Women have been increasingly breaking barriers and assuming leadership roles across various industries. From boardrooms to executive suites, their presence is steadily reshaping the corporate world. There are more women entering the entrepreneurial space with solutions to every day and global issues. Exciting times.

However, with these advancements come unique challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing the demands of work with personal life. So, how do women in top positions manage this delicate juggling act? As someone privileged with a front row seat to women in St Albans, I’ll share some of their strategies and insights.

Firstly, it’s essential to acknowledge that achieving a balance between work and personal life is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Each woman’s priorities are different. Some women, with young families might be in a season where more of their energy is reserved for home life. Each woman’s journey is unique, shaped by her individual circumstances, priorities, and support systems. However, there are common themes and approaches that emerge among successful women leaders.

One key strategy is effective time management. Women in top positions are often adept at prioritising tasks and allocating their time wisely. They understand the importance of setting boundaries and delegating responsibilities when necessary. Asking for help is a critical skill to release time and energy for the things that matter. By mastering the art of time management, they can maximize productivity while still making room for personal pursuits and family commitments. Being realistic about what is achievable as well as letting go of the need to be everything to everyone frees up enormous mental capacity.

Moreover, many women leaders emphasise the importance of self-care. They recognize that maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial for sustaining long-term success. Whether it’s through regular exercise, meditation, or simply taking time to unwind, prioritizing self-care enables them to recharge and stay resilient in the face of challenges. Women in top positions know their limitations and build rest and breaks throughout their day, rest isn’t just reserved for the evenings.

Additionally, cultivating a strong support network is vital for women in top positions. This network may include mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who provide encouragement, advice, and assistance when needed. Having a reliable support system can help women navigate the complexities of both professional and personal life with greater ease.

Furthermore, flexibility is key. Women in leadership roles often advocate for workplace policies that accommodate the diverse needs of employees, such as flexible hours, remote work options, and parental leave. By championing flexibility and work-life balance within their organizations, they create environments where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. As much as we hate to admit it, when children are unwell, mothers are usually the first point of contact so flexibility is not only necessary, it’s also humanising.

Another crucial aspect of balancing life and work for women in top positions is effective communication. They understand the importance of clear and open communication with colleagues, employees, and family members. By setting expectations, expressing their needs, and actively listening to others, they can foster understanding and collaboration in both spheres of their lives.

Many women leaders emphasise the value of setting realistic goals and managing expectations. They recognize that perfection is unattainable and it’s okay to ask for help or adjust their plans when necessary. By adopting a pragmatic approach to goal-setting and learning to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, they can maintain a sense of balance and perspective amidst the demands of their professional and personal lives.

It’s also worth noting that women in top positions often draw inspiration from role models who have successfully navigated similar challenges. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, networking events, or simply seeking advice from peers, they understand the importance of learning from those who have walked the path before them.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process, rather than a fixed destination. Women in top positions may face setbacks, obstacles, and competing priorities along the way. What sets them apart is their resilience, adaptability, and determination to find harmony between their professional ambitions and personal fulfilment.

In conclusion, women in top positions navigate the complexities of life and work with a blend of strategic planning, self-care, support networks, flexibility, effective communication, and realistic goal-setting. While the path to achieving work-life balance may be challenging, their experiences serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. As they continue to lead by example, they inspire future generations of women to pursue their aspirations while honouring their personal lives.

There are also plenty of us women with half a strategy or with no strategy at all. We are winging it at work and life! We know we need to take some time to create the systems necessary, but we don’t know where to start.

Well, this is why it’s super important to enlist the help of a coach who can help you to break things down into manageable steps. Creating one system at a time until eventually, you are working smarter, not harder. Imagine if one new system gave you between one and three hours of your week back? This is quality time for you to connect more deeply with the people that matter most to you. It could be time for a hobby or simply time to shift gears and drift a little.

Hi! I’m Roksana. I’m a life coach for women in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I run face to face and online sessions via Zoom. I also specialise in trauma healing. I’m always happy to answer your questions around any of my methods or approaches. Long term changes begin with a guide who has walked a similar path, has a blueprint, will give you support and accountability every step of the way. If you’re interested to know more then please book a FREE call with me.