Supermum: Carmen Pérez Solano

Supermum Carmen Pérez Solano

How does Nico enjoy his music classes as a toddler who did the whole Micasso Baby Club programme, since he was just a baby?

Nico started attending Micasso Baby Club when it first opened – he was 9 months old then. Now he is over 2 years and a half. He has participated every week during all these months and he just loves it. On Wednesdays, I wake him up saying “today you have Micasso” and he gets super excited. I like singing Micasso songs at home – when I do, he smiles and sings with me!

You work for Russell Reynolds Associates - can you tell us more about the company and what it is about?

Russell Reynolds is an American leadership consulting firm that counts on approximately 50 offices worldwide. We want to improve the way the world is led. Great talent makes the difference in every single company or project. I am based in the Madrid office but speak to my colleagues in New York, London and many other offices every day.

Tou work as an Executive Search & Leadership Assessment Consultant - could you tell our community of parents what this position is about?

Most of my projects are based on the search for executives in CEO or C-suite positions (CFO, CHRO, CCO, etc) and Board members. I also do executive assessment of top executives in which I understand their experience and competencies and make recommendations for their further development.

What path lead you to your successful career?

Passion and had work – there is no magic recipe. Going the extra mile to surpass expectations is what makes the difference. In my case, my work at Russell Reynolds was not enough, I also have my own company! It is called City Confidential, it’s a website and newsletter about cool things to do in Madrid. I co-founded it back in 2010, and now it has a team of 10+!

Would you say your company offered you the right tools to balance your professional and personal life as a mother?

The company is very supportive with personal commitments but taking care of the house and the children while being a working mother is definitely a challenge from Monday to Friday – I am running all the time everywhere!

In the early days of motherhood, would you say that Micasso Baby Club made it easier for Nico to socialise with other babies of the same age?

Definitely, Micasso Baby Club is a place where Nico has made friends and has started to learn concepts like sharing. I like that the groups are divided by age so that the content is adapted to their age and other children stimulate him as he feels close to them.

What would be your best advice for any ambitious working woman who wants to start a family, just the way you are doing?

Timing is never perfect (as there always seems to be a promotion in the near future) so start the family anytime you feel like – don’t wait for the perfect moment. Set reasonable expectations (don’t pretend to do everything and perfect) and be realistic. Since I have a family, I try not to work during the weekends to spend quality time there. Everything you can do online for your job, do it!

Is there any other advice or thing you would like to add for the amazing community of parents who are reading you?

Micasso Baby Club is a great place for Nico to learn, make friends and develop his brain and taste for music, but it’s also great for me, as I can meet other Supermums and share concerns, tricks, ideas… I would recommend it to everyone.