Five things I learned as a parent that helped fuel my professional success.

BY KEDMA OUGH, MBA • JANUARY 7, 2022

This article was translated from our English edition .

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are personal.

Being a “mompreneur” has taught me everything I need to know and understand to run a successful multi-million dollar business operation. Some of the main strategies I use today are a result of my experience as a mother raising two children on the autism spectrum, but they could be applied to all other working moms (and dads). Here are five of the most essential.

1. Versatile communication

Having the opportunity to raise children who learn differently has offered an incredible communication superpower. Most of us intuitively communicate in the same way with everyone else. Therefore, if you are a visual learner, you assume that others are also visual learners. At home I had to learn to communicate in various ways that allowed appropriate linguistic expression for the development of each of my children. In doing so, it framed the way I connect with people today. When I lead a meeting or prepare an email, I am very focused on the language, tone and expression of the images. In almost all of my communications, I always ask a recall question. For example, you might say, “Does this make sense?” or “Did I address your question?” I never want to assume that the other person understands my expression unless I verify it.

Related: 5 Tips for Mompreneurs Raising a Family and Running a Business as the World Reopens

2. Advocating for your needs

During my children’s early years, I had to learn the proper way to advocate for their needs. One of the critical steps was navigating through their Individual Education Plan (IEP) and negotiating with schools about the best strategies for accommodations. It was not easy to deal with the long-standing educational bureaucracy. I remember one of the directors saying I was a “helicopter mom” after one of my sons tried to commit suicide. At that moment, I realized how necessary it was to stand up for my family and their needs. In business, I have encountered similar very stressful situations and had no choice but to advocate for my needs or those of the team I managed.

3. Say no more often

As a parent, I would love to provide everything for my children, but that would not establish healthy boundaries or a realistic model of how the world works. Therefore, as a mom, I have learned to say no often and explain why. If he always says yes to things, he may find it difficult to manage his time. In my daily role at work, I operate the same way. I often turn down events, parties, and gatherings unless they are directly related to my work. It has been a rewarding gift because my time depends on my decisions instead of others making the decisions.

4. Be excellent at one thing and outsource the rest

Anyone in my inner circle knows that I am a terrible cook. Seriously. My first cake, I roasted it. I tried to cook potatoes, but I forgot to make holes to cook them properly. I’ve even been known to ruin hot chocolate. The thing is, I don’t need to be good at everything, including cooking. I need to be great at one thing, and in my case, that’s understanding how to navigate the world of financing and help small businesses grow. I have outsourced the kitchen to my wonderful husband.

5. Building your B team

And by team b, I mean my boss team. It’s a group of amazing women and men who know how to be a boss in their world and get results. There are many times you may not have the answer, the solution, the resources, or the connections. However, I have created an exceptional management team that delivers every time. Most of my teammates come equipped with knowledge from years of interactions with groups that align with my values. My boss’s team includes experts in finance, product development, business investments, real estate, autism spectrum disorder, and strong mompreneurs.

Related: This mom is on a mission to end the food allergy epidemic in the United States

When I have the opportunity to work with a mompreneur, the first point of discussion is to recognize her resilience. Mothers have a level of training that prepares them for any business challenge. They understand how to navigate difficult things and challenging conversations and still appear ready to work with a smile. I feel truly blessed and grateful to have a gift, my amazing children. It is the best training I could have received to be a successful business woman. If you are a mompreneur reading this article, I congratulate you and I hope to see your work around the world.