WMW issue #9: Beth Satterly, mum of 3, Production Manager for Explorer Publishing, Dubai Strongest Woman
'Find an employer that gets you are a working mum and don't feel guilty"
The beauty of the internet is that you can build authentic relationships without meeting each other in person. This is gold in my opinion; as working mums, our time is so scarce, but we still need to make connections with like-minded people
My interview today is with Beth Satterly, an incredible working mum I met as she managed a project for us. We got along immediately; I really appreciated her work style, efficiency and ethic. Once the project got over, I was actually a bit sad that maybe I won’t ever communicate with Beth again, as I really enjoyed working with her! We got chatting a bit, and she agreed to do an interview for this newsletter, and we have a genuine will to meet each other some day, hopefully soon!
I draw so much inspiration and motivation from the working mums I meet, I hope you get as much value from reading these emails.
Here is my interview for this week.
Meet Beth Satterly, mum of 3, Production Manager for Explorer Publishing, #2 Dubai Strongest Woman
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m 41, a mother of 3 and a Production Manager for Explorer Publishing in Dubai. When I am not rallying kids or work colleagues you’ll mostly find me in the gym or walking the dog.
Q. You are a mum of 3, and work full time in publishing. How do you do balance it all?
My kids are Harriet (10), Luke (8) and Ethan (4). Truthfully, I am not sure I manage it. It feels very much like I am always ‘just coping’. But equally, I think that’s my personality, I have never been much of a planner.
Q. What is your ultimate goal as a working mum?
I have honestly never thought about it, so it’s quite nice to get asked and consider this.
I have only been back full-time since November 2021, before that we travelled a lot (6 countries in 6 years). I retrained as a Personal Trainer so did that whilst we moved about along with other bits and bobs. I then freelanced as a content writer when we came to Dubai in August 2019, so this has been a complete lifestyle change for me and us as a family. I think it’s the old cliché of ‘finding myself’ again. I was a Project Manager for NGO’s pre-kids, so it’s a rediscovery of ‘professional Beth’ whoever the heck she is!
Q. Where do you get your inspiration?
Honestly, nowhere. As a family we have made some unique choices over the years, so I very much rely on myself and my own intuition. That said….depressing alert, but my best friend lost her 10 year battle with cancer in November 2021. She was a total bad-ass so I often think of her when I am feeling overwhelmed or anxious about anything.
Q. What is your best productivity hack?
Online grocery shopping! As I said, I am not much of a planner, but I do meal plan on a Sunday for the week. Makes it easier each dinnertime, plus you waste less food.
Q. What is your parenting mantra?
To get through it! But overall, I would say my mantra is to make sure my children become who they should be. I want to find out who they are and encourage and support them to be that person.
Q. What do you do in your 'me-time' and how does it help you?
Mostly gym. I have always loved sport and it’s played a huge part in my life. I discovered strongwoman a few years ago and have been competing in that over the last few years (2nd place in Dubai’s Strongest Woman last year - brag!). I find it helps me forget everything for a while and focus solely on just that one thing. I guess it would be ‘mindful’ in today’s vocab!
Q. Did becoming a mother change the way you work? How so?
Completely. I care less. Pre-kids I defined myself by my job a lot. These days it’s a smaller part of how I see myself and I take it a lot less seriously than I did before. Not that I am not professional, I always strive to do the best job I can, but as soon as I get home, I largely forget work and jump straight back into mum mode.
Q. What are your biggest learnings?
Admitting when you’re wrong. There is no more of an attractive quality at work or at home than this. It took me a while!
Q. What is your advice to mums looking to start working again?
Find an employer that gets it. I am very lucky, my boss is a dad to a young daughter; he understands how important it is to be there for school plays, parents’ evenings etc, and is very accommodating.
Also, don’t feel guilty. Being a mum and working is completely normal, our children are important, but I think sometimes they can start to act like they’re the centre of the world. Seeing you go out and work is a positive life lesson for them. Just make sure you’re present when you’re with them as much as possible to counterbalance this.
Q. Favourite tool that makes your life easier?
Sandra! I have an amazing helper at home. Since I started work fulltime, she is doing so much more than before. I know this is a total Dubai luxury, but I couldn’t work without her.
Q. Parenting book / advice that was a game changer for you?
I was a qualified parenting teacher before I had kids and used to work with prisoners to help them improve their skills before they returned home. Biggest things I learnt, you can’t parent two children the same, and boundaries are key to not only your happiness, but your children’s as well. The most important thing however is to largely ignore everyone else. Parenting inspires so much advice, but you know your child better than anyone else so trust yourself.
Q. Favourite quote
Random line in a romantic poem I learnt at university…’I am as I am and so will I be’.
Q. Best thing you have read or watched lately
The new season of Bridgerton. Can’t beat a bit of romance!
If you enjoyed this and feel someone else can benefit from this conversation or this community, please share!
If you have any questions or comments for Beth, do leave a comment here or hit reply and I will make sure she gets your message.
Have a great week!
Love,
Abha