WMW #37: Carrie Saunders, on building a business whilst raising a family and embracing tech
"Your kids are always watching you. It's an opportunity to show them what is possible."
One of the greatest joys of running this newsletter is getting to sit down with extraordinary women who are building businesses, raising families, and redefining what success looks like on their own terms.
I’m excited to share this conversation with Carrie Saunders - a tech entrepreneur, mum of three, and all-around powerhouse.
We first connected through an online business community we are both in and then she had me on her podcast, and I instantly knew I wanted to bring her voice to this newsletter!
Her story is an inspiration on how it is possible to build a meaningful business while raising a family and staying true to your values.
I hope her journey gives you the same encouragement it gave me.
Let’s get into it!
Meet Carrie Saunders, tech entrepreneur and mum of 3.
Q: Carrie, thank you for doing this! Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
A: Thanks for having me!
So, I started my company BCS Engineering in 2002. I was 25, completing my master’s in electrical engineering with a focus on computer science, and I had a nine-month-old baby—my oldest, who I just biked 14 miles with recently.
My husband and I were high school sweethearts, married young, and by 25 we felt ready for kids. So while finishing my thesis, I also started this business almost by accident.
We help online entrepreneurs build effective websites that work for them like a salesperson—automating and converting, not just looking pretty.
Outside of work, I love being outdoors, gardening, baking gluten-free (I’m celiac), and playing the piano a few times a week just for fun. Oh, and I’m currently training for a triathlon!
Q: That’s incredible! What led you to entrepreneurship, especially with a baby at home?
A: It really was accidental. A family friend had a boutique children’s clothing store and wanted to get online—this was back when small shops didn’t have websites yet. She knew we were tech-savvy and asked for help.
I realized I could build her site faster and more affordably than anyone she could hire. That’s how it started. I also had experience helping our university manage their web presence, so this wasn't completely new.
I didn’t like the corporate environment I’d experienced during internships—it felt stuffy and stifling. I wanted to make an impact in my own way, and this opportunity opened the door to that.
—- Prefer to watch our chat? You can catch it here: —-
Q: You’ve grown your business alongside raising three children. How did motherhood influence your approach to work?
A: It’s been a ride! I had my second child shortly after starting the business, and then a third while finishing my degree. So I had a full plate, but I never let having kids stop me. Instead, it helped me get really clear on what mattered.
My time was limited, so I had to be efficient and focused during work hours. Motherhood also shaped the way I lead. I was always mindful of flexibility when hiring—especially for other parents. If they needed to work around school hours or family needs, that was always fine with me.
Q: Did your kids ever struggle with you working from home?
A: Not really. From a young age, I explained things to them clearly and respectfully.
I’d say, “Mommy’s working—can it wait 30 minutes?” and they’d understand.
If it was urgent, they knew they could interrupt me. I always treated them like little adults and brought them into the process. That helped a lot. I think because they felt involved and understood what I was doing, it created balance and mutual respect.
Q: Reflecting on the last 23 years, what have been your biggest learnings as a business owner and a mom?
A: One big thing is knowing when and how to set boundaries.
I used to work during school hours, then pause for family time, and return to work once they were asleep. It worked well for us and gave me a lot of presence in their lives.
I also learned that your kids are always watching—they saw me run a business in tech, which is still relatively uncommon for moms. That has shown them what’s possible.
If I could go back, I might tweak my time management a bit, but overall, I’m proud of the balance I created.
Q: You’re a tech entrepreneur—how do you feel about the rise of AI in business?
A:
I think AI is powerful, but it’s important to approach it with informed curiosity.
I use it daily—ChatGPT helps me brainstorm, outline content, and get into a creative flow, which doesn’t come naturally to me since I’m more technical. I believe every business owner should at least explore new tools to see what works for them.
But don’t get caught in shiny object syndrome. Learn it well enough to assess if it supports your goals—don’t dive in blindly.
Q: What inspires you to keep going?
A: I had a rough start in life. My parents struggled with alcohol and poor choices, and I lived with my grandmother from fourth grade onward. That contrast—seeing both instability and safety—shaped my values. It made me want to choose better, and help others do the same. Whether it’s my employees, clients, or kids, I want to be an example that your past doesn’t define your future.
Q: What’s your top productivity tip?
A: Surprisingly, my top tip is using a paper calendar!
Even though I work in tech, I write my top three goals each day by hand. It helps cement them in my mind and keeps me focused. It’s simple, but incredibly effective.
Q: What would you say to a new mum considering starting her own business?
A: Track your time for a few days. Log everything—when you wake up, when you cook, everything. It’s tedious, but it reveals hidden opportunities. Then use those pockets—nap time, evenings—and start small. Be kind to yourself. You won’t get it perfect at first, and that’s okay. You can absolutely do this in a way that fits your life.
Quick Fire Round with Carrie!
What’s your favourite tool right now? ChatGPT
Parenting advice you live by? Never go to bed angry at your spouse—it makes for a more peaceful home.
Last thing you loved watching? The Queen’s Gambit—I wish it had more episodes!
Favourite quote? “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t—you’re right.” —Henry Ford
You can know more about Carrie, here.
You can listen to her podcast, here.
If you are interested in learning from Carrie about how to get on the front page of Google, without ads, click here!
Carrie’s story is a reminder that we don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood, creativity and structure, or work and play.
It’s not always tidy or linear, but it is possible to create a life that holds space for all the things that matter.
I hope her words encouraged you to rethink your own rhythms and maybe even reclaim some space for the version of work that fits you.
If you loved this conversation, hit reply or leave a comment and tell me what resonated—or share it with someone who needs to hear it today.
Until next time,
— Abha