Jalen Hurts wasn’t making a political statement when he hired an all-female management team. He was making a smart business decision.
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback surrounded himself with elite professionals, including powerhouse agent Nicole Lynn, because they brought skills, strategy, and a perspective he didn’t have.
And isn’t that the story of women in the workforce—over and over again?
We step in, fill the gaps, and make things better. And yet, the business world still struggles to recognize what Jalen Hurts sees so clearly: women aren’t just capable leaders—we are a value add in every way.
And here’s a crucial point too often overlooked: Most women will become working moms at some point in their career. That moment—navigating the transition into motherhood while staying in the workforce—is often pivotal. It’s a make-or-break period for advancing in our careers, yet it’s where companies are most likely to let women slip through the cracks.
Photo by CoWomen on Unsplash
Why Working Moms Make the Best Leaders
This isn’t just about football. It’s about a broader truth: when we invest in women—when we build workplaces that support and retain them at every stage of life—organizations thrive. I explored this in depth in Go Ask Your Mothers.
Yet, many companies still fail to see it.
Women, and especially working moms, are not just “qualified” to lead. We’re uniquely prepared for it.
Here’s why:
Moms Are Elite Managers
A commenter on a viral Jalen Hurts fan social post put it best:
“Women seamlessly combine logos, ethos, and pathos to their advantage. That’s great for business.”
Yes. Moms balance strategy and emotion. We think long-term and lead with connection. It’s not soft—it’s effective.
Moms Are High-Level Negotiators
Ever had to convince a toddler to put on shoes? Ever brokered peace between siblings? Negotiation is a daily skill for moms, and we bring that same finesse into business. We anticipate objections, find common ground, and push forward with solutions.
Moms Have Executive Functioning Skills Like No Other
We’re the masters of logistics, time management, and multi-layered planning. We hold a staggering number of details in our heads—appointments, deadlines, school schedules, client needs—and somehow, we make it all work. That’s not just multitasking; that’s executive-level strategic thinking.
Moms Are Diplomatic Problem Solvers
Whether it’s managing family dynamics or leading a team, we excel at navigating complex relationships with emotional intelligence. We know when to push, when to listen, and when to diffuse tension.
Moms Get Things Done—Efficiently
There’s a reason you want a mom on your team when you need something executed with precision. We don’t waste time. We make fast, informed decisions. We know how to assess priorities and move.
So why do businesses still hesitate to put working moms in leadership, or fail to offer support when they need it most?
It’s time to stop thinking of motherhood as a liability and start recognizing it for what it is: a leadership accelerator.
From the NFL to Corporate America: When Will We Catch Up?
Nicole Lynn cold DMed Jalen Hurts to get her shot. Working moms do the same thing every day—reaching out, proving themselves, making the case for why they should be in the room.
And it shouldn’t have to be this way.
We need better systems, better policies, and better recognition of the value that moms bring to the workforce. That means:
✔ Paid leave that actually lets women recover and return stronger.
✔ Workplace flexibility that acknowledges we are still getting the job done.
✔ A pipeline for women to rise to leadership without having to fight for every inch.
Jalen Hurts recognized what great leaders do—women bring extraordinary talent to the table. He built a team of the best, and he’s thriving because of it.
It’s time the rest of the world caught up, even if acknowledging an Eagles player's success is tough for this Chiefs fan.
Sarah Wells is the author of Go Ask Your Mothers: One Simple Step for Managers to Support Working Moms for Team Success, and CEO & founder of a mission-driven brand empowering parents with innovative breastfeeding support products. She also leads the Otrera Collective, a mastermind supporting woman-owned small businesses. Sarah collaborates with Employee Resource Groups, management teams, and leadership events to help organizations foster supportive, thriving environments for working moms. Connect with Sarah through Substack, via LinkedIn or directly here.
