The pay gap, gender inequality and female empowerment are hot topics lately. While it’s well overdue, it also happened to coincide with the arrival of my first baby, a sweet little girl.   Before I went out on my company-sponsored maternity leave, I was thrilled, cocky even, to know I’d be returning to a job I love and a team I respect and admire. I told myself it’d be easy to return to work because I was lucky enough have my dream job – one that stimulates my mind, with a company that respects my contributions and treats me with humanity.   However, spending the past three months obsessing over my little girl’s cute laugh, big eyes and happy spirit, made me realize it wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought. I adore my baby and it suddenly felt completely wrong to leave her, but it also felt wrong to not return to work. I kept asking myself, “Is there really time for it all?”   After dissolving into a fit of sobs, I received some pivotal advice that helped me find my path. My husband said, “Remember you’re doing this for her. You’re providing for her and, more importantly, setting an example of what working can be. Don’t you want her to know she can do what she loves? Wouldn’t you want her to work for a company like Brilliant Ink?”   He’s right. I want my daughter to be ridiculously happy, feel empowered and find work she’s passionate about. That’s what motivates me and what I focus on when I feel stretched thin.   After all, that’s what we do at Brilliant Ink. We help employees find joy at work and help companies connect with their people. For her sake, I can’t give up the fight.   Power to your people – and to the next generation.