Executive Mom of the Month Name: Ann Higgins Company: Danlee PR Corporation (will be acquired by STC Associates on 10/1/00) Title: President Spouse: Danny Higgins Children: Danny-boy, age 8; Liam, age 6; Elaine, age 3 Danlee PR Corporation is the fourth largest PR firm in New Jersey. How did it all begin for you? I started my career working at a large Manhattan firm as the Vice President of Public Relations. I was the only working mother on the staff- at the time I had two small children. Even though I had built their billing from $100,000 to a half a million- I had significant day care issues that this company was not addressing. In fact, I felt that I was looked down upon because I left at 5:30 PM when most of the associates were staying until 9:00 at night. I was just about to acquire some new business accounts, and all of a sudden I realized- if I could generate this much business for a firm, I could do it for myself! So I decided to go off on my own. My girlfriend allowed me to use space in her offices and I started my own firm. Besides the new accounts, several of my old accounts decided to follow me to my firm. I began thinking I would only be a consultant, but my company grew very quickly. In the meantime, you had another child. How did you handle childcare issues? While I was really investing time into making my business grow, my husband took time off. He was Mr. Mom for three years and it was great! He will say that it was the best decision he every made although it took him awhile to get adjusted. Once he did, he became totally immersed in being a stay-at-home dad. He coached sports, joined the PTO, and did all the household tasks. Recently, my husband began to feel that he was ready to go back to work. Since he's in a very technical field, he didn't want to lose skills that would prevent him from getting back into the job market. So he went back to work, and we hired an au pair from Germany. This has seemed like a really good solution. She has access to the family car so she can take the children to their activities. A large firm will acquire your business next month. How will not being "your own boss" impact your life now? I think it's really ironic, that I started my own company so that I could have the flexibility to be with my children. But then my business got so big that I found I would have to work 24-7 to stay on top of things. The pressure of raising a young family got to be overwhelming. I think that there is a time for everything in life. My kids are only small now, so I sold out to a large corporation. Now that I will be working for a company, I will have the benefit of a steady pay check, a four-week vacation that I can actually take and less pressure. I found that there's actually less flexibility when you own your company! How do you make time for yourself? I rarely do… maybe a cup of coffee early in the morning. There's a time for everything and there will be plenty of time for that somewhere in the future. Also, with the acquisition, my commute will increase from about 10 minutes each way to one hour on the train each way. I am torn with guilt at having that extra hour but am really looking forward to an hour of down time when I can just read and relax. What is your biggest challenge of being an executive working mother? Really, it's the sacrifices you make- the times you miss with your kids. Not being there after school, missing the recitals. That's the hardest part. What is your favorite time spent with the kids? Just hanging out. I make it a point of trying to spend time with each child one-on-one so I can really get to know each one as a person. I like that the best. What services have you found that help make being an executive mom easier? Catalog shopping! Also, I am waiting for my local grocery store to go online. When you live in the suburbs, it means you have to spend a lot of time in the car just driving to stores. What is the best advice you have for other professional moms? There is no such thing as Supermom. You can't have it all, and if you think you can, you're nuts! Make sure that you know where your priorities are! What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment? Starting my own business and being named one of the top 40 Executives under the age of 40 by "Business News New Jersey". I was one of only eleven women who received that distinction. • Submit a nomination for Executive Mom of the Month • August's Mom of the Month: Peggy Garcia • July's Mom of the Month: Maria Vidal • June's Mom of the Month: Patricia Campbell