In the world of STEM, women continue to face significant challenges in both career advancement and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Women represent only 28% of the STEM workforce globally, and what’s more, a staggering 43% of them leave STEM careers within the first decade due to barriers like gender bias and lack of support.
Many women in these fields struggle to manage the demanding nature of their roles alongside family responsibilities, with 30% of women in STEM reporting difficulties in balancing work and home life. In this blog, Paola Fallas, Global Marketing Director at Encora, shares her personal journey, offering insights into how she maintains a balance between her professional ambitions and personal life, and the strategies she’s employed to thrive in both areas.
Balancing Leadership and Life: A Glimpse into My Journey
I’m Paola Fallas, Global Marketing Director at Encora, and I’ve been with the company since 2018. When I first stepped into my leadership role, I had a common misconception that dedicating every waking hour to work would make me a better professional. I believed that the more hours I poured into my job, the more effective I would become. But the reality was quite the opposite. I soon realized that this relentless approach was taking a toll on my health. It wasn’t until doctors told me I had to choose between my job and my well-being that I truly understood the importance of balance. As a leader, I believe you can’t guide a team without setting an example. I encourage my team to prioritize their well-being, rest when needed, and return with renewed energy.
Celebrating Women Every Day
International Women’s Day is important, and I believe it’s something we should celebrate every day. Women show up and make an impact in all aspects of their lives—whether it’s in their careers, families, friendships, or personal growth. We are intelligent, committed, passionate, empathetic—and incredibly strong, especially when we stand together.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside many impressive women. They’ve shaped my leadership and professional journey. Some have guided me as mentors, while others have become my support network—people I trust and grow with. Whether they are married, mothers, or just beginning their careers, they all agree on one key to balance: clear boundaries.
A Typical Day in My Life
My mornings start between 6:30 AM and 6:40 AM. I check my phone for urgent matters and then go through my morning routine—shower, skincare, and sometimes opening my computer before breakfast. Most days, I juggle 6-8 meetings before 12:00 PM, often multitasking while helping my husband get ready for his day.
Staying grounded and energized throughout the day is vital, so I make sure to stay hydrated, snack when needed, and use the Pomodoro method to stay focused. I also have a standing desk to keep me active and balance my work with physical exercise. Twice a week, I attend strength training and barre classes, and on non-class days, I take my dog, Macarena, for a walk while listening to podcasts or poetry.
Managing Stress and Prioritizing Well-Being
I am very mindful of my mental health. I attend therapy once a month and enjoy reading and listening to podcasts to help clear my mind. Exercise is also an essential part of my routine. I aim for at least four hours of exercise per week, combining strength training with walks and barre classes. This balance of mental and physical well-being helps me manage stress and stay energized.
My workday officially starts at 7:00 AM, usually with meetings with teams in India and LATAM. My mornings are filled with status updates, project reviews, and team check-ins. I take a break at lunch to catch up on emails and then dive into deeper work during the afternoon. By 4:30 or 5:00 PM, I wrap up my day and either head to a class or go for a walk with my dog to decompress.
I organize my workweek every Friday, reflecting on tasks I missed and preparing for the next one. I categorize them as urgent or important, ensuring I manage my priorities effectively. This organization helps me avoid burnout and stay productive without sacrificing my well-being.
Family Life and Work Boundaries
Balancing family responsibilities and my professional role can be challenging, especially since my husband runs his own studio while I work from home. I make sure to keep our home organized, prepare meals, and ensure quality time together. As a leader, I’ve learned the importance of creating boundaries between work and personal life.
I’m not a mom yet, but I believe that the boundaries I’m setting now will serve me well when that day comes. Maintaining balance is about being well in all areas of your life—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Overcoming Challenges in Leadership
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the generational gap between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Each generation interprets efficiency and performance differently. As a woman, I’ve also experienced the challenge of prioritizing well-being without risking my professional image. Sadly, mental health is sometimes unfairly labelled as weakness but there is nothing stronger than knowing your boundaries and respecting them. The key is to stay true to yourself and lead with transparency. Being open about my need for balance has helped me build trust with my team.
At Encora, the company’s policies and leadership have supported my efforts in maintaining a work-life balance. As our workforce evolves, adaptability is essential, and Encora has embraced this shift without compromising performance. The foundation of successful project management is simple: happy teams produce better results.
Becoming a Better Leader Through Balance
Ultimately, achieving work-life balance has made me a better leader, professional, and individual. These conversations about balance bring me closer to my team, and they help us work better together. Being a leader doesn’t mean standing above others—it means standing beside them, guiding and supporting them through both personal and professional challenges.
Balancing work and life is not easy—it’s challenging for so many reasons. But it’s not impossible. Never let your job become your entire life. Make space for the things you love, the things you want to learn, and the person you want to become. The journey towards balance is ongoing, but it’s one worth taking.
Conclusion:
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a continuous challenge, especially for women in leadership roles within demanding fields. However, as Paola’s experience illustrates, it’s a journey worth pursuing. The key takeaways from our conversation emphasize the importance of setting clear boundaries, regularly checking in with yourself, and advocating for well-being. Ask yourself regularly: Are you sleeping enough? Eating well? Moving your body? Keeping your mind clear?
At Encora, the belief in work-life balance is deeply ingrained in the company culture. With flexible work schedules, remote options, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, Encora empowers its employees to excel both professionally and personally. To other women navigating the same challenges, remember that the pursuit of balance is a continuous process, and you’re not alone—keep striving, adapting, and thriving.
