Linda Lee and her daughter having their first mother-daughter date during her resting week
In honour of Mother’s Day, we speak to 4 working mothers (and grandmother!) in the By The Bay community. These super moms balance high preforming roles in some of the world’s most recognised brand names. Hear their stories of their journey managing the myriad of roles, their challenges and joys and what keeps them going.
A new mother of a one-year-old girl, Linda Lee is the Director of Communications at LinkedIn Asia Pacific. Continue reading as Linda shares her work life and the challenges of becoming a new mother in the middle of a global pandemic.
And a Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers in LinkedIn!
Do share with us some details of your role at LinkedIn.
I lead a high-performing team of communications professionals across the Asia Pacific region. As the world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn’s vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce and our role in communications is to help our members and customers understand and find value from our professional community and conversations.
What does the typical work day in a week look like for you?
As a team, we love taking intelligent risks with our work and getting better over time. We are focused and take pride in doing fewer things better. During the work week, I intentionally plan for open days (without meetings) on Mondays and Fridays to have the mind space go deeper into planning, ideation, as well as review team and talent matters. I use mid-week days to connect with my team and stakeholders. No two work days look the same in my calendar and hence, it is truly exciting to be part of a thriving Asia Pacific region.
We understand that you are a new mother of a one year old girl, how has the transition to becoming a mother been for you?
Globally, the pandemic has impacted women disproportionately according our latest research, LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2021. It’s definitely disappointing to learn this. Personally, 2020 has been a very strange year to be a new mother! It has been a real challenge – from giving birth during a lockdown, holding limited celebrations for the little one to transitioning into a full-time working parent remotely at home. I never understood the impact of this pandemic until I took a step back earlier this year and realised everyone I know is struggling, including myself.
Having said that in Singapore, we are so privileged where it’s safe and secured. During this transition, I have been very blessed and thankful as I can count on the support of my husband, family and friends, as well as the understanding and empathy from my team at work.
What is the best part about being a mother?
Her smile and cuddles at the end of a hard and long work day are my best reward.
What is one advice that has helped you in your journey as a parent thus far?
“Take time” is the best advice I’ve received from my previous manager, Roger Pua – this is before I became a parent and our first pregnancy ended up in a miscarriage. When I was hoping to start work quickly after the incident, Roger reminded me to take time. This advice is so simple and yet empowering so it’s my favourite advice for anyone going through changes – be it life stages, unexpected happenings or even moving countries or roles.
What do you think is key to being successful at home and at work?
It goes back to what we want in life – Being clear and vulnerable with people around you is the key. I’m still working on this every day but I know it takes a village to be a successful working parent and sometimes, it’s ok to fail and ask for help. Sharing our vulnerabilities is one of the most inspiring leadership traits that I’ve learnt from some of the best leaders at LinkedIn and my previous workplaces.
What advice would you give to first time mothers-to-be who are preparing to embark on the journey of motherhood?
It’s hard so take time and ask for help when the going gets tough but it’s also full of joy and surprises. Every child is different – so trust your own instincts as you are the one who has the bond with your child. It’s truly a gift to be a mother.
Describe what an ideal day off looks like to you.
It used to be 3pm high tea with my best friend or an escapade to countries I’ve never visited. Now, it’s catching up on sleep and hanging out with my little family to places we’ve never visited in Singapore. The list is long!
As a break from home, are there any routines or simple pleasures that you have enjoyed when back in the office at By The Bay?
I’ve missed our office and my colleagues and friends at Marina Bay Financial Centre – where we connect with our colleagues in Singapore. Grateful that most of us can go back and work in the office. My daily morning teh-c fix is usually at Kopi-Ong at level one and I love going to Blossom Floral Design and Precious Thots for flowers, gifts and cards for my team, families or friends.