The image of a woman leading a boardroom by day and reading bedtime stories by night is often romanticised. But the real story is more layered. Female executives walk a tightrope of ambition, personal values, and societal pressure.

Despite breaking through ceilings in business, politics, media, and tech, many female leaders continue to feel the pull of cultural expectations. They’re not just managing companies. They’re also managing perceptions ‍ of motherhood, femininity, and leadership.

The weight of expectation

From early on, women are taught to nurture. The idea of being both a perfect mother and a high-performing professional has become an exhausting standard. As Shonda Rhimes put it:

“You can have it all. But not all at once.”

Her words reflect the daily choices women make, choices shaped by responsibility, not weakness.

Tory Burch, founder of the global fashion brand, has been candid about the challenges. Her honesty offers a refreshing reminder that striving for perfection is both unrealistic and unnecessary.

“There is no such thing as balance,” she says. “You have to embrace the mess.”

Support systems that make a difference

Autonomy in the workplace is essential. Women in senior roles often advocate for flexible schedules, remote options, and inclusive policies. Many female-led companies now champion cultures where results matter more than hours logged.

Mentorship plays an equally important role. Having other women ‍ or allies ‍ who understand the challenges can be transformative. Oprah Winfrey once said, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” That kind of support can be a lifeline.

At home, support can be formal or informal. Paid childcare, home assistants, supportive spouses, and even older children all contribute to a woman’s capacity to lead. This support isn’t always visible, but it’s critical. Without it, even the most ambitious plans can unravel.

Delegation is a superpower

Smart leaders delegate ‍not because they can’t do it all, but because they understand their value. Entrepreneurs like Huda Kattan have emphasised the importance of hiring help early:

“You don’t need to be the one doing everything,” she says. “You just need to be sure everything gets done.”

Personal assistants, executive teams, and virtual support staff are game changers for women who need to be present in multiple areas of life. Delegating tasks is not giving up control. It’s reclaiming time for what truly matters.

Intentional sacrifice and family time

Balance requires sacrifice. For some women, that means turning down travel opportunities to attend a child’s recital. For others, it’s skipping a dinner at home to pitch investors. No two stories are the same, and that’s the point.

Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, encourages leaders to redefine success.

“Success is not about climbing the ladder faster,” she says. “It’s about leaning the ladder against the right wall.”

That perspective encourages women to choose alignment over achievement for its own sake.

Many women protect “sacred time” ‍ breakfast with their kids, solo walks after work, Sunday tech-free afternoons. These moments are non-negotiable. They’re not leftovers; they’re the priority.

Letting go of perfection

Imposter syndrome, guilt, and burnout aren’t strangers to women in power. But those who navigate them well give themselves permission to be human. Michelle Obama reminds us that:

“you can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.”

That freedom to make choices without apology is a powerful part of leadership.

A day in the life: Real-world insight from a female executive

Meet Leila, a 43-year-old executive creative director at a global media agency. She’s also a mother of two, wife to a startup founder, and actively mentors’ younger women in her industry. Her days are long, layered, and far from perfect ‍ but they’re deeply intentional.

6:00 AM – Wake, Reflect, Move

Leila begins her day before the rest of the house wakes up. She journals for five minutes with a focus on gratitude and intention. Then she rolls out her yoga mat for a short flow. “I used to hit snooze and scroll emails first thing,” she says. “Now, I protect that first hour like my life depends on it.”

7:00 AM – Family Time

Breakfast is a family affair. She prepares overnight oats and smoothies while chatting with her kids about their school day. Her partner handles school drop-off. “We divide mornings based on our calendars,” she explains. “That mental load needs to be shared.”

8:30 AM – Strategic Work Block

Leila logs on from her home office. She’s blocked out the first two hours for deep work ‍ usually creative ideation or reviewing campaign strategy. During this time, she keeps her phone on airplane mode. “I lead better when I start with focus rather than firefighting.”

11:00 AM – Team Check-Ins and Mentoring

Late morning is filled with 1:1s and mentoring sessions. “I prioritise my younger team members. It’s not just about performance; it’s about helping them see what’s possible ‍ especially for women of colour in leadership.”

1:00 PM – Walk and Reset

Lunch is light and taken during a walk. “Even if it’s 20 minutes, getting outside keeps me grounded.” She uses this time to decompress and often brainstorms solutions to client challenges while moving.

2:00 PM – Client Engagement and Firefighting

Afternoons tend to be reactive ‍ client meetings, production updates, creative revisions. It’s a flurry of activity, but Leila has learned to pace herself. “If everything is urgent, nothing is important. I prioritise what moves the needle.”

5:30 PM – Family Dinner and Unplug

Leila logs off by 5:30 PM when she can. Dinner is sacred. “No phones at the table. That rule alone has saved our connection during busy seasons.”

7:00 PM – Homework, Bath, Bedtime Stories

Evening is family focused. Her partner handles baths while she does homework check-ins. Bedtime includes books and quiet conversation. “Those moments are irreplaceable,” she says. “They remind me why I built my career around flexibility.”

9:00 PM – Light Work or Learning

Depending on the season, Leila might review a deck, listen to a podcast, or take an online leadership module. “It’s not hustle. It’s choice. If I feel drained, I rest instead.”

10:30 PM – Lights Out

She prioritises sleep unapologetically. “I don’t need to prove anything by staying up late. Rest is resistance. It’s power.”

Advice from the top

Insights from trailblazers across industries reflect a few recurring truths:

• Prioritise what matters most. As Indra Nooyi shared: “When you have no choice, don’t brood. Just get on with it.” That resilience is often the secret behind the calm exterior.
• Build your support circle. Whether it’s a babysitter, business partner, coach, or community, surround yourself with people who believe in your mission.
• Create your own definition of balance. What works for you may not look like anyone else’s version. That’s not a flaw ‍ it’s freedom.
• Say no. Often. Boundaries are not barriers. They’re your blueprint for staying sane and successful.

The takeaway

There’s no perfect formula for balancing work and family. But there is power in defining success on your terms, setting boundaries, and leading with clarity. For every woman rewriting the rules, thank you. You’re not just making space for yourself ‍ you’re making space for others too.

If you’re a high-achieving woman ready to redefine what success looks like for you, let’s talk. Book a FREE Call and start building a life that honours your goals, your values, and your peace.

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.