Q: You have a PhD in Chemistry and have recently started a skin care business. Can you tell me about what your career has meant to you, as a woman and a mom?
A: Work means a lot to me. After my graduation, I started working even when I had my boys. I wanted to use my knowledge and contribute to society. I enjoyed being challenged, meeting new people, traveling, and being independent. Even though I continued working, my number one priority was my family. I was neither a 100 percent mom nor a career woman. I wanted both and I knew that I could be both. It required lots of organization and a husband who is understanding and contributes. I was proud to be one of a few women in senior management at a Swiss Company.
Other women encouraged me to be tough and be one of the boys. This was not easy as the work environment changed and became more political. I might be a top manager with a good income, but was not a very happy one and this affected my life and people around me both at work and at home. Again, it was my family and my boys who kept me going. With the help of two ex-colleagues, we started a small business in skin care. I might not be the top executive that I was, but I am much happier and doing things that I could not enjoy before.
Q: Tell me about your two sons. What are some of your favorite traditions to do together?
A: They are very different. My oldest, who is eighteen, has more of an Iranian personality, loves having many friends, loves shopping, and having friends over for dinner. He has a passion for people. He is not very organized and loves to argue. We have many social and political discussions at dinner. My youngest son, who is sixteen, enjoys cooking and has a good sense of taste so we experiment using different ingredients in our cooking. Unlike his bother, he is well organized and has few close friends and does not want to waste time shopping or arguing. As a family, we ski, sail, and have dinners together.
