Georgie McCourt On Motherhood, Career And Raising Girls

At home with her girls, the editor of marie claire opens up about the moment motherhood “completely cracked me open,” the premature birth that shattered her carefully laid plans, and the weekend rituals – cashmere, croissants and country mornings – that now define what success, luxury and happiness really look like.

Lottie and Arabella wear Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweaters, $129.90, and Uniqlo Wide Fit Straight Jeans, $39.90. Georgie wears Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $129.90, and Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans (Barrel Leg), $59.90. Photo: Julie Adams

Becoming a mother changes you in ways no one can fully prepare you for. What’s the biggest way motherhood has changed who you are?

Motherhood completely cracked me open – in the best possible way. It’s challenged me physically, emotionally, mentally… but it’s also made me softer, stronger, and far less interested in perfection.

Before children, who did you think you’d be as a mother – and how different is the reality?

Like most women, I had a plan. Six weeks before my first baby was due, I went into labour prematurely in a nail salon four days before my best friend’s wedding. When my daughter was taken straight to special care, I sat there thinking, this wasn’t the plan. Motherhood taught me very quickly that control is an illusion. I’d be lying if I said I still didn’t try and control things – but I’m (hopefully) more relaxed than I used to be.

As editor of marie claire, how has motherhood changed your relationship with ambition?

It hasn’t made me less ambitious – it’s made me more intentional. I’ve always believed if you really want something, you can make it happen. But motherhood forced me to ask bigger questions. What actually matters? What’s worth my energy? I still work hard but I’m more efficient, and (I hope) better at prioritising. I love my job and I love my children – both bring me a sense of purpose, and fulfilment. I think purpose is essential for happiness. Without it, we’re lost.

Georgie wears Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $129.90, and Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans (Barrel Leg), $59.90. Lucy Folk choker, $895. Photo: Julie Adams

Have your children ever made you question your career choices – or made you more certain of them?

Both. There are moments where you wonder if you’re doing enough, present enough, getting it all wrong. But my girls have also made me braver. I have launched businesses, taken risks, left a dream job… I wanted them to see that women can build things. Now, they see me doing a job I love. I want them to know that work is something you should love. I want them to find a career they’re passionate about.

Do you believe women can “have it all”?

I think motherhood teaches you to redefine “all.” Because when you’re a mother – whether you work in the home or outside the home – the work doesn’t stop and neither do we. So no – I don’t believe in having it all at once. I believe in chapters. I believe in seasons.

When have you felt most stretched as a mother?

Returning to work with a seven-month-old. Pumping breast milk in office shower rooms. Trying to lead teams while keeping a tiny human alive. I laugh now – but at the time, I felt stretched in every possible direction. It is so much easier now my girls are older. Phew.

What are your everyday comforts?

Cashmere (obviously). I love Uniqlo cashmere. I was born for winter dressing. The minute the temperature drops, I’m pulling out all my knits, living in soft cashmere, great denim and boots – there’s something about that kind of effortless uniform that just feels like me. It’s simple, timeless, and most importantly, comfortable.

We live in the Southern Highlands of NSW, and it gets properly cold in winter. So comfort at this time of year is very sensory for me. It’s cashmere, strong coffee, a fire pit going. Working in the fashion industry, real luxury for me is time off at home, in a cosy cashmere jumper, with my family.

Georgie wears Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Short Cardigan, $149.90, and and Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans (Barrel Leg), $59.90. Photo: Julie Adams

What’s a small motherhood moment that never gets old?

Being told “I love you Mum”. They don’t say it in public now (because how embarrassing is your mum when you become a teenager?).

What values do you hope your daughters remember?

Grit. Curiosity. Kindness. And the belief that anything is possible. That’s what my mother gave me. I hope I give my girls the same.

Georgie wears Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $129.90, and and Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans (Barrel Leg), $59.90. Photo: Julie Adams

Georgie wears Uniqlo 100% Cashmere V Neck Sweater, $129.90, and and Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans (Barrel Leg), $59.90. Photo: Julie Adams

Years from now, what feeling do you hope defines their childhood?

Love. Always love. I want my girls to know – that no matter what life throws at us, they are always deeply, unquestionably loved. Also, I hope they remember being surrounded by animals, because honestly, that is such a joy.