My network of amazing, supportive fellow McKinsey women has gotten me through some of the toughest phases of my career and life. A couple of years ago, my sister was pronounced a quadriplegic after a tragic road accident. If I’d been working for another employer, I probably would have quit my job to be her fulltime caregiver. Instead, I leveraged McKinsey’s amazing resources. McKinsey also has an incredible group, Parents of Special Children at McKinsey, whose members shared inspirational and helpful stories of how to navigate work with a disability at home. They shared countless examples of tactical ways to manage my time and advice on the different flexibility programs within the firm I could leverage to better support her. Because of them, I’ve progressed at my workplace while my sister’s life continued, too; she recently graduated with her Bachelor of Laws.
Additional examples
The mentorship and support I’ve received at McKinsey has extended beyond this situation as well. For example, my professional development manager once created an opportunity for me to work half days for a week, so I could help my sister write her final year exams. Later, one of my engagement manager from Kenya sponsored me as I shifted into healthcare work; I’d developed a special interest in this industry based on the gaps in the system we observed and experienced as a family. And, when I started working in healthcare, another engagement manager from Switzerland created a space where my teammates and I felt comfortable sharing our personal stories. At one point, going to work felt like going to a yoga class, it was so uplifting and relaxing.
At my best
I have encountered amazing and understanding women along my McKinsey journey who have trusted me to give the best of myself –at work and at home. I’m here because of their immense support, care, and assistance. My gratitude for them is immeasurable!
