reach out via themomproject.com