A Mother's Day Tribute to the Unsung CEO of the Family

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A mother’s workspace at home, showing her multitasking role

My phone has been buzzing from morning with Mother's Day wishes. From long posts, to GIF's , to heart warming messages they have kept coming fast and furious. So this got me thinking, why not I write something in honour of CEO's of every family.

We all know that it is the responsibility of a CEO’s to keep the organisation flourishing . So they have to oversee the entire operations, make decisions, and take the brick-bats that come with the bouquets . And this is why I compare the role of a mother, to that of a CEO, CFO, EA, peon, doctor, coach and many more rolled into one. Right from planning schedules of the family to balances budgets and it does not matter if she did not get a degree in Finance - she still does it with the ability of a CFO. Like an Executive Assist she has to coordinate activities of every family member, manage doctor appointments, keep track and help with school projects exams and what have you ! She is the one that keeps the family’s “company” on track.

However if you are someone that thrives on rewards and recognition, please be assured that unlike a corporate CEO, a mother rarely receives any formal recognition for her leadership. Yes she has to continue and handle crises calmly, adapt to unexpected changes all while keeping her family motivated and working together. Every single decision she takes has an impact on the well-being and happiness of everyone in the household. So let us not kind ourselves that her leadership is essential.

Today a career in coaching has become a lucrative one. But did you realise that a mother has been doing this without any formal certification? She is the one coaching and guiding the children , teaching life skills, or offering emotional support, she nurtures confidence and resilience through challenges and encouraging them to bloom. This role requires patience, empathy, and the ability to inspire which was not handed over in a guide book.

Why do I say that a mother’s role as a caregiver is similar to that of a doctor? Let me take you back to the time you had the first fall and hurt yourself. Do you remember who administered first aid and stopped you bawling out loudly? From soothing fevers to managing allergies, juggling multiple health concerns of the family and knowing when professional help is needed, she does with ease of a professional. Her ability to provide comfort and reassurance during illness is invaluable and can be felt when you are miles apart and sick.

The chef role goes beyond preparing meals. A mother needs to plan and cook keeping in mind everyone's likes and dislikes while needing to dish out Michelin Star taste and quality even if at times it means without the means . But she does it with love for her family.

While school and university prepared us for a job, it was our mother who was our first teachers. They introduce language, manners (maybe that's why we call it mother tongue?), values, kindness, responsibility, perseverance and social skills. These lessons build character and prepare children for adulthood. The impact of this teaching lasts a lifetime.

Writing about it today, is my way of acknowledging the skill and complexity of a mother’s role. It’s not just about doing many things at once but doing them well, with care and attention.

But all this work often goes unnoticed. Have you ever hear of a mother getting a, bonuses, or an official title. She will certainly not get a promotion (I wonder what would the role be?)

The next time you see a mother managing chaos with grace, remember she is leading a company without a formal title but with unmatched dedication.

The job description is unwritten, and the hours are long. Yet, there is no other role that I cherish - being a mother to my lovely young ladies the H& H sisters and grateful for the love and guidance of my late mother. So my ask of you today, is let it be a Happy Mother's Day for our mothers today and every day of our lives.