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.
For our first feature, we are so excited to highlight the fabulous, Leya Kaufman.
Leya is the Executive Director of Luxury and Lifestyle at Business Insider, bringing over a decade of experience in luxury advertising, brand partnerships, and collaborations. Having started her career on the brand side with iconic houses like Giorgio Armani and Hermès, she now leads innovative live events, bespoke content, and AI-powered solutions for today’s leading auto, travel, retail, and luxury brands. In her 5 to 9, she stays connected to her personal passion for emerging designers and fine jewelry, even being featured in campaigns and developing designs for several partners. All of this happens alongside her role as mom to her 2 kids, ages 4 and 7.
Photograph by Ohad Kab
What is one practical tip you swear by for advancing your career without losing yourself?
Do one thing every day, that’s just for you. A sprinkle of selfishness keeps us sane. That one thing might be a 27-minute workout, or a brief window after the kids go to sleep to read without distractions. On more exciting days, it might be taking the time to make a full appetizer spread for you and your spouse after Zoom calls wrap but before dinner — or simply saying yes to one of the online purchases sitting in your cart.
How do you structure your week—what is your approach to planning, protecting, and prioritizing your time?
I’m in sales, so every day is different — and in many ways, I’m still figuring it out. I do have a few non-negotiables, though:
Whenever possible, I try to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays so I can sleep longer, workout, eat well, and reset.
I maintain the same bedtime for my kids and for myself whenever possible, because sometimes signing off is the hardest thing to do.
I plan date nights at least one week in advance, with a list of favorite restaurants and a reliable rolodex of sitters.
I wind down by dressing up, going out, and sharing a great meal with my husband. Having something like that to look forward to also keeps me centered in the middle of a Wednesday, when I start to lose it a bit.
What are your go-to style rules for high-stakes days, and how do they help you save time and energy?
I rely on outfit formulas to take the guesswork out of getting dressed for work. I don’t really subscribe to strict rules, but I do lean on a few style solutions:
Invest in a capsule work wardrobe — a chic, well-made blazer can take center stage multiple times a week, styled in endless ways.
Create and recreate three combinations that make you feel confident. For me, they are: blazers with midi skirts, sweaters with miniskirts, and high-waisted trousers topped with anything cropped, tucked, or professional-looking with shoulder pads.
Express yourself with subtle statements so you still feel unique — but corporate — in a conference room setting, like ring stacks or a bold lipstick.
Adding subtle statements with bold lipstick and pops of red
What is one belief about working motherhood that you had to unlearn to reach the success you have today?
I once believed I had to always be a “supermom” in front of my kids. Then my aunt gave me the best advice: It’s healthy for your kids to see you mess up. They need to know that no one — not even mom — can be perfect all the time.
Now, I try to set an example by showing them what it looks like to try, to be honest about my limits, and to admit when I make a mistake. I show them that you can prioritize your career, love your family, and occasionally mess up at one or both — and still come back the next day ready to shine again.
(For example: I once forgot it was crazy sock day at camp because I was running late to work. I apologized to the kids later, and they didn’t even know what I was talking about — we were too busy making a DIY dessert bar together.)
