For nearly 13 years, Micah Paula Atendido has been a valued member of the FT, supporting the Global Sponsorship team with financial processes while balancing life as a mother of three. She credits motherhood with strengthening her resilience, empathy and ability to prioritise, helping her navigate both demanding deadlines and family life with confidence. Supported by the FT's flexible working culture and a close-knit team of fellow working mothers, Micah embodies the FT value of Integrity, bringing honesty, accountability and trust to everything she does. Her advice to other working parents is simple: give yourself grace, focus on what matters most, and trust that your best is enough.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself—your role at FT, how long you’ve been with the company, and what a typical day looks like for you?
I’ve been with the FT for nearly 13 years and now work in the Sponsorship team as Global Sponsorship Sales Support, where I focus on financial processes. A typical day, as a working mother of three, with two children in online school and a baby, requires constant juggling. It’s busy but flexible, and I’ve learnt to stay organised and take things one step at a time (and, occasionally, simply go with the flow).
What makes a real difference is my small team of fellow working mothers. We’ve supported each other through different stages of life, both in and outside work. A special mention to Emna Lachenal and Daisy Dorras. it means a great deal to share not just the demands of the job, but also the realities, and humour, of family life.
What has surprised you most about how motherhood has changed the way you approach your work?
What has surprised me most is how motherhood has strengthened my resilience at work. It has taught me to keep going on more demanding days, stay grounded, and focus on what needs to be done without overcomplicating things.
Can you share a recent moment where you felt like you were learning both as a mum and as a professional at the same time?
A recent example was a busy workday when I was working to a deadline while also helping my child with an online assignment. Both needed attention, and I had to manage them in parallel.
What stood out was the importance of staying calm, setting clear priorities and taking things step by step. It reinforced that clarity and steady focus are just as valuable at work as they are at home.
How has becoming a mum influenced your priorities or perspective when it comes to your career?
Becoming a mother has reshaped my priorities. I’m more deliberate about what I say yes to, focusing on what matters most at work while making space for my family and for myself.
What’s one skill or strength you’ve developed through motherhood that now shows up in your work?
Motherhood has made me more empathetic. I’m more aware that people may be dealing with things we can’t always see, so I try to approach situations with greater patience and understanding. It has also helped me communicate more thoughtfully and build stronger working relationships.
How has the FT supported you through motherhood—for example, through flexible working, maternity policies or employee resource groups?
The FT’s flexible working and maternity policies have been a strong support. They give me the space to balance my role as a mother with my work, helping me stay present and effective in both.
What would you advice to other new moms who are navigating work and motherhood at the same time?
Be kind to yourself and let go of the idea of doing everything perfectly. Some days you’ll feel like a great mother, others like a great professional—rarely both at once. That’s entirely normal. Focus on what matters most, ask for help when you need it, and treat your energy as a finite resource.
Make time for yourself, too. As a working mother, your energy underpins everything as running on empty is not sustainable. Creating that space will help you show up more effectively, both at work and at home.
FT's values are Ambition, Inclusion, Integrity, Curiosity, Trust and Subscriber Focused. In relation to your role at the FT which of these values speaks to you most and why?
Integrity stands out most to me because it shapes how I approach my work. I value being honest and accountable, particularly in challenging situations. It helps build trust and keeps my decisions grounded in what is right.
What advice would you give to other working mothers?
Give yourself grace. You do not have to do everything perfectly. Keep showing up, do your best, and trust that it is enough.
You may not always realise it, but your resilience and consistency can inspire others around you.
READY TO EMBRACE A CULTURE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND WELLBEING?
EXPLORE OUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES