Embracing the Dual Roles and Finding the Balance with Nadine O'Regan

In a world where juggling work and family often feels like an acrobatic feat, there are those who seem to have mastered the art.

Nadine O'Regan a devoted mother of three (plus two dogs and a feisty cat) reveals her incredible journey of navigating the complexities of modern parenthood while excelling in her professional career.

With a candid spirit and a touch of humour, Nadine unveils the unexpected strengths she's gained, the support network that uplifts her, and the valuable lessons she's learned from both the playground and the taekwondo dojang.

Working Parent's often possess a unique set of skills and strengths, what are some unexpected qualities you've discovered within yourself?

"As a mum of 3, I've discovered all sorts of superpowers that I didn't know I had before children;

Professional jugglers look out - I've perfected the art of juggling many balls in the air and multitasking.

I have developed ninja-like time-bending skills - at work I am focussed 110% on getting as much done as possible in the time that I have and people can never believe I get through so much.

My patience has evolved from "paper-thin" to "Jedi-level,"

I've achieved superhero status in quick problem-solving.

I've also earned a degree in "Emergency Snackology"

And am expert level at toileting small humans."

Stellar Connections

Nadine's support network is a constellation of guiding stars, each playing a vital role in her cosmic journey. Her parents shine as the guiding North Star, providing unwavering support from everyday challenges to the curveballs life throws. 

Empathetic colleagues and friends form a protective barrier, their shared experiences as working parents forging an unbreakable bond. Spontaneous virtual coffee breaks become pockets of solace, offering stories, advice, and laughter that breathe life into her daily grind.

Through thick and thin, my colleagues stand united, reminding us that we're on this journey together.

 Crafting Balance Amidst Chaos

In a world clamouring for attention, Nadine has mastered the art of mindful prioritisation. With taekwondo as her sanctuary, she carves out three sacred hours each week for self-care. These moments not only rejuvenate her spirit but also infuse her with fresh perspectives for tackling challenges.

As a leader, Nadine champions work-life balance, sharing her genuine self with her team. By transparently revealing her parenting fails and passions outside of work, she’s exemplifying the values she believes in. Time blocks for school commitments and personal pursuits are visible to all, normalising the idea that life exists beyond work.

During COVID, I also developed out of necessity the self-confidence to say no or push back. The world, or your career, won’t end if you tell someone you’re too busy or turn work away because you haven’t got the time to do it justice.

The Art of Patience

Children are unassuming teachers, imparting wisdom in unexpected ways. Nadine's children, with their uncanny ability to test her patience, have polished her once-thin patience into a strategic marvel.

This transformation has transcended the boundaries of family life, enabling Nadine to navigate professional challenges with a steady hand, avoiding the foot-in-mouth pitfalls of her earlier years.

The Importance of Pursuing Passions

The pandemic underscored the importance of hobbies for Nadine's mental wellbeing.

Making time for my hobbies is non-negotiable. My work calendar is blocked out at these times, so I have no excuse. Everyone in my team knows that this is a sacred time for me and meeting requests at these times will be declined full stop.

As Deputy Chair of the Pink Belt Project, she channels her passion into a project that provides martial arts scholarships to women healing from domestic abuse or sexual assault. This pursuit is a testament to the transformative power of personal passions, fueling not only her well-being but also fostering positive change in the lives of others.

Nadine is an advocate for authenticity, leading the way with vulnerability and openness. She wants to inspire her team by embodying the belief that success comes from genuine, unpretentious authenticity.