In honour of Mother’s Day, we sat down with Claudia Puglia to chat about how she balances her career at FedEx with the joys and challenges of raising twins.
Claudia shares her journey of juggling work deadlines and family time, the heartwarming moments of motherhood, and the support she receives from her partner, Linda. She also offers practical tips on managing dual responsibilities and finding a healthy work-life balance.
Claudia, with your career at FedEx and the joys and challenges of motherhood, especially with twins, how have you managed to balance your professional and personal life? Could you share a bit about that journey?
Balancing my career at FedEx with the joys and challenges of motherhood, especially with twins, has been quite the journey. It’s a delicate see-saw between meeting deadlines at work whilst being present for my children.
Some days, it feels like I’m juggling everything at once, but I’ve learned to prioritise what truly matters: my family. By understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal time, I’m able to navigate both aspects of my life. Though it can be stressful at times, spending time with my kids makes every moment worth it.
Motherhood certainly comes with its high points. What have been some of the most heartwarming moments for you as a mom, especially considering the recent health challenges your twins have faced?
Motherhood indeed has its high points, and despite the recent health challenges my twins have faced, it continues to offer me heartwarming moments that fill me with immense joy and gratitude.
One of the most precious moments for me is witnessing the resilience and courage of my children in the face of adversity. Despite their health challenges, seeing them overcome obstacles and thrive fills my heart with pride like nothing else.
Whether it’s Valentino’s gentle smile or Vincenza’s unwavering determination, these small moments of triumph amidst the struggles remind me of the incredible strength and resilience within my children. These moments serve as powerful reminders of the unconditional love and bond we share as a family, inspiring me to cherish every precious moment we spend together.
We all have those tough days. How do you handle the challenging moments, both at work and at home, particularly with the additional stress of your twins’ health issues?
When I’m faced with tough days, I take a moment to breathe, refocus, and remind myself that I’m capable of overcoming obstacles. At work, I prioritise my tasks, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps, and tackle them one at a time.
I also lean on my support network at work, relying on my colleagues and managers for assistance when needed. This allows me to manage my workload effectively and ensures that I have the support I need to balance work and family responsibilities.
At home, dealing with my twins’ health issues can be especially challenging. My partner and I share the responsibilities and lean on each other for emotional support. I also make sure to take care of myself by getting enough rest, eating well, and finding time for activities that help me relax and recharge, whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones. And of course, I stay positive and hopeful, focusing on the progress my twins are making and the joy they bring to my life.
Overall, I find that maintaining a positive attitude, staying organised, and leaning on my support network both at work and at home helps me navigate challenging moments with resilience and grace.
Balancing work and family must require some clever strategies. Are there specific routines or methods you’ve found particularly effective in managing your dual responsibilities at FedEx and home?
Absolutely! Balancing work and family is definitely a juggling act, but I’ve found a few strategies that help me manage both responsibilities effectively. One method I’ve found is prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance. It helps me allocate my time and energy efficiently, ensuring I get everything done, both at work and at home.
Additionally, establishing routines and schedules has been key in managing conflicting responsibilities. Whether it’s setting aside dedicated family time in the evenings, creating a structured work plan for the day, or even something as simple as meal planning, having a routine helps maintain consistency and allows me to stay organised amidst the chaos of life.
By prioritising tasks and establishing routines, I can effectively manage my dual responsibilities and ensure that I’m giving both my work and my family the time and attention they deserve.
It sounds like you and your partner, Linda, have a strong partnership. How has Linda supported you through your career and motherhood? How do you both synchronise your schedules to manage everything?
Yes, Linda is an incredible partner, and her support has been invaluable in both my career and motherhood. She’s my rock, always there with a comforting word or a helping hand when things get tough.
Linda has always been incredibly supportive of my career goals, understanding the demands of my job at FedEx and the importance of my professional growth. She’s been there every step of the way, providing encouragement and understanding during the ups and downs of my career.
When it comes to managing our family life, communication is key. We sit down regularly to discuss our schedules and priorities, making sure we’re on the same page about who needs to be where and when. We also make use of shared calendars and to-do lists to stay organised and keep track of important events and tasks.
Flexibility is also crucial for us. We understand that things don’t always go as planned, so we’re always ready to adjust our schedules and help each other out when needed. Overall, Linda’s support and partnership have been essential in helping me balance my career at FedEx and my responsibilities as a parent. I couldn’t do it without her.
Workplaces play a significant role in work-life balance. How has FedEx supported you, especially as a working mom? Are there specific policies or supports you’ve found invaluable?
FedEx has been incredibly supportive, especially as a working mum. The company understands the importance of work-life balance and have implemented several policies and support that have been invaluable to me.
In my sales role, I’ve been able to enjoy flexibility such as remote working for some days during the week which allows me to balance my career with the demands of motherhood.
Moreover, the culture at FedEx fosters a sense of community and teamwork, making it easier to collaborate with colleagues and navigate the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. A lot of us have families, so we understand what it’s like, and we’re always there for each other, leaning on one another for support whenever needed.
Overall, FedEx’s supportive workplace policies and programs have been instrumental in helping me achieve a healthy work-life balance as a working mum. I’m happy to work for a company that prioritises the well-being of its employees and understands the unique challenges working parents face.
With all that you’ve experienced and learned, what advice would you give to other working parents who are striving to find their equilibrium between career and family?
To my fellow working parents striving to find their equilibrium between career and family, I’d offer a few pieces of advice based on my own experiences:
Firstly, prioritise what matters most to you. Identify your values and the things that bring you joy and fulfilment both at work and at home. By focusing on these priorities, you can make more intentional decisions about how you want to allocate your time and energy.
Secondly, embrace flexibility. Recognise that there will be times when work demands more of your attention and other times when your family needs you most. Being flexible and adaptable allows you to navigate these fluctuations more effectively and maintain a better balance overall.
Additionally, establish clear boundaries between work and family time. When you’re at work, focus on work, and when you’re at home, be fully engaged with your family. This helps create a sense of separation between your professional and personal life, allowing you to give each the attention it deserves.
Remember to take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.
Finally, be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories. Finding the right balance between career and family is an ongoing journey, and it’s okay to adjust and recalibrate along the way. Keeping a journal of small wins each day can help you stay positive and grateful, even on the most challenging days.
By prioritising what matters most, embracing flexibility, setting boundaries, practising self-care, and celebrating your successes, you can find the equilibrium that works best for you and your family. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, and you’re not alone in this journey.
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a time to reflect on what being a mom means to you. How do you feel about this special day, and how do you plan to celebrate it with your family this year?
Mother’s Day is a special time for me to reflect on the joys and challenges of motherhood and to celebrate the love and bond I share with my children. It’s a day to celebrate the unconditional love, sacrifices, and endless support that motherhood entails.
This year, I plan to celebrate Mother’s Day with Linda and our kids by going for a big walk together and then enjoying a nice long lunch. I’m so thankful for all the times we can spend together as a family, just relaxing and hanging out.
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a beautiful reminder of the blessings and learnings that come with being a mum — whilst sometimes it can be a challenge, I wouldn’t give it up for anything. The love and joy that my children bring into my life make every moment worthwhile. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be their mom and to share in all the ups and downs of parenthood with Linda by my side.
