Meet Pooja Lee, a Diageo Supply Commercialization Project Manager based in Plainfield, Illinois, USA, who has thrived professionally and personally thanks to Diageo's progressive parental leave policy.

Benefitting from Diageo's parental leave policy

In 2021, Pooja went on maternity leave to welcome her newborn daughter, Mila. Taking full advantage of Diageo’s bold and progressive parental leave policy, she had the opportunity to enjoy over six months raising her young daughter with her husband.

Pooja describes the time that parental leave offered her as "priceless". 

"Every moment I spent with my new family were memories that I will cherish. As my time on leave progressed, I knew it was only a matter of time until I’d have to return to work. So many thoughts ran across my mind but mainly – will I ever seemingly master this unachievable work/life balance of being a new working mom?" she says.

Easing into motherhood and returning to work

Returning to work is often downplayed for mothers. It can sometimes be looked at as a weakness and not as a transition. Over the past few months, Pooja learned that, like all changes we go through in life, this transition also needed a complete mindset shift.

"I’ve come to a place where being a mother is so important to me and I love this feeling. Funny enough, I don’t miss my old life, while it was easier to get up and go, my daughter gives me new purpose. I absolutely love this precious time with her - she is only little for a little while, so I’m doing my best to soak it all in," she explains.

"They say it takes a village to raise your child and each village looks different for each family. As for my village, we’re living in a multi-generational household and I’m so grateful to have Mila bond with her grandparents. Having the support of my family has been key to ease this transition into motherhood and returning to work."

Grateful for Diageo's support 

Pooja understands that  motherhood can be hard for so many. People have lost mothers, struggled to become mothers, have complicated relationships with their mothers, and so on.

"I’m grateful to be able to celebrate the mothers and parents at Diageo who have pushed for inclusion through equal and extended parental leave, for new and comfortable mothers’ rooms, and for the strong women that come to work each day who have been great empathetic role models for me," concludes Pooja.

"I’m proud to now be a part of Diageo’s community of parents who are valued and advocated for."

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