Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to the issue of motherhood and careers. Caitlin Crawshaw who writes for the Edmonton Journal and Canwest, among other publications, tackled this issue in a series of articles published across Canada. (See links below)

No matter how many interviews I have done, I always find it hard. The questions arise: Am I going to quoted properly or edited to death? Is the message clear or convoluted? If they take my picture will I be having a good hair day?

In this case the articles were interesting, the quotes were good overall, the information valuable, but the pictures had me running to my hair stylist and taking a hard look in the mirror. The dreaded up-shot, big desk in front of my body, in one shot where I look more expansive through the middle I had to question whether I was pregnant, and what is up with the photo quality…my hair! Yes, I admit it, my vanity was awakened. This is running across Canada, it is on the net, there are people who haven’t seen me in ages who might open that page and do a double take. OH THE VANITY OF IT ALL!

My Mum called to let me know I was in the Vancouver Sun paper. Her partner, who has known me for almost thirty years, religiously perusing his paper every day flipped to the Working page and said, “hey there is a woman on here that looks sort of like Jennifer”. I said, “so how is the article?” She says “well the article is good, but your picture…well?” Not a good sign when your own mother has to temporarily forget the quality of the written word and give the impression something really bad has happened. Of course, it is eventually followed by the positive spin on the merits of the article itself.

This was a worthwhile piece to explore, the series and the information provided by various women and experts was important. I always feel privileged to participate in any discussion that results in all of our learning and provides well needed support to others.

I have also learned another valuable lesson; if it feels wrong, speak your mind. The lighting the was off, the up-shot is never flattering and I generally don’t stay behind my desk when speaking with my clients, I like to sit face to face whenever I can, I could have moved to the chairs. The photographer asked that I look up and pretend like I am talking to somebody, I’m bad at faking that stuff… face began to flush. I’m so bad at the pretending that I had to call in a colleague to help me pretend, I’m so thankful for Penny.

It is all in good fun that I write this side of my experience, and it is no way that I want to belittle the hard work of Caitlin and the articles. It was well worth it and lending my voice is a pleasure. I have taken the time to vent on behalf of my ego, and I was reassured with a story Caitlin provided of her own photo horror story. I love to find the humour and I have arrived there without exception. Check out the links to the series, I hope it helps women with their career and family aspirations.

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