Motherhood enrichment in leadership: exploring top female executives in Spain

Abstract

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Abstract Purpose Existing research suggests motherhood hinders women’s advancement to top management roles, but its specific influence on women who have achieved senior leadership is unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach This research uses a qualitative approach based on 34 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Spanish female executives who hold board positions or have the potential to become board members in male-dominated industries.

Findings This study identifies motherhood as a key driver in career growth, countering the view of it as a barrier. Narratives from female leaders revealed that motherhood did not impede their careers, challenging the “motherhood penalty” notion. We introduce the concept of “motherhood enrichment,” highlighting its positive impact on leadership skills and career progression in top executive roles.

Practical implications These findings can challenge prejudices about the negative impact of motherhood on women’s careers and support policies promoting work–life balance and family-friendly cultures in organizations.

Originality/value This study suggests the “motherhood-work enrichment” (MWE) concept in leadership, recognizing motherhood as a catalyst for leadership qualities and offering a preliminary theoretical model to explain MWE in the context of concurrent mother-top manager roles.