What I’ve learnt from being married to a MIB(A) by Adam Hulme
About 4 years ago my wife (Hayley) was made redundant whilst we were awaiting the arrival of our second son Myles. At the time this seemed pretty surreal to be happening and in some ways just felt plain wrong with the timing, it has been the best thing to have happened for both of us.
In the months that followed her redundancy Hayley decided that she wasn’t going to return to work for someone else. She wanted to flexibly work for herself, contribute to the family financially and still have the time to be a mum to our two boys. Fast forward to today and Hayley is now a successful business woman with two pregnancy ultrasound clinics which consistently deliver an exceptional level of service and care to pregnant families across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
So the acronym MIB, stands for ‘Mum in Business’, pop an A on the end - MIBA and you have Mums in Business Association. Who are a global community of fiercely driven women who support one another, care for each other, collaborate and share opportunities; driving and pulling each other up to be the best they can possibly be.
I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the power of this community through Hayley and then go on to meet one of its co founders Leona. To say I am in awe of the communities spirit, drive and connectedness would be an understatement. The MIBA community following now exceeds 50K on social media globally, in just the space of 2 years! These ladies do not mess about.
As a man looking in, I feel as though I have been given rare access to a secret community that can be joined by invitation only (as I’m writing this it sounds a bit like Fight Club, I can assure you its not).
I’ve taken many things from being married to a MIB(A) here are just a few;
Don’t make time excuses. These women are Jedi masters when it comes to time and will take serious advantage of even a 15 minute opportunity to get something done. Don’t limit your ability to get something done just because you can’t get it all done at once.
Don’t let where you are be an excuse not to get to work done, Hayley works literally everywhere, in the house, parked in the car, at her clinics, at my parents, you get the idea.
It’s OK to be straight talking and honest without the fear of offending people. Having spent the last 20 years in the corporate world, in some respects I became a little bit institutionalized and constrained in what was deemed appropriate to say and to whom.
Similarly it’s OK to be you, you might not be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s more than fine. Whoever’s cup of tea you are they will find you and appreciate your style and what you have to offer.
It’s OK to ask for help, and there are always people who are willing to give it to you, all you need to do is ask.
You’re not alone, whatever you are going through someone else out there has either been through it or is going through it. The power of community is something humans thrive being part of, this one has a unique gift and strength that is a joy to be around.
Don’t ever think you won’t fit in, these ladies have welcomed me with open arms and given me a variety of opportunities to engage and work with them.
Whatever business you’re in there’s plenty of business for you, sharing your unique way of doing things is what people will connect with. There is only one you after all!
Finally, and most importantly to me, I’ve found a group of individuals that I absolutely love to connect, collaborate and work with. To connect with this awesome community use the links below:
If you’d like to know more about me or my work as a coach please feel free to take a look at my website www.mycoachforlife.com or drop me an email at [email protected]
Original Article posted by Adam on LinkedIn on 23th July 2019