E24 featuring Emily Dent: you can have it all, but only if you can live with the guilt.

Emily Dent, a partner in the innovation and transformation consultancy &Us, shares her journey of balancing career and family. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and acknowledges the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. Emily discusses the pressure to have it all and the need to redefine societal expectations. She also highlights the physical and hormonal toll of pregnancy and the lack of understanding and support in the workplace. Emily shares her experience of transitioning to freelance work and eventually becoming a partner in her consultancy. The conversation covers topics such as socialization of children, creating an equitable workplace, the importance of dialogue, and redefining success. She emphasizes the importance of treating people like adults and tailoring work arrangements to individual needs. Emily also talks about her approach to growth in her consultancy and the value of creating a supportive and inclusive culture. She highlights the need for open dialogue and collaboration in both the workplace and at home.

Takeaways

• Building a supportive community is crucial when living far from family.
• Women in male-dominated industries face challenges in balancing career and family.
• Societal expectations of having it all can be overwhelming and lead to a lack of confidence.
• Pregnancy and postpartum experiences are often misunderstood and not adequately supported in the workplace.
• Transitioning to freelance work can provide more flexibility and control over work-life balance.
• Having male allies and supportive colleagues can make a significant difference in career opportunities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on work and family life. Lack of socialization can have a significant impact on children's development.
• Treating people like adults and tailoring work arrangements to individual needs is key to creating an equitable workplace.
• Open dialogue and collaboration are essential for creating a supportive and inclusive culture.
• Redefining success as making a positive impact and leaving a legacy.
• Growth should be focused on creating the right environment and organization, rather than pursuing growth at all costs.
• Equity at home requires ongoing dialogue and sharing of responsibilities.