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We're continuing with our Women in Tech series, celebrating the women across our business, who are helping shape the future of tech.
This series shares a Q&A with one of our colleagues, offering a glimpse into their journey, the projects they’re proud of, and the advice they’d give to others starting out in the industry. These aren’t just stories, they’re reflections of the values we live by: Progression, Integrity, Collaboration, and Ownership.
Recently we sat down with Abi Downes, People Business Partner.
1. How did taking maternity leave impact your career, perspective, or role as a People Partner, and what helped you transition back into the workplace with confidence?
My whole world shifted after I had my little boy, but returning to work really helped me feel like me again. I've gained a whole new perspective on what people are juggling outside of work and it has made me more patient. On the flip side, I'm more driven to achieve than ever and I'm precious with my time because I'm spinning many plates and every minute of the day counts.
Patience and a genuine curiosity from my manager helped my return. We worked together to plan a return that helped me settle back in and my team were amazing at answering my 100 questions per day in those first few weeks back. At Tracsis, we also offer maternity coaching, which really prepared me for returning to work in a practical sense with confidence.
2. What support systems—whether personal, organisational, or community-based made the biggest difference in balancing parenthood with progression in tech?
I have found that talking openly about motherhood, the good and the challenging, has allowed me to find my people both inside and outside of work. I think finding people who have a similar mindset to you about motherhood really helps. My priorities changed when I had my little boy, but my determination and desire to progress my career is still there, so surrounding myself with other mums who inspire me to have both has made a difference.
3. We offer Maternity Coaching as part of our benefits. How did that help with the transition?
I think I initially underestimated returning to work because I was looking forward to coming back. Working with a coach helped me to set some clear goals about my return, as well as boundaries to hold myself to whilst finding a new balance. I was able to talk through my worries about returning and give practical ideas for how I could address those worries. I think it played a huge part in my wellbeing having someone to help me prepare for my return.
4. How have our values—Progression, Integrity, Collaboration, and Ownership—shaped your career journey, and your return to the tech world?
They are values that I personally align with, so that always helps! Progression to me means exposure to new skills, ways of working, new experiences and these things are really encouraged within my team. I am given the autonomy to own initiatives that drive our People strategy, which in turn are helping shape my career.
I think being able to be authentically myself at work really helped me with my return. Even a year on, I know I can be honest about having no sleep or having a poorly little one and my team and stakeholders are understanding. We really collaborate to get the job done and we know we can lean on each other when needed.
5. What advice would you give to women in tech who are planning maternity leave or feeling uncertain about how it may affect their career trajectory?
You will return to work with a whole host of new skills you picked up during maternity leave that will make you even more of a powerhouse than you are now. You will soon get back into the swing of things and pick up back where you left - be kind to yourself!
Interested in a career at Tracsis
Tracsis is a fast-growing, successful technology company offering exciting working environments and collaborative, supportive teams. Take a look at our current opportunities.