Jelmar's Alison Gutterman tackles the extreme work-life balance of being a woman business leader during Covid-19

Everyday experiences are becoming more valuable as we learn to slow down and appreciate them. Before the pandemic, I never realized how much I took for granted. I've spent more time with my kids than I ever have, and it will probably be the longest time I ever spend with them. Despite having to balance being a business owner and a mom, I cherish my time with them and am grateful that we are all healthy and happy.

As someone who runs and owns a business that focuses on cleaning products, a lot of people find it ironic that I really dislike cleaning. I learned early on in business that you should outsource the things someone else can do better, so I have people who help me with my cleaning.

My mom was always a great cheerleader who supported me in my endeavors; she also challenged my father when transitioning the company leadership in 2007 to “get out of Alison’s way and let her lead. ”

Can you articulate this to our readers? what are the biggest family-related challenges you are facing as a woman business leader during this pandemic?

As a single mom, it has been a challenge to make sure that my kids are not only going to school but also engaging in the lessons their teachers give them. I’m also helping the kids keep up their relationships with their friends while balancing my own friendships and work.

A lot of my mom's friends already dislike summers because there is too much free time and kids are bored, so it’s important to make time for yourself as a mom to catch up with friends and family your own age. To stay connected with my friends, I send them funny memes, Snapchat messages or videos, and new music I enjoy to let them know I’m thinking about them.

Can you share the biggest work-related challenges you are facing as a woman in business during this pandemic?

I try to keep in touch with my team by setting up Zoom meetings, and then I send them little gifts to show how much I appreciate all of their hard work during this challenging time.

Can you share your advice about how to best work from home, while balancing the needs of homeschooling or the needs of a family?

Understand that it will take time to adjust to this new way of life. I’m not quite sure how everything will work this fall as I have two children at different schools — which have different schedules — but I have to trust that it’s ultimately going to be OK.

I view this time as a way to connect with my kids. Creating a shared document with family members and friends is a great way to share recipes that older kids can make on their own, try new foods, and rediscover traditional family recipes.

Food delivery purchases have increased since the start of the pandemic, but a lot of people may not be treating themselves to a “night out” in their own homes. Gift cards from area restaurants offer a great way to support local businesses while safely getting curbside pickup or delivery.

Reach out to your friends or other working parents to connect during this difficult time. As working parents, you can share stories and tips to help keep your kids entertained while you work. While I have to balance being a business owner and a mom, I cherish the time I get to spend with them and appreciate that we’re all happy and healthy.

The majority of us have been working from home since the pandemic started, which means we’re seeing our co-workers’ lives outside of the office. I’ll make time to interact with them by sending them a quick message or a funny meme to let them know I’m thinking about them, but it’s OK to keep to yourself if you’re not in the mood to interact.

That experience showed me that I have a trustworthy team that will support me through difficult times while we work together to improve our company.

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