Spotlight #1: Janani Jayachandar
I talk a lot about motherhood, but one of the questions that keeps coming up is - “can women have it all?”. Whether it’s you’re in a high-powered nine-to-five, creating a business, or managing the demands of a growing family, the elusive quest for balance between career, family, and personal aspirations remains a constant challenge. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I thought, why not chat with five amazing moms from different walks of life? These ladies wear many hats - from entrepreneurs, accountants, lawyers, branding consultants, to business owners. They are wives and mothers. But beyond their titles, they're just super cool individuals.
The first person I spoke to, is not just an incredible mother, wife and entrepreneur, she is also a good friend. She has also been an active member of our Mum’s Meet Ups. A bit more about Janani:
Janani Jayachandar is the Mother of a 10-year-old girl, an MBA Finance cum Accountant and an Entrepreneur. She spearheads a thriving bookkeeping and company secretary firm, catering to the needs of SMEs with essential financial services. Janani's expertise and intimate knowledge of Hong Kong's business environment have earned her a reputation for delivering outstanding results. Through her firm, JB Consultancy Services, Janani serves as a trusted advisor, guiding businesses towards financial success. Her journey serves as an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative power of passion, determination, and steadfast commitment.
How do you navigate the balance between your career, family, and personal aspirations?
I prioritize my tasks in advance for the day, week, or month, ensuring that I dedicate "my" time to what is most important. During school holidays, my daughter's needs come first, while during audit season, work takes precedence. Fortunately, these periods rarely overlap, making it manageable. On top of that, I will be flexible (mentally) to cater to different needs especially when something pops up unexpectedly.
Can you share specific strategies or routines that have helped you maintain this balance?
Take one day at a time, one step at a time, one task at a time! I have almost mastered time management! Most importantly, I note every important meeting and my daughter's class schedules on a calendar. Some days it feels like 24 hours is not enough but with my trusty calendar, I feel like I can tackle it all.
What challenges have you encountered in trying to "have it all," and how have you overcome them?
While trying to "have it all", I was in a cycle of "doing it all" by myself. To address this, my husband took over kitchen duties, and I empowered my daughter to be more independent at home. Similarly, professionally, I invested in a virtual assistant, Ekta, who has been an amazing support. Finally breaking the cycle of trying to do everything alone has been incredible, both personally and professionally.
In your journey, how important have support systems, such as family, friends, or workplace support, been in achieving a sense of balance?
The only reason I am typing this out today is because of my support system. During my busiest audit seasons, my mom flies down, my neighbours are like best friends who readily help with just a WhatsApp message, and my husband, whom I jokingly call my "amazing half," is my trusted advisor and shares my dreams. Even though my sister lives miles away, she continues to inspire and motivate me. In the workplace, I feel blessed by the support I have received - I was able to take my daughter to work since she was 6 months old! However, not all workplaces have been equally supportive, prompting my decision to become an entrepreneur for better control over my time and finances.
How have Mothers' events like Mums Meet Ups helped you out?
Mum Meet Up has been transformative for me. It has been more than just a help, they have made me realise many things. They've exposed me to diverse perspectives, leaving a deep impact on me as a human being. At certain events, I have been inspired to create a more women-centric ecosystem in my business while at others I have been nudged to start slowing down. I absolutely love them! My favourite part? Being asked to physically check-in, especially my ‘shoulds’ - it’s something I never get to feel anywhere else!
Join us for our next Mums Meet Up on Feb 23rd and, like Janani, join a supportive community of like-minded women.
We are big on mental health support through community.