Wisdom For Working Mums

Ever had life bring you to your knees in that quiet, private way that makes you feel deeply human? I'm in that season. In this episode I share the health news I'm navigating and the leadership reset it sparked: why going back to basics isn't a setback, how to be confidently humble, and the seven foundations I'm using to rebuild in body and leadership. If you're facing uncertainty - career, health,...

In this special conversation, Nicky welcomes friends and co-founders Clare Radford and Harri Demetrios to introduce the Empow-Her Collective - a new, research-led collaboration reshaping how senior women are supported in leadership. Together, they unpack why "fixing women" misses the point, the systemic patterns that stall brilliant careers, and how psychologically safe, evidence-based development...

The mental load isn't just yours to carry - it's a leadership issue. Learn how cultures that care can ease the juggle at work and at home. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a global speaker series we delivered to our client, UKG, to explore why the mental load isn't just a personal struggle - it's a leadership issue. Together we unpack how invisible responsibilities at home and at w...

What if the most powerful negotiation skill isn't talking…but listening like a life depends on it? In this jaw-dropping episode, I speak with former hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner, who's attended over 130 high-risk incidents without a loss of life. Nigel dismantles the myths (no Jedi mind tricks here) and shows how the exact skills used in armed sieges translate to leading teams, navigating con...

If you've ever felt like you're carrying the invisible weight of running both your home and your career, you're not alone. The mental load - the relentless planning, remembering, and anticipating that keeps family life moving - falls disproportionately on women, and it's leaving many of us exhausted, resentful, and stretched too thin. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kate Mangino, gende...

The school gates are calling and for working parents, that means more than buying new shoes. In this episode, I share practical, research-backed strategies to ease the back-to-school juggle, plus a powerful guide for line managers on how to support parents in their teams without losing productivity. Whether you're navigating uniforms and lunchboxes or leading a team through this transition, you'll...

In this special episode, I join Jean Gomes and Scott Allender on The Evolving Leader podcast - an acclaimed show known for deep, thought-provoking conversations with global leadership experts. We explore my journey from burnout to balance, and what it truly means to thrive as a leader, mother, and woman. A powerful conversation on mindset, wellbeing, and redefining success - without the sacrifice....

This summer, leadership at home matters more than ever. In this episode,I share the real strategies keeping working parents afloat during the school holidays - not magic fixes, but practical systems that act as your sanity-saving scaffold. Discover my top 5 family SOPs (including 3 free resources you can use right now) and learn why true leadership is about supporting yourself as much as your fami...

Mind feeling full? The mental load and decision fatigue are real and they're exhausting. In this episode, I'm joined by Vicki Tan, Pinterest's Design Lead and author of Ask This Book a Question, to explore why our brains get overwhelmed and how to find clarity in the chaos. We dive into the surprising power of cognitive biases, how to work with your brain (not against it), and why asking better qu...

What if your next breakthrough didn't need to be big? In this episode, I explore how tiny 1% shifts- known as marginal gains- can lead to extraordinary results. You'll hear insights from elite sport and leadership psychology, and I share how these small changes have reshaped my own life and work. Because long-term success? It often starts with something small. If you're a high-achieving woman crav...

Returning to work after having a baby is one of the most emotionally charged transitions a woman can face, and it's one that too often goes unsupported. In this powerful episode, I am joined by business psychologist and founder of & Culture Consulting, Clare Radford, to explore the findings from her groundbreaking report, How to Support Returning Parents: From Boardroom to Babies and Back Again. W...

What if your wardrobe could support you as powerfully as you support everyone else? For many high-achieving women, getting dressed each day isn't just about choosing clothes - it's about navigating identity, confidence, and leadership. From the school run to boardroom meetings to parents' evening, your wardrobe needs to carry you through every role you play… and help you feel like yourself in the...

Have you ever felt like you're running on autopilot - pushing yourself too hard, saying yes when you mean no, or rushing through life without a moment to breathe? You're not alone. Hidden beneath the surface are five powerful psychological forces shaping your thoughts, actions, and stress levels - often without you even realising.   In this episode, we uncover these unconscious 'drivers' and, more...

Emotional intelligence is often hailed as the secret to thriving in leadership, relationships, and life, but truly mastering it requires more than just surface-level understanding. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Scott Allender, emotional intelligence coach, Enneagram expert, and author of The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence. Together, we explore how the Enneagram, a prof...

You've heard of burnout - but have you heard of misalignment burnout? In this powerful and personal episode, I'm lifting the lid on a hidden form of burnout that affects so many high-achieving working mums. It's not about doing too much - it's about doing things that don't align with who you truly are. I share my own story of burnout that started long before motherhood, when I was ticking all the...

What if dismantling the patriarchy wasn't just a women's issue but a leadership imperative for men too? In this bold and inspiring episode, I'm joined by Jeremy Stockdale a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership - to explore the role of real male allyship in creating gender equity. With honesty, humility, and a refreshingly human take, Jeremy shares his own awakening to the hidden systems th...

Have you ever tried to help someone—your child, team, or colleague—only to realise your support may have held them back? In this episode, I share a personal story and insights from Liz Wiseman's Multipliers to reveal how well-meaning leaders accidentally diminish those around them—at work and at home. Tune in to discover: ✔️ The 10 Accidental Diminisher behaviors ✔️ How to shift from holding other...

If you've ever wondered how to balance a demanding leadership career with the complexities of motherhood, this episode is for you. My guest, Rebecca Flemming, is a Commercial Director in the male-dominated construction industry, a trailblazer in her field, and a dedicated co-parent to her neurodiverse son. She candidly shares the realities of balancing a high-powered career with the mental load of...

In a world where we often feel pulled in every direction, personal principles are the key to living with clarity, integrity, and intention. In this episode, we'll explore how to define and live by principles that align with your values, strengthen your resilience, and guide your decisions in both life and leadership. Whether you're seeking greater balance, struggling with boundaries, or simply wan...

Do you ever feel caught between being a compassionate leader and making tough decisions? In this episode of Wisdom for Working Mums, I'm joined by empathy advocate, speaker, and strategist Maria Ross to explore The Empathy Dilemma—the challenge of balancing kindness with boundaries in leadership. We dive into why empathy is a powerful tool, how to avoid the pitfalls of people-pleasing, and the fiv...

The kitchen is more than a place to cook—it's where connections are made, memories are created, and love is shared through food.   In this episode, I'm joined by Allegra McEvedy, MBE—award-winning chef, broadcaster, and author of Chefs Wanted. Together, we explore how cooking with your kids can be a powerful way to nurture relationships, inspire creativity, and encourage healthy eating habits.   W...

In this bonus episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of an exciting new chapter for Wisdom For Working Mums. After nearly 20 years of growth, transformation, and impact, it's time to unveil the evolution of my mission and my work. Discover the story behind this new era, what it means for you, and why I'm more inspired than ever to support leaders, parents, and professionals to thrive. You can l...

The Highs, The Lows, and the Lessons of 2024 As we close the door on another year join me as I reflect on my life lessons from 2024. In this episode, I'm going to reflect on what my lessons have been and I hope they help you to reflect on what your lessons have been too. So we can carry what we need into the new year and leave behind what we need to as well. So, let's go mining for that gold befor...

Feeling overwhelmed by the stress of balancing career and motherhood? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Molly Dickens, a stress physiologist and founder of the Maternal Stress Project. Together, we uncover the science behind maternal stress, the societal pressures that compound it, and actionable strategies for relief. Whether you're a working mother, an advocate for women's health, or someone cu...

Have you ever felt like life is pulling you in a million directions, leaving you disconnected from yourself? For many of us, especially as women, the demands of work, family, and society's expectations erode something essential: self-trust. It's that inner knowing that helps us make decisions, set boundaries, and claim the life we deserve. Without it, we're left doubting ourselves, apologising for...