Imagine juggling flaming torches while balancing on a unicycle. Now add a toddler’s tantrum and a client’s urgent email to the mix. That’s the daily adventure of being a mom and CEO.
I sometimes say my life could double as a masterclass in multitasking, but let’s be honest. It’s more like a live improv show, and I’m both the star and the stage crew.
The best part? I wouldn’t trade the spotlight for anything.
Let me introduce myself in the first place. I am Maryam Ehsan, and I am leading one of Lahore’s best marketing agencies, Market Pro, and helping industries like SAAS, DAAS, healthcare, martech, and fintech achieve unmatched success.
Being both a mother and a leader means navigating two very different worlds, but it’s in their overlap that I’ve found my strength. In just three years, I have managed to start my entrepreneurial journey while also becoming a mother for the first time.
From learning the art of delegation to embracing life’s unpredictability, I’m here to share my journey: proof that you can rock the boardroom and still ace show-and-tell.
Q1. What’s your secret to staying present both as a CEO and a mother?
Unlike most working women, I started my entrepreneurial journey around the same time that I first became a mother. Was it difficult and overwhelming? Sure, but staying present is all about quality over quantity. I’ve learned to compartmentalize so that when I’m at work, I give it my all, and when I’m with my family, they get my undivided attention. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about being fully there for the moments that matter most.
Q2. In a world that expects women to “do it all,” how do you define success on your own terms?
Over the course of the last three years, I have managed to raise my son while also making my company Market Pro grow from just a few employees to almost a hundred now. Success, for me, isn’t about “doing it all”; it’s about doing what truly matters. I’ve redefined success as striking a balance where I feel fulfilled in both my career and my personal life. I ensure that I keep my energy intact so that I can raise my son with the proper values and beliefs.
Q3. Has motherhood influenced your leadership style, and if so, how?
Motherhood has taught me the art of patience, the power of empathy, and the importance of flexibility. My son has always been a quiet one, so I have had to use all my emotional intelligence to understand his needs. As a leader, I’ve adopted a nurturing yet strategic approach: knowing when to guide, when to listen, and when to let my team grow on their own. It’s about leading with heart while never losing sight of the bigger picture. By integrating emotional intelligence into my decisions as a leader, I have made decisions that have increased my company’s happiness and retention rate to 90+ percent.
4. As a CEO and mother, how do you debunk the “supermom myth” while setting realistic expectations for yourself?
In the initial months of my motherhood and leadership experience, I felt the need to do it all; however, I soon realized that this was draining all my energy—so naturally, I changed my tactics. I debunk the “supermom myth” by embracing imperfection. You don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time. Real strength lies in knowing when to delegate, ask for help, and give yourself grace. My mantra? Some days, you’ll ace the CEO role; other days, you’ll nail motherhood, and that’s okay. Balance isn’t a constant; it’s a rhythm.
Q5. What’s your take on the narrative that working mothers have to “sacrifice it all” to succeed in both roles?
The “sacrifice it all” narrative is outdated. Working mothers don’t have to choose between their careers and families; we can create systems that allow us to excel in both. For me, success isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about prioritization. I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters. For example, I left my son in the care of my mother when I attended GITEX Africa and Fintech Singapore Conference 2024. I let go of any unnecessary guilt and carve my own path to fulfillment. This not only helps me find growth in my career but also helps me be fully there for my son.
Q6. How do you navigate and challenge the guilt of pursuing an ambitious career as a mother?
I’ve reframed guilt into purpose. Instead of seeing my ambition as a trade-off, I view it as a lesson for my child. I now believe that dreams and hard work go hand in hand. I challenge the guilt by reminding myself that being a fulfilled, driven mother sets a powerful example of resilience and self-worth for him to follow. When my son grows up, I want him to know and appreciate that his mother was able to love and nurture him while also prioritizing herself and her career.
Q7. How do you consciously break the stereotype of the “always perfect” mother while being a role model for your children?
I embrace imperfection as part of the journey. Sometimes, when I have to attend extensive meetings or go abroad for international conferences, I am unable to give my son the proper time of the day. However, I always make up for it by being present on all the other days. By being authentic—juggling wins and setbacks—I want to teach him that strength lies in showing up, not in being flawless. It’s a reminder that love and effort matter more than perfection ever could.
Q8. How do you recharge and avoid burnout while balancing demanding leadership responsibilities and parenting?
I prioritize micro-breaks and boundaries. Whether it’s a quick walk, reading with my kids, or just a moment of silence, I find ways to reset. Delegating tasks, trusting my team, and asking for support have been game-changers. To truly lead at work and home, I’ve learned to value my well-being as much as my responsibilities.
Q9. Do you believe the concept of “work-life balance” is achievable, or do you prefer the idea of “work-life integration”?
I lean toward “work-life integration.” Balance feels like a rigid scale, while integration lets me blend both worlds harmoniously. Some days, work takes precedence; other days, it’s family. What matters is aligning my time with my priorities. Integration means showing my kids my passion for work while being fully present in our shared moments.
Q10. As a working mother, how much importance do you place on delegation and prioritization?
Delegation and prioritization are non-negotiables in my life. Delegating empowers others and lightens my load, while prioritization helps me focus on what truly matters. I’ve learned that trying to do it all alone isn’t strength; it’s inefficiency. Success lies in trusting my team, letting go of the non-essentials, and being present for what counts most.
Q11. When your children look back on your journey, what’s the one message you hope they take away about leadership and resilience?
I want them to remember that leadership isn’t about being the strongest; it’s about being adaptable, empathetic, and unafraid to grow. When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I was skeptical about a lot of things, but I knew that the only way I could grow was by making mistakes—and I made several because resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s embracing challenges and turning them into stepping stones. Above all, I hope they see that dreams are achievable with hard work and the courage to rewrite your own story.
Q12. What advice would you give women who are juggling between their careers and the responsibility of mothering?
Give yourself permission to not be perfect. Balance isn’t about splitting time equally; it’s about giving your all to each role in its moment. Set realistic boundaries, lean on your support system, and know that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Remember, you’re setting an example of determination and self-love for your children to follow.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
