Mothers are some of the most resilient, adaptable, and inspiring professionals in the events industry. From juggling client deadlines to school drop-offs, their ability to lead, multitask, and deliver under pressure is nothing short of remarkable. In this blog, we speak with some of the incredible moms on our team about what it really takes to navigate motherhood and a career in events.
At Pure, we’ve always believed that people are our greatest strength. As a female-founded agency with a 100% female leadership team, we’re deeply committed to building a culture that supports balance, wellbeing, and growth at every stage of life. That means flexible working, mental health support, mentorship, and a workplace where being human, whether that means being a parent, a carer, or just needing a breather, is not only accepted, but celebrated.
Insights from Mothers in Events
Charlotte Gentry
CEO & Founder
What advice would you give to women entering the events industry who also want to have a family one day?
My advice to women entering the events industry who want to have a family is to be clear about your priorities and communicate them openly. The industry can be demanding, but with the right support and boundaries, it’s possible to build a successful career and a family. Seek out mentors, advocate for flexibility, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. There are two aspects to our roles as events people, pre production/content and onsite, as you have a family its likely you will want to do less onsite but there is still huge value in the pre production elements and management roles.
Looking ahead, how can corporate events agencies like Pure, and clients in demanding sectors, better champion parenthood in the industry?
Agencies like Pure, and our clients, can champion parenthood by fostering a culture that values flexibility and work-life balance. This means offering adaptable working arrangements, supporting parental leave, and encouraging open conversations about family commitments. By normalising these practices, we can help retain talented professionals and set a positive example for the industry. We have also implemented The IVFN which helps people with reproductive health issues as this is now an enormous problem. This helps build an open culture and for people to feel valued within the organisation.
The events industry can be all-consuming. What support systems, either at Pure or in your personal life, help you make it work?
The pace of the events industry can be relentless, and switching off isn’t always easy. What makes it work for me is Pure’s flexible hours, which allow me to manage things like nursery drop-offs, bedtimes and appointments. Supportive leadership that respects family priorities also makes a big difference. Personally, I’ve had to set clear work boundaries to make sure family comes first – even if that sometimes means logging back on in the evening to work around family commitments.
What do you think is most misunderstood about being a working mum in the corporate world?
One of the biggest misconceptions is the invisible mental load that comes with parenting. It’s not just about balancing work and home life, it’s the fact that before and after your official work hours, you’re already on the clock for your other full-time job: being a mum. From organising schedules to remembering appointments and managing family finances, the constant planning and juggling rarely switches off.
Kate Jackson
Content
Producer
Genine Aristides
Event Director
How did you feel about coming back to the world of events after maternity leave?
Coming back to the world of events after maternity leave has been a real mix of emotions – guilt, excitement, anticipation… all rolled into one. It’s my second time doing this, so I thought I knew what to expect. But my last return was during COVID, and being on furlough made it a gentler, slower transition. This time felt much more full-on.
The grief that comes with the end of maternity leave is real. There’s the worry about how you’ll juggle everything, the sadness of leaving your little one, and also the buzz of getting back to doing what you love. It’s such a natural mix of emotions, and I know I’m not alone in feeling that way.
But just four weeks into being back at Pure, I already feel a sense of balance beginning to form. I’ve settled back into my role, and knowing my little boy absolutely loves nursery has been a huge comfort. This new chapter is filled with change, but also with opportunity and growth and I’m embracing it!
Was there anything about your return to work that surprised you, either in a good way or a challenging one?
Yes, there were definitely a few surprises when I returned to work – both positive and challenging. Having been with Pure for nearly nine years, I felt confident returning to a company that knows me well, and where I feel truly valued for my contributions and work ethic. My team has been incredibly supportive as I navigate this new juggle and settle back into work life.
Naturally, there have been some challenges, adjusting to new faces, evolving team dynamics, and managing the ever-present hurdles of childcare and the constant stream of nursery-related illnesses. But I’ve been fortunate to work in a company that’s flexible and genuinely understanding of what it means to be a working mum. That’s one of the many benefits of being part of a small, female-led business where the entire Senior Team are mums themselves!
Overall, this return has been a great opportunity to grow, reset, and re-engage with my work in a refreshed and meaningful way and I’m excited to get stuck into creating more award-winning events with Pure!
Being a working mum in the events industry is a daily act of balance, resilience, and intentionality. It requires supportive environments, flexible structures, and a workplace culture that sees people as whole individuals, not just job titles. At Pure, we’re proud to create space for those conversations, champion real-life balance, and celebrate the women who continue to lead with strength, empathy, and an incredible ability to do it all.
