I don’t remember how and when we became friends but that’s social media for you, isn’t it? Kachi and I have exchanged DMs and messages for a few years now. And thanks to our blogs and social media, I feel like I’ve known her all my life, even though we didn’t formally “meet” till last year when she was in Lagos. Maybe the familiarity stems from the fact that she also went to Queen’s College, and importantly, she went to UI. I have special beef with UI. ? In 2009, I faced off against a team from UI in the Zain Africa Challenge, and they won. Yes, it hurt. Lol. But in the time since then, I’ve met a lot of smart UI alumni, Kachi included. So yeah, the win was totally deserved. Kachi shares her thoughts (and really nice pictures too) on being a working mum.
My name is Kachi Tila – Adesina, I live and work in the UK as a Corporate Lawyer. I have one 16-month-old son. I went to University of Ibadan for school, where I met my husband. We’ve been together for 11 years and married for almost 5. I’m everywhere on social media as @kacheetee.
Why did you choose to be a working mother? What’s your biggest concern about working and raising children?
I think primarily my work and career is important to me and makes me part of who I am. As a family, we also think two incomes are better than one. My biggest concern is not spending as much time or missing out on key events. But so far, I think we’re doing pretty well!
If you didn’t have to work (say, you suddenly won the lottery for a million dollars) would you prefer to stay at home with your kids?
Honestly, no. I’ll love to still go out every single day. Okay actually maybe three times a week and definitely not a 9-5. I think it’s important to still do the things that make me tick, explore my other interests and interact with adults as well. I mean, the kids will go to school at some point for about 8 hours a day. What will I do with myself then? My preference will be to work but very flexibly!
Work-life balance or work-life integration? Which do you prefer and why? Would you say your work & life is balanced or integrated? Why?
Work life integration is the ideal for me. Separating and yet attempting to balance both can be quite tricky. I’d ideally love the opportunity to have lunch with my child, come in later on Fridays if I need to attend baby classes, work from home without any overly formal pre-notifications and any other integrations that may be necessary. At the moment, I don’t think it’s as integrated as I’d like, but hopefully I can get to that point soon.
What tactics or strategies help you balance the priorities of family life and work?
I’m a huge proponent of outsourcing. Outsource every single thing that takes up your time and isn’t worth it – from laundry, to cooking, grocery shopping to house chores. Time spent at home should truly be quality time. That’s if you can afford it, of course. I still can’t afford all the outsourcing I’d like but I hope to get there real soon. I’m also really an advocate for flexibility at work – especially as a working mum. I think this is one that should be non-negotiable provided it doesn’t affect work output and productivity.
If you travel for work, how do you manage your kids?
I’ve actually never had to travel for work as a mum (even though I’ll love to). I also don’t think there’s a ton of stuff to manage at this stage. His dad often says that he can be with him alone for weeks. And I believe it a 100% percent. I might not approve of all the outfits he’ll pick but that’s about it. They get along very fine and even stick to routines better. When I’m around, I like to go with the flow (which they both don’t always appreciate).
How does being a parent influence your work? How does your work influence your parenting?
Being a parent means I can interact better with other parents at work. I get the mommy and daddy jokes and nuances. I understand why all the parents have drawings and photos of their kids on their desk. But I’m also empathetic to other working parents and can identify with and support their struggles.
What’s your mommy super power?
I’m very surprised at how patient I am with the kiddo – especially because patience was not my greatest strength. Does that count?
What’s the worst career advice you ever received? What’s the best career advice you ever got?
My ex-manager once told me just before I went on maternity leave, that he expected me to return to work within three months seeing as I wasn’t yet a senior or a partner. Well, there’s a reason he’s an ex-boss. I don’t think that’s the best advice to give no matter how well-intentioned it may have been. On the contrary, my female boss told me this was absolutely the best time to have kids and that work and career will be fine!
What’s your favorite thing in your wardrobe?
For work: My black Kate Spade shoes with a blush pink butterfly design. They’re the perfect blend of comfort and style. I find 3.5 inches to be my perfect heel length for work shoes and they fit nicely with almost anything. Because my actual shoe size is a 5.5 American designer shoes often fit me best. A UK 6 / size 39 is many times hit or miss. They’re constantly under my desk at work and I have to overcome the temptation to wear it every day.
What (apart from your field) are you obsessed with?
I’m actually obsessed with excellent content especially in form of blogs. So I started my lifestyle blog three years ago called kacheetee.com. I really do love it, and all the holistic content we’re able to share on there. From careers, to motherhood, travel, style, decor, beauty, food. Phew. You should check it out if you haven’t!
What are you most terrible at?
Dancing, singing, navigating directions. The list goes on! I was so nervous about dancing at my wedding. People say it wasn’t so bad but maybe they’re just being nice?
How many RTs to get Kachi to share a video of her dancing at her wedding so we can judge how good it was? ? What part of the interview was your favourite? If you haven’t yet, check out the other interviews in the Balance Series. Who would you like us to interview next?
