Photo / Jim Neuger
CPA Tabitha Swanson, founder of the Swanson Group.
May 7, 2021
Ahead of Mother's Day, 6 Maine execs reflect on motherhood, business leadership
File photo / Jim Neuger
Becky McKinnell, founder and president of iBec Creative
Ahead of Mother's Day this Sunday, Mainebiz asked a handful of business leaders who also are parents to reflect on lessons from motherhood they apply in their professional lives. Here's what they told us.
Tabitha Swanson, founder and CEO, the Swanson Group
"I started my business a few months before my second child was born. I had a male colleague who would always introduce me to people saying, 'This woman here birthed two children this year — her daughter and her business.' I always think back to how true that was.
"Just like a child, when you start a business, it is in its infancy and you have to nurture it, it requires extra attention and late nights, then as it grows the care you need to give it changes as does the care a child needs along the way in order to help it become a full grown business. I often describe my business as out of its infancy and into its childhood. I guess that makes sense given we are celebrating 10 years in 2021."
(Swanson, who leads a Westbrook-based tax, accounting and consulting firm she founded in 2012, shared her thoughts with the clock ticking on the May 17 tax filing deadline.)
Tanya Emery, director of community and economic development, city of Bangor
File photo / Tanya Emery
Tanya Emery, Director of Community & Economic Development for the City of Bangor
"One lesson I use in my professional life that comes from my experience as a mom is 'Get curious, not furious.' When something goes wrong, instead of being upset, I try first to get curious and find out how we got here, what went wrong, and what we can do differently? People don’t typically mess up because they want to — kids or adults — so this quick phrase reminds me to find out more about what’s going on."
Becky McKinnell, founder and CEO, iBec Creative
"Always have snacks on hand."
Joan Fortin, CEO, Bernstein Shur
File photo / Tim Greenway
Bernstein Shur CEO Joan Fortin
"One lesson I’ve learned as a parent that I try to use as a leader is to be fully present when I’m present. Certainly my children have grown up with a working mother and have learned that I am not always immediately available when they want my attention. As soon as I free up, though, I get back to them very promptly. When they need to talk with me — or just when we’re spending time together — I try to be fully present and give them my undivided attention.
"I try to treat my colleagues the same way. If a colleague needs to speak with me, or just wants some time to talk, I try very hard to get back to them promptly and to be fully present during our time together. People know that I am very busy and often apologize for taking up my time. Our people are the number one most important part of our business. I try to make sure they hear that from me and that when they ask for my attention they get it and get all of it."
Laurie Lachance, president, Thomas College
File photo/ Jim Neuger
Thomas College President Laurie Lachance
"There is nothing that has shaped my leadership more than being a mother and raising our sons. Being a mom is, without a doubt, the greatest leadership development program of all. Motherhood teaches patience, humility, compassion, selflessness, and the need for tough love. But the most important lesson I’ve learned through raising our boys is that each and every person has a unique gift to offer this world. If, as a mom and a leader, I can nourish, nurture, empower, prod, and inspire each person I lead to reach their potential and share their unique and powerful gifts with the world, then I will have succeeded."
Nancy Marshall, CEO, Marshall Communications
Provided file photo
Nancy Marshall, founder and CEO of Marshall Communications
"I started my business at the same time that I started having children. I felt constant guilt about not paying enough attention to the business or my two sons, but when my older son was salutatorian of his graduating high school class, he said in his speech, 'I want to thank my mom for modeling a strong work ethic my whole life.' That made it all worthwhile."
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