Co-Founder of Gilt, Talks Juggling Work/Life/Motherhood



Hi guys...I'm doing a really cool series on Disney's Babble.com (where I also write) on how women manage successful careers, marriage and motherhood. I wanted to share with you this one I did with Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, co-founder of the designer fashion flash sales site, Gilt.com.

Hope you like it....

What is your typical day like from start to finish/describe your work schedule?
No two days are ever alike for me. I rarely sit at my desk and instead feel like I am always on the go, with a jam packed schedule. I try to fit in as many meetings as possible, internally with nearly all the functional areas of Gilt as well as externally with our diverse luxury lifestyle brand partners and business development vendors. It is exhausting, but adrenaline gets me through the day

How do you juggle marriage/work/motherhood?
I won't lie, it isn't easy, it is indeed a juggling act. Fortunately, I am by nature very organized, which helps. I rely heavily on the calendar in my iPhone (I think I am addicted to my calendar, I admit it). I try to prioritize what is most important to my career and to my family.

What advice would you give other women trying to juggle it all?
Ask other mothers in similar professional and personal situations how they organize themselves so that you can learn from them. Ask those who love you for help when you need it! Be present. When you are at work, focus on work. When you are at home with your family, focus on them.

How do you make time for your husband and your marriage?
We have a "date night" at least once a week.

How do you manage household chores/cooking?  
I am very lucky that my husband not only loves to cook but he is really good at it! So on weekends "Daddy" generally takes over in the kitchen and especially on the grill. During the week, I plan meals out in advance and rely a lot on Fresh Direct to deliver fresh groceries and this saves me a lot of time.

Does your work require you to travel? If so, how do you handle?

I generally can plan my work travel way in advance and I make sure that my husband will be home when I have to travel and vice versa.

Do you think women can “have it all”? 

I believe in setting lofty goals, in reaching for the sun, the moon and the stars and not being afraid to fail. Don't settle for anything less than what you believe you deserve. I think today's modern woman is reinventing the notion of "having it all". So yes, I believe it is possible to "have it all" but it takes hard work, discipline, self-awareness, constant prioritization, focus, humility, a support system and a whole lot of love.

What has been your biggest challenge juggling marriage/motherhood and a high-profile career?
I am trying to get better about saying "no" more. That is hard for me.

Any tips for managing time/priorities?
Being organized, delegating whenever possible and accepting that you can't please everyone all the time.

You can read the entire article (and the series) Babble.com


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