Three months into my Executive MBA at Bayes Business School, I received life-changing news: I was pregnant. At the time, I was working as a Treasury Dealer at Crown Agents Bank, attending classes every Tuesday and Thursday evening, managing weekend modules, and juggling a heavy workload. I remember thinking: How on earth am I going to manage this?

Looking back now, I realise that pursuing an EMBA while welcoming a baby isn’t just possible, it can be a deeply transformative experience. I want to share my story to inspire and reassure women who are balancing, or thinking about balancing, motherhood with their professional ambitions.

Why I Chose Bayes

With over ten years of experience in banking and financial qualifications like the CFA and CISI, an MBA felt like the natural next step in my career. Many of my friends had moved out of London and started families, but I wasn’t ready to let my ambitions fade. I wanted to use my time meaningfully and an MBA felt far more fulfilling than another evening in front of Netflix.

Bayes was the perfect fit. Its central London location, strong reputation, commitment to lifelong learning and flexible part-time structure made it possible to study without sacrificing my career. Evening classes complemented my full-time role perfectly.

My top tips for managing motherhood and an EMBA

1. Believe in your dream and yourself

Motherhood doesn’t mean pressing pause on your ambitions. Life rarely offers the “perfect” time to start an MBA. Sometimes you simply have to take the leap and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way. When I applied, I didn’t know if I would ever become a mother but life had other plans, and I’m so grateful I kept moving forward.

2. You’re not alone

Support makes all the difference. I was surrounded by a brilliant cohort who encouraged and uplifted me. Many of my classmates had families too, including two who became new parents during the programme and their advice was invaluable. Whether or not you have children, everyone struggles at some point. Lean on your community; you don’t have to do it alone.

3. Build your support squad

Raising a child while doing an MBA truly takes a village. My family, friends and fellow students were my lifelines. During maternity leave, I stayed in Northern Ireland so my parents could help care for my baby while I studied. My husband stepped in on weekends, and my employer was incredibly supportive allowing me to take accrued leave for electives, work from home and even providing coaching before my return to work.

4. Prioritise your health

At first, I thought I could power through assignments while my baby slept. In reality, I was exhausted and overwhelmed by chores. Skipping meals and losing sleep made everything harder. Once I prioritised rest, healthy food and gentle exercise, my energy and focus improved dramatically. A healthy mind and body are essential, not optional.

5. Tackle mum guilt head-on

Mum guilt is real and intense. I felt guilty leaving Reia to attend classes or travel for electives to places like Silicon Valley and Seoul. I cried in airports, questioning whether I was a “bad” mum. But my support network reminded me that being fulfilled and following my goals makes me a better mother. Turn off social media, drown out the pressure of perfection, and be kind to yourself.

6. Celebrate the small wins

Every submitted assignment, every completed module, these are achievements worth celebrating. I marked each milestone with something joyful, like a family outing or drinks with friends. Recognising progress, however small, helped me stay motivated.

7. Keep your eyes on the big picture

Always come back to your “why.” Whether it’s career growth, being a role model for your children or proving that women really can do both. Let that purpose guide you through the challenges. Every obstacle you overcome is part of your story.

Final words of encouragement

Balancing an EMBA with motherhood isn’t easy, but it is possible, and it’s worth it. Bayes’s flexible programme, strong community and culture of support make it possible for women to thrive both academically and personally.

If you’re considering it, trust yourself. You are more capable than you realise.