SHESPEAKS Your Power to Influence

You could almost hear a resounding “yay!” coming from women everywhere when news hit of Marissa Mayer’s departure from Google to become Yahoo’s new CEO. And then came the real celebrations when just a day later she broke the news that she is currently 6 months pregnant and her new employer was well aware of this when making the decision to hire her.

Balancing work and family has always been something successful women have had to deal with, but too often employers are the ones making the decision whether the woman can maintain that balance or not. In Mayer’s case however, her employer simply did not question whether or not her pregnancy and having a family would affect her abilities to run Yahoo.

Mayer can now count herself as (probably) the first pregnant CEO of a Fortune 500 company according to Business Week. Though Yahoo does not have an issue with Mayer being pregnant while running their company, others of course feel the need to chime in.

Jezebel highlights some of the recent reactions to Mayer’s pregnancy in a recent article, specifically a reaction from business pundit Brian Sullivan on Morning Joe. Sullivan says, “Mayer's only 37, she is pregnant. So, and fortunately she said she's going to work during the maternity leave, that — that's gonna be tough. Y'know. Take some time off. Yahoo's been in trouble for years. My advice: take some time off. Get your baby. Raise the kid for a little bit, and then, work on the company when you can.” Co-host of the show Mika Brzezinski didn’t waist any time letting Sullivan know that she doesn’t think Mayer needs the advice.

What do you think of Marissa Mayer becoming CEO of Yahoo while six months pregnant?

What do you think of some of the reactions to her pregnancy? Is it fair for some to question whether or not Marissa Mayer can balance being CEO of Yahoo and being a new mom?