This is Allens

The day I was interviewed for promotion to Managing Associate was also my last day of work before starting parental leave. We had been working from home for a few weeks by that stage (which, for an expectant mum, was a blessing in disguise – no more standing commute). That morning I had an appointment with my obstetrician, raced home, had a quick bite to eat and changed, then settled in front of the screen for the 3+ hour interview process, which had been brought forward to account for the fact that I was due in the scheduled week of interviews.

My daughter Silvia was born on 25 May after a long and exhausting labour. The day after her birth, I recall asking the nurse what was on the agenda because I needed to plan my day. Her look said it all. I'm the type of person who likes to plan everything and be in control. From the moment my labour started it became clear that, when it comes to children, you can't do that. You can try your best to be organised. You can study up and read the books. But ultimately you need to take what comes your way, accept it and work with it. It's been a really steep learning curve, but Silvia is teaching me to approach each day without expectation, to accept things as they are and then to make the best of them.

It's a lesson which also has so much relevance to my work with clients – and to all of us as we move into a new world of work. Things will be different now. While there are parts we will miss, there's no point lamenting the way things used to be. We need to accept and embrace reality, and find new ways forward together.