Growing up, the influential women who raised me all worked in the home. My mother, my grandmother’s, they had all dedicated their lives to either the men of the household, or the numerous children that they seemed unquestionably devoted to.
As I came of age and tried to find my career path at the tender age of 16 and 17 - when all these life-changing decisions seem to have to be made - it was my father who impressed upon me the importance of university and where that would take me in my generation. To me, Women’s History Month is a time where I reflect on the relative newness and complexity of having work both inside and outside of the home, and being relied upon heavily in both. I also know that while I, too, am unquestionably a devoted parent, I also am lucky. On one side of my family, university was not offered to the women, only the men. It seems both shocking and lucky that just one generation before me the expectations of others changed drastically, and just like that I could have a career if I wanted. Us Harrys typically don’t do things in halves. My sister chose medical school and I chose law school. Boy, did we change the path. Modeling for our Children Today, our five-year daughter proudly dressed up for “Career Day” at her school. She will never know a world where the choice is not the same for women and men, like it was in my family just one generation before. I frequently think about how our daughter sees my husband and I and what assumptions she might be making and what roles she may or may not associate with gender. I envy her that she simply may not know another way other than both parents work hard at their careers and in the home with her. I dream about what just “will be” for my daughter. How Far We Have Come When I arrived in Chicago over 12 years ago, I joined a Fantasy Football league with some friends I’d made. I wanted to immerse myself into American culture and I arrived at the start of the football season (back when the Bears were kind of, sort of, good). I somehow became the Commissioner of this league and it’s still running strong to this day. I also learned more about football than I perhaps ever cared to. Specifically, I learned of the “dual threat” quarterback, which is essentially a quarterback who can do so much more than “just” get into position and throw the ball to one of their zippy receivers or running backs. Working mothers are, I think, dual threats. We have broken out of a role that was labeled for us, and are surprising everyone by what else we can do and handle. To that extent, I feel like we are just getting started. Each day I amaze myself with what I am capable of. For example, I don’t think I can juggle a work commitment with my daughters' various activities (“is it gymnastics, ballet or swimming day?”), or I think the cross-over of work and parenting seems just too overwhelming, too hard. As dual threats, we have power and poise and unlocked potential. We will tell stories to our children’s children of how the pandemic halted our professional lives and created minimal boundaries in work and life. We will help our children navigate what their generation's “pandemic” will be and we will be amazed by all the things they do and juggle. For our part right now, let’s keep swinging for the fences. I am definitely a “go big or go home” person and I love surprising myself… and my daughter. Let’s see what's possible and keep forging this unknown path that is working mothers in 2024; and I think you’ll be amazed. –Kate Harry Shipham As Women's History Month unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the multifaceted journey of motherhood, a path that I've walked in both the realms of working and stay-at-home motherhood. Each role presents its own set of hurdles and rewards, shaping me into the woman I am today through overcoming challenges and cherishing moments of joy. Working Mothers: Balancing Act Extraordinaire In the realm of working mothers, time becomes a precious commodity, often divided between career aspirations and the desire to be present for our children. The struggle to maintain a clean, organized home while also preparing quality meals can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are rewards aplenty. The sense of self and purpose derived from pursuing professional goals, the opportunity to socialize beyond the confines of home, and the invaluable contribution to the family's financial well-being all serve as poignant reminders of the strength inherent in working mothers. Stay-at-Home Mothers: Finding Fulfillment in the Everyday Conversely, the journey of stay-at-home motherhood brings its own set of hurdles and rewards. While the uninterrupted time with our children is undeniably precious, the loss of a distinct identity outside of the home and the overwhelming task list can weigh heavily on the spirit. Yet, amidst the challenges, there is solace to be found in the comfort of a well-kept home and the unparalleled joy of witnessing every milestone in our children's lives. The Resilience of Working Single Mothers: Navigating Life's Challenges Solo In acknowledging the strength of working single mothers, we must confront the unique hurdles they face. From shouldering the burden of every task, both at work and at home, to navigating the loneliness of solo parenthood, the challenges can seem insurmountable. Yet, in the face of adversity, working single mothers exemplify resilience and fortitude. Through their unwavering determination, they impart invaluable lessons of strength and perseverance to their children, laying the foundation for a future defined by resilience and self-assurance. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor the diverse experiences of mothers everywhere, recognizing the hurdles they overcome and the rewards they reap along the way. Whether working outside the home, dedicating themselves to the role of stay-at-home parent, or bravely navigating the path of single motherhood, their contributions shape the fabric of our society and inspire future generations to embrace the journey with courage and grace. – Cheyenne Cupp The best candidates will be doing all of these 10 things simultaneously when you are interviewing them.
Watch for these cues and note how they handle themselves in the moment
As a final word, I'll add this: A lot of candidates are great interviewers, and fewer are great in the role. Distinguishing between the two can be a challenge, and we are always here for you during these tough moments. Throughout my professional trajectory, I have cultivated a diverse skill set, fostering profound
expertise in areas such as business development, marketing, interpersonal communication, and client relations. Upon acquainting myself with Kate and KHS People, I was immediately struck by her authentic empathy and commitment to delivering unparalleled service to clients. The remarkable year-over-year growth of the company left a lasting impression on me, prompting a strong affinity towards Kate and a desire to contribute to her team. The role of Executive Recruiter at KHS People piqued my interest due to its emphasis on client relations, business development, and marketing, aligning seamlessly with my professional aspirations. This multifaceted position presents an exciting opportunity for me to expand my knowledge within the legal domain, while leveraging my expertise to further advance in my career. I offer the following five interviewing tips for consideration:
Last updated: March 2024 With so many resumes out there, what makes a resume stand out and what do hiring managers appreciate? Given law firms typically want to see a more straight-down-the-line resume, it can feel tough to stand out. Here are four key things to remember so that your resume is distinct from your peers: Start with... a short professional summary. This is a short and very specific summary of who you are as a professional and what you are seeking. Done right, this is impactful and punchy and saves the reader any guess work. It should include "your ask" in terms of the role you are seeking. An example: Legal marketer with 18 years of experience in both national and global law firms. Key experience lies in leadership and management roles, and can act as a hybrid in both the strategic and day-to-day. Feedback has consistently centered around being a strong collaborative and energetic team player who can own projects with a solutions-focused approach. Seeking a senior role within a progressive law firm that includes elements of change management, people management, and the opportunity to have upward mobility in years to come. Try to include... the relationships you have built. Even the most qualified and experienced candidates fall into the default pattern of simply listing all their duties. Go beyond this and go deeper. Briefly describe the types of relationships you have with the partners or key leaders. Follow up with how you built that relationship, how you nurtured it, and the lasting effects of this. An example: I successfully brought together 110 attorneys across the firm to form an industry group X which could serve the varying degrees of our banking and corporate clients, including high net wealth and entrepreneurial clients. This included travel to be in person to enhance relationship building and frequent touchpoints with Industry Group Chairs to present key findings and go-to-market strategies. After the start-up phase, most months I would travel to industry conferences with key partners to support their business development efforts, including specific speaking opportunities. For each role... succinctly explain your purpose or focus. Every role you've had was to fulfill a particular need. What was that need and did you achieve it? These little insights give that "laundry list" more credibility and more clarity. An example: Large Law Firm, 2021-present Business Development Manager I am responsible for building a small team of elite players who can support the firms' highest revenue generating Corporate Group, with specialisms in Private Equity, M&A, Securities and Real Estate. Supporting 300+ attorneys across these subgroups and managing three business developers of varying seniority, our group has increased revenue by X and increased its ranking by X. What KHS loves to see... the whole you. You have a personal life and things that "keep your cup full". What is it that keeps you going? Is it friends, family, children, LMA family, hiking, skiing, seeking out a peaceful beach. Whatever those things are, share it with us. We are fascinated by the whole you, and in our experience that often shows another angle or layer which adds to who you are today. Let's celebrate that! Some wonderful examples we've seen over the years: - Marathon runner - Ex-chef - Fly fisherwoman - Amateur photographer - Ballet dancer - Travelled 93 countries and counting |
AuthorKate Harry Shipham is the Principal of KHS People LLC, an executive search firm for BD and marketing people in professional services firms. Kate has done search and recruiting for 14 years and prior to that was an attorney. She loves what she does, and is always open to continuing the discussion: kate@khspeople.com Categories
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