Introducing “How She Does It”—a new Corporate MomSense series celebrating women who are building remarkable careers while raising families, and offering an authentic look at what it truly takes to make it all work.
This month, we are so honored to feature Gabrielle Mohamed, Chief of Staff to the SVP of IBM Consulting Americas, who helps drive the strategy and operations of a ~$10B business spanning roughly 60,000 consultants across the region. Gabrielle has led end-to-end M&A execution supporting ~$2B in acquisitive revenue for IBM, including the company's acquisition of SiXworks. Earlier in her career she led a strategic evaluation of additive manufacturing at United Technologies that resulted in the company doubling its investment to ~$100M.
As a mom to her 4-year-old son, Salah Cader, Gabrielle (Gaby) has built a partnership at home that mirrors the operational rigor she brings to work. Gaby and her husband run as a team, leaning in for each other as work and family demands shift week to week. Her philosophy is less about perfect balance, and more about knowing exactly where she's indispensable, and getting help with the rest.
Gaby with her husband, Masid, and son, Salah Cader (4 years old)
What is one practical tip you swear by for advancing your career without losing yourself?
A mentor once told me, “Nothing is as great as it seems, and nothing is as bad as it seems.” It has become one of my mantras. When you're in the middle of a stressful moment, at work or at home, it can feel all-consuming. I try to zoom out and remind myself that very few things are as catastrophic, or as extraordinary, as they feel in real time. It brings me back to calm, helps me tune out the noise, and usually leads to a better decision.
How do you structure your week—what is your approach to planning, protecting, and prioritizing your time?
I’ve stopped trying to make every week perfectly balanced. Some weeks work needs more of me; others, family does. The key for me is that my husband and I are a team. When one of us leans in, the other catches the balls in the air.
We’re also not shy about investing in the support around us. We have an incredible nanny and outsource as much of the life-admin bucket as we reasonably can (cleaning, laundry, logistics). Food is the exception. We genuinely believe we are what we eat, so cooking for our family is something I choose to hold onto.
That support lets me protect where I really need to show up: at work, fully engaged; and at home, phone away (not perfectly!) and present with my family. It’s less about perfect balance and more about knowing where I’m indispensable—and getting help with the rest.
What is one belief about working motherhood that you had to unlearn to reach the success you have today?
I used to believe being a good mother was measured in hours. The more time I spent with my son, the better mother I was, and that an ambitious career would inevitably come at his expense.
I’ve had to unlearn that. Presence matters more than simply being there. Once I stopped measuring motherhood in hours and focused on how I show up in the hours we have, I realized I can be both an ambitious working mom and a deeply present mother. They don’t have to be in conflict.
IBM Bring Your Child to Work Day!
What are your rules for high-stakes days, and how do they help you save time and energy?
I love a tailored, structured piece. A great blazer or jacket is my go-to for high-stakes days. Before my first big client meeting, I asked a mentor I admired for her advice. She simply said, “Look hot.” I laughed, but I’ve never forgotten it. To me, it means: wear whatever makes you feel most confident in your own skin.
I’ve also put in the time to figure out a simple, repeatable hair and makeup routine. My Dyson was worth every penny (after a few YouTube tutorials!). Now I can be ready in 30 minutes without thinking about it. The fewer small decisions I make, the more energy I have for the ones that matter.
On our way to school drop-off in NYC.
