Staying Organised as a C-suite Mum
Making it to the top of the corporate world as a mother is no mean feat. Superhuman, you might think. It requires determination, super organisation skills and clarity on what’s important in life.
Melanie Fitzpatrick is one such woman. A global executive with diverse experience, her 27-year international career has spanned strategy, marketing, talent, digital transformation & M&A across various countries.
Melanie Fitzpatrick
Born in the UK, Mel has lived and worked all over the globe. She recently relocated her family back to Sydney following a 7-year stint in Europe as part of the Global Executive team of CPA Global, a global intellectual property software and services organisation, guiding the business through an immense growth period and eventual sale of the business in 2020.
Today, Mel advises and invests in businesses across the globe, and mentors individuals at various points in their careers.
We were delighted to have the opportunity to catch up with Mel and find out what the secret to her success has been.
We'd love to know your story, Mel, where did it all begin and what drives you?
I’m originally from a small village in the Northeast of England and I was the first person in our family to go to university (achieving a First-Class degree). I’m also mildly dyslexic (which I’ve learned to manage over the years 😊).
I’ve spent the last 25+ years working in diverse businesses and sectors, lived and worked on four continents.
But most importantly, I’m a wife and a mum.
I am passionate about how to drive change and love exploring new ways of working, creating long-lasting, innovative business models, brands, and cultures.
The issues around climate change and sustainability concern me as a business leader and a citizen and are never far from the front of my mind.
At home, I love cooking, and I’m interested in children’s nutrition and the impact it has on how they learn. I also love skiing and am a keen runner. More recently, I’ve started learning how to play golf (badly!)
Mel, you have done what many women aspire to: climb the corporate career ladder to the top and juggle the demands of being a busy wife and mother. Tell us a bit about your journey. What do you put your success down to?
It’s been a fascinating, fun, challenging and rewarding journey. My success has centred on relationships, investing in people, trust and working together to get the best outcome. You can’t do it alone.
I have a wonderful husband who is so supportive. We’ve always shared childcare and household chores, balancing them around both our careers.
I’ve travelled internationally for many years, and a lot since my son was born – across the globe, around and back! Too frequent in some years. The good thing is despite these pressures, and by prioritising quality time (when I’m not on an aircraft), I have managed to stay closely connected to my son, who’s about to turn 11.
I also credit several incredible leaders along the way, most recently, Simon Webster as the CEO at CPA Global – a truly remarkable boss – and my leadership teams which have been made up of some impressive, talented people.
You've often been the only woman in the boardroom. What was it like for you, and how did you navigate this?
It was a challenge to be heard in the early days, but over the months and years that have passed, I don’t notice it anymore.
I don’t feel any different to my male colleagues.
One thing is certain, I never have, and will never, try to replicate the way some male leaders operate. I’ve always been true to my values and integrity, which has served me well. I listen hard and use empathy and care to get the best from the people around me.
The boardroom has changed over the years and must continue to change. Less formality and more diversity are required to truly drive the spirit of the organisation, its brand, culture and talent.
Do you think things are changing for women? If so, how?
This is a great question. I see many women successfully progressing and growing their careers and creating new ways of working and leading.
I see many great women being more vocal and calling out their views more robustly – finding their voices more and more and being confident to have an opinion. And I observe many women driving their own flexibility with family and personal commitments without the need to ‘ask permission’.
You know what works, so I encourage everyone to get on with what works for them rather than asking permission.
More access to new types of roles and opportunities are open to all. Flexible locations, schedules, and shorter weeks. I see a number of new roles emerging as we start to rethink the traditional structures in organisations, at last!
More people are managing portfolio careers with several different interests running simultaneously – exciting to see this become a reality.
Encouragingly, I see people being much more aware of priorities, actively focusing on the ‘important’ stuff, and crossing off the superficial, unimportant things we think we need to do – do it. It’s liberating!
And I think there’s more to come in the next few years!
I know you are passionate about helping other women follow in your footsteps. What advice would you give to other women who might feel it’s all a bit too hard?
Keep pushing forward, have a voice and challenge the status quo. Keep smiling, and keep it simple! Be part of the change you want, as no one else will make things happen for you.
We tend as humans to overcomplicate things, try to simplify your work and home life, and you will see the way forward much clearer, giving you a firmer path to get to where you aspire to be.
You've had to move home many times during your career and be faced with dealing with all your possessions whilst often starting a new job. Have there been any learnings along the way? Are you doing anything different this time as you set up your new home in Sydney?
I’ve moved so many times I’ve lost count!
Our belongings have been in containers travelling thousands of miles across the globe several times.
The key learnings for me over the years are that we don’t need all the ‘stuff’ we hang on to, and we need to de-clutter our lives with all the excess belongings we carry around.
This time we are keeping things minimal, and organisation is at the top of the list. I am super organised in my work life, and I’m finally bringing that into our home – and it feels great!
You won't mind me disclosing you are nearing an age milestone next year. Has your outlook on life changed at all? What are your hopes and dreams for this next period of life (what do you plan to do?)
My outlook has developed over the years.
I feel more content than ever and happy with who I am, and I’m less critical of myself than I used to be.
I feel grateful for my life and appreciate the simple things much more – like a new garden I’ve just planted.
I’m excited about work and personal life and the many adventures ahead. I’ve learnt to wake up in the morning and be grateful for everything.
My hopes and dreams for this next chapter are to meet more great people, learn lots and create a wonderful environment and experiences for my family and friends to share with me.
Thanks so much, Mel. It's been a delight spending time with you!
If you feeling overwhelmed by all the possessions in your home or want to get more organised, get in touch. We’d love to help you curate your home and life.