Balancing the Boardroom & Motherhood at JMMB

Many women aspire to not just climb the rungs of the corporate ladder, but to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling, taking a seat at the boardroom table, among their male counterparts. As these women pursue their career goals, they often strive to strike the balance between juggling motherhood and the boardroom.

According to the 2013 International Labour Organization (ILO) findings, it is estimated that approximately 59.3% of Jamaican women are in middle and senior management positions. Although Jamaica has one of the highest percentage of women globally, at the management level; their representation at the executive level and the board level, are lacking. JMMB Group defies this status quo of women in top management positions, boasting a 54% composition of women at the Group executive level and 43% of women represented at the Group board level. This is against the background, that having women in 30% of management positions is seen as a critical mass to positively impact enterprise outcomes.

The ILO report presented the findings of a 2013 survey of over 1,200 companies in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern and Central Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on measures and initiatives to advance women in management.

JMMB execs, board members and senior managers, who are mothers, share pointers on how they effectively balance both roles.

For Donna Duncan-Scott, JMMB Group director and chief culture and human development officer, prioritization tops her list of ingredients to achieving success in her roles as mother and corporate exec. Candidly sharing, how she made the decision to step away from the helm of JMMB in 2005, while proudly passing the reins to her brother, Keith; in a bid to ensure she could dedicate more time to being a mother. She admits she has no regrets about the choice she made, as this afforded her the opportunity to enjoy little moments with her daughters – Naima and Nia.  While, she is equally proud of the successes the company has achieved under Keith’s leadership.  

Claudine Tracey, chief strategy officer, credits having a flexible work schedule in what she defines as a family-oriented work environment, as her secret to achieving the successes, so far, in work-life balance. “I am measured on my performance and deliverables, more so than the amount of hours I spend in my physical office. I am, therefore, able to set my own schedule to support my 10-year old daughter, Shiloh, while meeting work commitments.”  The chief strategist shares, “Having a flexible schedule and using the available technology, allow me to be available to study with my daughter, as she prepares for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination and provide the necessary academic support, where necessary.” She adds, this flexibility allows her to enjoy great mother and daughter bonding moments. “In my family, dancing is a legacy and so my daughter, my mother and I spend a lot of time in dance sessions. We also enjoy regular day-to-day activities together and I am also happy that I am able to be present to support her in several of her extracurricular activities,” shared Claudine.  

Tracey notes that she is happy for her work environment, as she is able to not just balance the roles, but also teach her daughter key life lessons by modelling positive attitudes, such as a good work ethic and discipline; both of which she has seen her daughter trying to emulate. Allowing her daughter to work alongside her, has also fostered a better understanding of the working environment, and the role that she plays at JMMB. “It is invaluable for her to see hands-on, her mom in action...I am happy for her to see what a career woman looks like, by (being) that example.”

Claudine Campbell-Bryan, senior manager, compliance and deputy company secretary, notes that in addition to flexi-time, the availability of the free nursery facility is paramount. “Family is important to me, and even when I think about options for employment, JMMB is such a great place to work because it allows me, as a mother, to balance both roles – manager and motherhood.” In further sharing the vital role that the nursery plays in her life, as a corporate exec who embraces motherhood, she adds that the extended hours of the nursery, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., allows her to start her day early, thereby maximizing her productivity. In addition to affording her to spend quality time with her family and pursue her entrepreneurial venture, as a candle and natural soap manufacturer. The nursery also offers the added bonus as a place of solace. “It is such a great feeling that I can walk over, to the nursery (because of the close proximity) and check on the children while at work. Seeing my children centres me and provides stress relief especially on hectic days,” said Campbell-Bryan. 

The nursery is described by Janet Patrick, Group financial controller, as ‘a home away from home’. She sings praises to the nursery team, who she credits as a strong support system for her, especially when her daughters, Shaneille and Janae, were younger. Confessing to not being the best hairstylist, the ‘aunties’ assisted in filling that gap and gave her peace of mind to lead a successful career in accounting at JMMB, knowing that her daughters were in good hands and being cared for adequately. Although admitting that she is still struggles with ensuring that she dedicates enough time to her family, Janet is grateful for a working environment that has allowed her to do it all.   

All these mothers admit that it is difficult to master the juggling act. They credit a strong mindset and divine strength to getting them through most days; in addition to having a strong support system, in the form of either their spouses, family and friends, who help them to balance motherhood and corporate life. Duncan-Scott further reminded other women that in seeking to balance both roles, “there is no perfection and don’t take yourself too seriously.” In so doing, she adds that in showing your struggles, this allows for your children to see your imperfections and for them to learn that it is ok to be not be perfect too. 

It is no surprise that JMMB seeks to create a family-centric working environment, as a company that was co-pioneered by a strong career-oriented woman and a mother of five children – the late Joan Duncan. Having experienced the demands of being a working mother herself, she sought to create a working environment that helped to foster the greatness of women. Since then JMMB Group has sought to remain true to that vision, in creating a culture that allows all team members to realize their greatness and experience unconditional love. 

Choosing between motherhood and corporate ambitions is common among women. Yet these JMMB Group senior managers,  execs, and board members have proven that this ‘tug of war’, though challenging, can be won with prioritization, flexible work time, a solid home and/or work support system, and a family-friendly corporate culture that supports and embraces motherhood.