Redefining my Career

Primary school Assistant Head, Shani Glover, explains how becoming a mum shifted her focus, but made her no less ambitious in her different leadership and impact roles.

When I began my teaching career, my path seemed crystal clear. I knew exactly what I wanted and worked tirelessly toward it. 

By 25, I had achieved a major milestone — becoming an Assistant Headteacher — a role I had pursued with unwavering determination. My professional identity was firmly rooted in ambition, structure, and educational leadership. But life has a way of reshaping even the clearest plans. 

At 28, I became a mother, and everything changed. Priorities shifted, perspectives broadened, and success began to mean something far more layered than a job title. When I fell pregnant, I was adamant that I wouldn’t fall off my track. I remember having conversations with my headteacher and deputy, and they laughed and said, “It will all change.” 

I’d also like to add a disclaimer: if you’ve become a mum and you’re still laser-focused on your career, there’s nothing wrong with that either. This is simply my experience — and if I’m honest, I was surprised that my own priorities shifted.

When I returned to work, it took me a while to find my feet — not physically, but mentally. I’d left with a clear-cut vision and path, and I returned happy on the one hand, but equally wanting more time at home with my baby. I was fortunate enough to return part-time, but I know many teacher mums who were denied that opportunity. Being part of the leadership team, I see both sides of that coin — but maybe I’ll have the opportunity to reflect on that in more detail another time. 

Recently, someone casually asked me if my LinkedIn was up to date. I knew it wasn’t. I opened the app and found myself staring at a profile that no longer fully reflected who I am or what I do. It wasn’t that I’d stopped being ambitious — far from it — but my professional life had evolved in ways that didn’t fit neatly into a traditional résumé. 

Today, I still proudly serve as an Assistant Headteacher, deeply committed to education and student success. But I am also so much more. I am a mum — my most important and rewarding role — shaping my daughter’s world and learning from her daily. I am an Equal Game Ambassador for London Football, a position I cherish even more in light of the England women’s Euro victory. I am part of The Impact Team, overseeing marketing, parent relations, and sponsorship — including securing a new sponsor this season, something that required creativity and persistence. 

I have contributed to the book Black in School, thanks to the generosity of Kemi Oluyinka and Caren Onanda, who entrusted me with a platform to share my voice. I’m also completing my NPQSL, expanding my leadership skills to better serve my school community. 

This life is a constant balancing act. Some days, the roles blend together seamlessly; other days, I’m typing a work update while “pretending” to sip coffee in a café — except my one-year-old is the “chef” in her toy kitchen, serving me imaginary pastries. That’s the reality of being a working mother: multitasking on a whole new level. 

Through it all, I’ve realised something important: careers evolve, and that’s not only acceptable — it’s healthy. Priorities shift, and that’s a sign of growth, not failure. The person who set ambitious goals at 22 is not the same person who juggles school leadership and motherhood now, and that’s okay. 

You don’t need to have every step mapped out. Life rarely works that way. Instead, it’s about navigating each stage with openness and grace — even if it means redefining what “success” looks like. For me, it’s no longer just about climbing a career ladder; it’s about making a meaningful impact while being present for my daughter. 

If you’ve walked the path of motherhood while staying ambitious, I’d love to hear how you balanced both worlds. Here’s to figuring it out — one day, one hug, and one goal at a time.