Mofoluwaso Ilevbare (aka Fofo) is a transformational Vibrant Life & Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Trainer. Her life oozes energy, passion and a desire to see every little girl, teen, and woman soar, free to fly above all limitations and live to her fullest potential. A social entrepreneur & women-in-the-boardroom advocate, Fofo champions a charity for empowering women and young girls in Africa and around the world. She loves God, loves life, and loves to bring out the best in others.
Working Mom Interview Q & A
1. Do you stay at home, work at home, or work-outside the home?
I have a full time job and work outside the home.
2. How many kids do you have?
I’ve got 2 boys, an 8 year old and a 22 month toddler.
3. What’s your go-to dinner during the week? Do you care to share a recipe?
Dinner is usually home-cooked. My kid’s favorite is “Jollof Rice with Chicken and Fried Plantain”. I cook this every week. If we choose to eat out, it would just be to a nice Chinese/Thai restaurant.
4. What are your best tips for staying sane?
Great question – I’ll give my top 6 that I practice (there’s more if you want).
- Charge your spirit daily: For me, when I wake up in the morning, my first act of the day is praying and singing songs of praise and worship.
- Have a daily self-renewal routine: Before I start my day, I spend at least 30 minutes doing a quick mental assessment of the day before and of the day ahead (What went well? What didn’t go well? What do I need to do today?). It helps to start my day proactively instead of reactively.
- Have a not-to-do list: What will I not do today? I put one thing on my list and stay conscious about it. For example, today I will not say yes when I mean to say no. Because I’ve made that statement, when situations come my way and I know I should say no, it’s easier to say so!
- Have a good sense of humor: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh at yourself if you do something stupid, and move on. Learn to relax & unwind.
- Don’t try to be a 24/7 wonder-woman: Know your limits. Know where to play. Don’t ignore unusual symptoms in your body.
- Expand Your Community Network: No woman is an island. Be humble enough to ask for help. Understand your community and what’s available. People may be around just waiting for you to ask for help :-).
5. What are your favorite tools for time/household management?
Using one calendar for all aspects of my life
The alarm clock… LOL
Evernote: for capturing notes and things on the go
6. Do you have pets? If so, what kind?
N/A
7. What are your hobbies?
Speaking, Coaching, Mentoring, Singing, playing football with the boys.
8. What’s on your bucket list?
To mention just 3:
- Travel across the world to Australia on a family vacation
- Write a book to inspire women across the world, with a reach into all continents
- Learn to ski
9. If you work, what do you do? How did you decide?
I’m a regional Human Resources manager in a multinational company. I started my career as a clinical pharmacist – but was quick to realize it was not meant for me. As I discovered my strengths and love for bringing out the best in people, when an opportunity showed up, I moved into HR.
10. If you work, what’s the most rewarding part about it?
Bringing clarity of vision and purpose to employees, doing little things that bring a smile, not add stress.
11. If you could choose any career, what would it be?
Coaching, Consulting, and Mentoring Women through life-stages: Entrepreneurs, Leaders, Coaches, Working Mums.
12. If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?
The same thing I tell myself every day: “Fear Less. Press Forward. You are beautiful enough, smart enough, ……..(fill in the gap) enough”.
