Tine Lund, Mom

Before accepting the assignment to be a GROW ambassador in Sydney, I had concerns that the program might not be a good idea for me because I would be halfway around the world away from my daughter, age 5, for so long. I completely enjoy being a mother and have taken my parenting responsibilities extremely seriously since my daughter was born.

But the Executive Vice President & Editorial Director of Bonnier Publications, Jens Henneberg, had a different view. He said, "9 and a half weeks is not that long. It will be good for you." Although he has three grown daughters himself, I thought, he doesn't have the same understanding about what it would be like for a mother to be away from her child and what I would sacrifice to do this.

When I heard of the opportunity to transfer to another Bonnier company for a few months, I immediately knew that the GROW program was appealing to me. After thinking about it and talking it over with my partner, we decided this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

My partner and I, therefore, tried everything possible to enable her and my daughter to come to Sydney as soon as possible, so that I wouldn't be without them for too long.

I felt very stressed right up until leaving for Australia because I had very little notice to become part of the first group of participants to visit a host country.

It hasn't taken much to fall in love with Weldon Owen in fabulous Sydney. I know I have put my life on hold back home for a period of time, but not having to create a delicious lunchbox every morning for my daughter, not having to pick her up every day after work, and not having to plan what we are going to eat night after night has given me some time to myself.

Down here, I only have myself to look after, which is such an odd feeling for a mother. For the first time in my life, I have joined a gym because I now have the time for it, and I actually find it quite enjoyable. I can go out to lunch with my colleagues without thinking about when I would have to leave in the afternoon to pick up my child.

I find it quite extraordinary that my partner has backed me up on this idea and has totally taken on the full responsibility of our daughter for 2 months to make sure that she is well cared for.

I wish that all mothers in Bonnier companies around the globe could have the same chance to participate in the GROW program because it is such a fantastic opportunity.