Although I’m new to motherhood, the transferable skills I’ve gained from my work in presales have been chef’s kiss. At first glance, working with babies might not seem anything like working with cutting-edge technology—but I promise you, my job has been helping me become a better parent. And maybe vice versa ;)
As a solutions engineer, I’m trained to understand customer needs, determine the right solution, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. I’ve worked with clients who are confident and prepared for the sales process—they know exactly what they want and won’t settle for less. They have a clear plan and boundaries. This... is my daughter. She knows what she wants, when she wants it, and how to ask for more (#signlanguageforthewin).
On the other hand, I’ve also worked with clients who know they need something, but can’t quite articulate it. They’re curious, open, and willing to explore until they land on the right fit. That’s my son. He observes, stares, and soaks in everything around him—he’s still figuring it all out, and I love watching him do it.
Let me just say: my babies are cute. And I don’t mean that in a “every mom thinks her baby is cute” way. They are! One has my forehead, the other has my husband’s nose, and both have my smile (although my own has way more teeth than theirs). But in serving them, I’ll admit—I get overwhelmed often. There are so many competing priorities, constant pressure to get it right, the need to learn and adapt daily, and of course... the long hours.
That said, my business acumen is sharpening right alongside my growth as a mom. Here’s how:
I ask more questions to understand the need. Even when the people I’m serving don’t have the words (literally), I’ve learned to study them—whether it’s customers or kids—to better interpret what might satisfy their needs.
I take detailed notes—with time and date. My brain has gotten more crowded over the years, so documentation is key. I track everything in a way I can easily revisit and make sense of later.
I design solutions. For customers, I build presentations that leverage best practices and past success. For my kids, I do the same: when a food, toy, or activity is a hit, I take note so we can revisit or share it later.
I troubleshoot when plans fall short. Priorities shift. A customer might pivot from IT to customer service mid-quarter. A baby might scream for a bottle, but turns out they were just tired—and next thing I know, they’ve faceplanted on the playmat.
I collaborate and communicate with my team. Whether it’s the sales rep, the success manager, my husband, or my in-laws—it truly takes a village. I’ve learned I can’t do it all, and when I try to, it doesn’t serve anyone. We thrive when I tap into the strengths, energy, and availability of others.
Motherhood is teaching me just as much as any role I’ve ever had—and sometimes, I'm repeating the same lessons, just in softer tones and with much louder cries.
What work skill has served you well at home?