Working Mums - Fi Siu (Part 1)

Fi is a valued member of our North Island team, proudly championing the Auckland region as a Recruitment Consultant. Since joining Trade Assist in May 2023, she has been instrumental in looking after the Warehousing, Manufacturing and Engineering sectors. Recently, Fi embarked on a new chapter in her personal life with the arrival of her beautiful baby boy. After taking maternity leave for a few months, she returned to work just before the 2024 summer holidays.

In this first instalment of a two-part series, we’ll take a closer look at how Trade Assist supports its staff before, during and after maternity leave. We’ll also gain insight into Fi’s personal experience, navigating the balance between career and family life.

How did Trade Assist support you during your maternity leave and help you stay connected to the team while you were away?
Chris was an incredible sounding board, offering advice as a dad of two children. Having someone at work who understood the challenges of first-time parenting was invaluable. Facundo and the rest of the team were tremendously supportive from the beginning. Before I left, the team made sure my workload was manageable, narrowing my focus to a single major client so I wasn’t overwhelmed and stressed leading up to the maternity leave. They also surprised me with thoughtful gifts like a spa voucher and a farewell lunch. They genuinely celebrated this milestone with me and that means a lot.

While I was on leave, I never felt disconnected. The girls in the office kept me in the loop through group chats, sharing updates and asking about my baby. Chris and Facundo also regularly checked in, offering to catch up over coffee when I was ready. It wasn’t just professional concern; it was genuine friendship and care. That closeness they created helped me feel comfortable to stay involved and not feel isolated. Their efforts were valuable to me because I was going through such a transformative time in my life.

What kind of support did you receive when you returned to work and how did Trade Assist help make your transition smoother?
Coming back to work after maternity leave can feel daunting but Trade Assist made the transition as smooth as possible for me. From day one, I felt supported and not pressured. There were no immediate targets or big expectations placed on me. Instead, I was given time to find my rhythm, both at work and at home. Dropping my son off at daycare was a big adjustment but I appreciated having the flexibility to ease into my new routine. Everyone on the team was patient and understanding, giving me the space to figure out how to balance the new norm.

Chris, Facundo and the rest of the team also helped by being approachable and encouraging. They reminded me that I didn’t have to have everything perfect from the start. I came back feeling not just like an employee, but part of a community that wanted me to succeed as a mum and as a consultant. That sense of support gave me the confidence to tackle work and parenting head-on, knowing I wasn’t alone in the journey.

What advice can you give to other mums returning to work after maternity leave?
Trust yourself and take it one step at a time. Every family’s situation is different and you need to find what works best for you and your baby. For me, setting up a good routine with my son made all the difference. Once I found a daycare I felt comfortable with (a place that had a nursery and other babies his age) I found peace and wasn’t worried. Having that support system in your surroundings is important, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need to.

I’d also say don’t lose sight of your own goals and identity. Before I went on leave, I was worried becoming a mum might mean losing the drive I had in my career. But I’ve found that being a mum has actually motivated me even more. I want to provide for my son and show him what it means to set goals and achieve them. It’s not always easy and some days definitely feel like a juggling act but if you plan ahead and stay flexible, you’ll find your groove. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job.