We recently came across an interview with Laney Crowell, founder of Saie Beauty, who shared her perspective on building a fast-growing beauty brand while raising children.
As both a founder and a mother, Laney reflected on how motherhood has shaped the way she approaches leadership. Becoming more focused, intentional with her time, and present in both her professional and personal life.
Her perspective raises an interesting question: Does motherhood make us better leaders?
The Leadership Skills Motherhood Teaches Us
Motherhood comes with an extraordinary set of responsibilities, many of which mirror the challenges of leading a business or managing a team.
Resilience. Learning to navigate unexpected challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep moving forward.
Empathy. Understanding different needs, listening with intention, and creating an environment where others feel supported.
Decision-making. Making important choices, often under pressure, without always having all the answers.
Adaptability. Managing uncertainty, shifting priorities, and finding solutions when things don't go according to plan.
Trusting your instincts. Developing confidence in your judgment while recognising that perfection isn't always possible.
These are qualities we often associate with strong leadership. Yet mothers practise many of them every single day.
Ambition and Motherhood Can Coexist
One of the most meaningful ideas from Laney's reflections is that ambition doesn't have to disappear when motherhood begins.
Instead, priorities may evolve, perspectives shift, and success can take on a different meaning.
Being a great leader doesn't mean doing everything perfectly. It means knowing what matters, making intentional choices, and recognising when to ask for support.
And perhaps the same is true of motherhood.
Let's Talk About It
At SocialMoms, we believe motherhood brings valuable experiences and perspectives that deserve greater recognition, both at home and in the workplace.
Of course, leadership isn't exclusive to mothers, and every woman's journey is different. But the skills developed through raising children are often underestimated in professional conversations.
Maybe motherhood doesn't simply change the way we lead. Maybe it reveals strengths we never knew we had.
And that brings us back to our question:
Why do you think moms make great leaders?
Is it resilience, empathy, adaptability, or something else entirely?
Let's keep the conversation going.
SocialMoms Convos — Real Moms. Real Conversations.
