Canadian Ad Insider

Fernanda - My approach isn't about a magic bullet, but rather a consistent effort in prioritization, accepting that "done" is better than "perfect," and relying heavily on a strong support system. I focus
relentlessly on the most critical tasks first. With young children (ages 6 and 4), I've learned to
embrace imperfection, especially when balancing career demands, including travel, with family
life. While dedicated self-time is a work in progress, the current stage of my children's growth
feels like a worthwhile trade-off.

Can you share an accomplishment from your career that you're proud of and how motherhood has influenced your work approach?

Fernanda - Witnessing Laminam's significant growth in North America over the past three years has been a source of immense pride. Working closely with the CEO, I've been deeply involved in every
facet of this expansion, from establishing five new warehouses in two years to spearheading our
first Toronto showroom opening this month, and from orchestrating major trade show exhibitions
like KBIS to integrating and equipping new distributors. Knowing my direct involvement is crucial
to achieving these results is incredibly rewarding.
Motherhood has instilled in me a greater sense of empathy for others' needs and a deeper well
of patience when plans deviate. It's also taught me the vital importance of having a "Plan B" –
anticipating potential challenges and being prepared to adapt and move forward, a skill that's
invaluable in the dynamic business world.

What is one key takeaway or skill you've gained from being a mother that you find invaluable in your professional life?

Fernanda - Resilience. The unpredictable nature of motherhood has been a powerful training ground for adapting to constant curveballs, problem-solving under pressure, and quickly recovering from
setbacks. This inherent resilience is an invaluable asset in the fast-paced and often
unpredictable realms of marketing and administration, allowing me to stay calm, find solutions,
and maintain momentum.

How do you prioritize your life?

Fernanda - Prioritization is key. At work, I laser-focus on the tasks with the highest impact, delegating or postponing less critical items. At home, I fiercely protect family time, consciously putting away devices to be fully present with my children. While technology offers flexibility for catching up on work after bedtime, I also recognize the crucial need for rest and personal recharge to maintain balance. It's a constant effort to prioritize quality over quantity in both my professional and personal life.

What does a typical (or perhaps not-so-typical!) day look like for you?

Fernanda - My day often begins around 6 am, with the morning routine of breakfast and getting the kids ready for school, sometimes squeezing in a quick check of emails beforehand. After school
drop-off, it's straight to work, filled with client and team meetings, project management, and
ongoing communication. My husband typically handles the afternoon school pick-up. Evenings
are dedicated to family – bath time, dinner clean-up, and preparing the kids for bed. Tuesdays
are a bit more dynamic with their skating lessons, requiring an earlier departure from work.
Catching up on any remaining work usually happens after the kids are asleep. Of course,
unexpected events like sick days or urgent deadlines frequently require flexibility and a healthy
dose of improvisation!

Who has been a significant source of support or inspiration for you?

Fernanda - My husband has been my unwavering pillar of support since we moved to Canada 17 years ago without family nearby. His exceptional partnership in raising our children and juggling our
careers has been fundamental. I'm also incredibly fortunate to have a supportive and
understanding boss and a fantastic team at work, all of whom contribute to fostering a healthy
work-life balance.

Any advice for other women?

Fernanda - Be incredibly kind to yourself. There will be days when you feel the weight of not doing enough, both professionally and personally, leading to exhaustion and moments of feeling overwhelmed. Please know that you are doing your best. Forget perfection; focus on consistent progress and discovering what truly works for your unique family and career. Build a strong support network, don't hesitate to ask for help when needed, and remember that self-care isn't a luxury – it's a vital necessity for long-term success and well-being in all aspects of your life. And when faced
with difficult choices, always prioritize your family.