First female head of IMF says women can't have it all - at least not at the same time

World's eighth most powerful woman Christine Lagarde admits attempting a career while running a family can cause problems

Christine Lagarde, the first female head of the International Monetary Fund and the eighth most powerful woman in the world according to Forbes, has warned women can't have it 'all at the same time'.

Speaking in an interview with American TV network NBC she said: 'I think you cannot have it at the same time.

'I think you can in a way have it all as long as you can afford to be patient. But you cannot have it all at the same time. You must accept there will be failures.'

The 56-year-old has raised two sons around her powerful position as well as representing France in synchronised swimming.

Therefore her comments come as a bit of a surprise.

She also said some men still talk to her in a patronising manner despite her powerful job.

She said: 'The best defence when that happens is a very good and solid sense of humour.

'At the end of the day, they are human beings as well. They have wives, they have daughters.' What do you think about Christine Lagarde's comments? Can women have it all, or is she right that there will be difficulties? Let us know in the comments below.

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