Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?

I was overseeing Communications and Canadian Content Development at SiriusXM. It was at the height of Covid and a pretty unsettling and stressful time to be having a baby so the bigger focus was really on health and the state of the world. I certainly considered how my career could be impacted in the future, but if you want a child you just trust you'll figure the rest out, and you do.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?

I struggle a bit with not being able to travel and attend events like I used to, as I also have a partner who works nontraditional hours. A lot of connections are built at those events and of course, they're a huge part of what makes the work so exciting! And like most parents, there is constant guilt that you're spending too much time working and not enough with your child (and dog!) and vice versa.

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

Not exclusive to the industry but across the country, more top-up programs for parental leave would be very positive.

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

Finding those people who know exactly what you're going through is always important, whether in the industry or not. Commiserating helps, but so does sharing all the good stuff about parenting that others won't appreciate or understand. That said, it's not easy to just find that community. I know my people at work and I was fortunate to make an amazing park mom crew during mat leave that has only grown over the years.

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

I'm lucky to be incredibly supported by my company and team as a parent at work, from transitioning back after my leave, to now with a 4-year old. Offering hybrid work honestly makes a huge difference, and I know how appreciated it is by parents at every organization with that policy. I often think about all the parents who didn't have access to that before, no idea how they did it!

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Siobhan Woodrow, our Senior Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM is killing it as a new mom and amplifying the best Canadian music at the same time!