Sharon Sekhon is an EMBA '25 candidate in her third – and final – term of Ivey's EMBA program. She began the EMBA shortly after having her second child and shares how the program helped her rediscover her professional identity, rebuild confidence, and grow as a leader – amid the chaos of new motherhood.
When I began Ivey's Executive MBA (EMBA), I was four months postpartum – barely sleeping, breastfeeding around the clock, and juggling the intense emotions that come with being a new mom again. It wasn’t the most ideal time to take on an EMBA. But looking back now, I can say with full confidence: it was the best decision I made after having kids. What followed was a transformative journey – one that pushed me beyond my limits and helped me rediscover myself. Here are some of the key lessons I learned along the way, and what I’d share with any mom considering the same path.
I didn’t just go back to school – I reclaimed myself
After giving birth, I struggled with postpartum fog, what many call “baby brain.” I felt disconnected from my professional identity and, if I’m honest, worried about how my absence might shift perceptions of my value at work. Taking the EMBA reminded me – and others – that I still had drive, vision, and ambition. The program reignited the sharp, strategic thinking that had always been part of me but had gone quiet under the noise of sleepless nights and diaper changes.
Rebuilding confidence, one uncomfortable step at a time
After having two kids and living through the isolation of COVID, I found myself out of practice in group settings. Even just being in a room full of people again felt unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming. But immersing myself in that environment helped me slowly rebuild my confidence and reconnect with my professional identity. Over time, I felt more grounded, capable, and ready to take on new challenges.
Returning from maternity leave during the program changed everything
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t looking forward to going back. I worried about how I’d juggle work, school, and two small children. And after being away for so long, I quietly wondered if things had moved on without me.
But surprisingly, coming back felt easier than I expected. Maybe it was the structure and pace of the EMBA, but I returned with a renewed sense of confidence. I still had the technical knowledge and subject matter expertise I’d built over the years, but now I had something more – a broader mindset. I wasn’t just focused on my own work anymore. I was thinking about how everything connects, how to lead through others, and how to create space for people to grow into their roles.
The EMBA helped me shift from being an expert in my function to someone who could lead across functions. I learned the value of collaboration, delegation, and strategic thinking. That shift didn’t just ease my return – it made me feel ready for the next level.
Mom guilt is real, but so is growth
Was it hard? Absolutely. I pumped breast milk between classes, studied during naps, and missed moments at home that I’ll never get back. But my daughters also learned something important: that their mom is strong, resilient, and committed to building a better future – for them and for herself. My toddler would say, “Momma’s going to school,” and proudly carry my backpack. She learned that learning never stops.
Time is tight, but this time it was worth it
There’s never a perfect time to do something hard. But there is a right time. For me, it was when I needed to grow through the chaos – not wait for calm. This program didn’t just teach me business strategy. It taught me how to lead with purpose, prioritize with intention, and embrace the stretch of motherhood and ambition coexisting.
To the moms thinking about it: you don’t have to choose between your career and your kids. You just have to believe you can evolve while raising them – because they’re watching you become everything you were meant to be.
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