Balancing Motherhood & Careers in Sport

Key Takeaways from the Women's Sport Collective Webinar

Motherhood presents unique challenges and opportunities for women in the sports industry. A recent webinar hosted by the Women's Sport Collective in partnership with IMG featured a panel of accomplished women discussing their experiences, strategies and advice for managing both professional ambitions and family life.

We are incredibly grateful to the women who joined the panel:

Nicki Young – Maternity Coach
Bindiya Ghai – VP Global Media Partnerships, IMG
Emily Handyside – Coaching Lead, UK Coaching
Helen Rowbotham – CEO, Access Sport
Fiona Morgan – Chief Purpose Officer, SailGP
Lisa Parfitt – Co-founder, The Space Between

Below is a summary of the key themes that emerged from the conversation.

1. Understanding the Emotional and Identity Shift of Motherhood

• The concept of matrescence (the biological, psychological and social transition into motherhood) was discussed, highlighting how it impacts career perspectives

• Many mothers experience the push-pull effect, feeling both immense joy and struggle simultaneously

• Society often places expectations on mothers to be constantly happy and grateful, which can create guilt when they find aspects of motherhood challenging.

2. The Challenge of Guilt in Working Motherhood

• Many women enter motherhood believing they will carry lifelong guilt, whether about missing moments with their children or about balancing career ambitions

• There’s a need to reframe guilt and instead recognise the strengths that come with being a working mother—empathy, resilience, adaptability, and efficiency.

3. Career Progression and the Timing of Motherhood

• Some women plan their careers strategically, aiming to reach a certain level before having children to ensure they have flexibility and financial stability

• Others found that motherhood led them to take risks they wouldn’t have otherwise (eg switching jobs, starting businesses, or advocating for better workplace policies)

• The reality is that there is no perfect time to start a family—every woman’s journey is different

4. The Role of Workplace Culture and Flexible Working

• The pandemic changed expectations around remote and flexible work, which has helped working mothers significantly

• However, challenges remain, including scheduling conflicts, missing meetings due to childcare and organisations still being structured in ways that assume a traditional full-time office presence.

• Some companies offer progressive policies, such as compressed workweeks, flexible hours and protected non-negotiable family time

• Women must advocate for flexible options and help shape workplace policies that support both

5. Setting Boundaries and Managing Work-Life Integration

• Blocking out non-negotiable family time in work calendars and communicating priorities clearly internally with colleagues can help maintain balance

• Have open conversations with employers about flexibility and realistic expectations.

• Recognise that balance isn’t static—it shifts as children grow and career demands change

• Being present during dedicated family time (even if not constantly available) is more beneficial than attempting to do both simultaneously

6. The Importance of Childcare and Shared Parenting

• Access to high-quality childcare is crucial, yet expensive and often difficult to arrange

• The mental load of parenting often falls on women, even in progressive households

• Open conversations with partners about dividing responsibilities can ease the mental load often placed on mothers

• For single mothers, strong community networks and flexible work arrangements are vital in managing both career and family life

7. Leveraging Networks and Mentorship

• Seeking support from other working mothers, mentors, and professional networks can provide guidance and reassurance

• Women in sport can support each other by advocating for workplace policies that enable career growth without sacrificing family life

• The Women's Sport Collective and similar communities can play a key role in advocating for better workplace policies

8. Changing the Narrative Around Motherhood and Career Success

• There’s a common perception that mothers must sacrifice career ambitions for family or vice versa

• Instead, many women shared that motherhood enhanced their careers—giving them new skills, perspectives, and resilience

• Motherhood can enhance leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence, making women even more effective in their roles

• Instead of striving for "having it all" at once, the focus should be on finding a rhythm that works at different life stages

Final Advice for Women in Sport Considering Motherhood

• Don’t overthink it—there is never a perfect time to start a family

• Be proactive in shaping your workplace flexibility and advocating for fair policies

• Find a strong support network of mentors, colleagues and other working mothers

• Trust in your ability to balance both career and family—progress is more important than perfection

This conversation reinforced the importance of ongoing discussions about motherhood and careers in the sports industry. By sharing experiences and advocating for change, we can create an environment where women can thrive in both their professional and personal lives.