Working Mumma

Are you about to return to work and still breastfeeding and wondering how you will navigate this part of the transition? This episode will help you navigate breastfeeding and return to work.  I speak with lactation consultant, Sarah Thijs-Smit, who shares great tips, strategies, and practical advice to help you maintain breastfeeding and return to work after maternity leave.  It is important to do...

I chat with Mark Morris, a husband, father, and advocate for equity and inclusion with a special interest in gender equality.  Mark shares his personal commitment to social justice and gender equality, highlighting his decision to take his wife’s surname and his active efforts to promote fairness in the workplace and at home. Mark passionately speaks about the importance of challenging gender ster...

Returning to work after maternity leave can be both exciting and daunting. It is important to acknowledge that your return to work will be a transition over several months. Preparing for this transition mentally, emotionally, and physically over some time helps set yourself up for success.  In this episode, I explore practical tips and insights to help you navigate this significant change with con...

Have you considered about the nuances of the mental load and its impact on gender equality? I chat with Maja Paleka, a mum of 2 and consultant, speaker, and advisor and previously held leadership roles in engineering, sales and operations across three continents. We delve into practical strategies for challenging stereotypes and improving communication within families to achieve a more balanced di...

I sit down with Laura Press, a relationship counselor and mother of three, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby and managing the mental load of working motherhood. Laura shares practical strategies for setting standards and expectations with your partner, effective communication techniques, and the importance of self-care. Whether you're struggling with balancing wor...

Everyone has their own parenting journey and I had an inspiring conversation with Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson. She shares her journey from an elite athlete representing her country to a working mum. Brooke has 4 children, 3 earthside and one angel baby, Jack, after he passed away when he was 9 months old.  She has faced my challenges in both her professional swimming career and throughout her mo...

Many women meticulously plan their childbirth, but what about planning for the long journey of being a working mum? Parenting and balancing work can last 18+ years, spanning various stages from childcare to high school. Each phase brings unique challenges and chances to reflect on your desires for yourself and your family. In this episode, we delve into the importance of creating a 'working mum pl...

In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of being a working mum. Jodi Geddes, the co-founder of Circle In, shares her personal journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks. We also discuss strategies for managing the mental load of motherhood and the benefits of building a supportive workplace fo...

In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of Stephanie-Kate Bratton, a mum, lawyer, and author, who shares her experiences navigating a successful career with motherhood and having her husband as the primary caregiver. From international career moves to redefining traditional gender roles, Stephanie's story offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of balancing work and family...

In this episode, I delve into eight things I wish I had known before embarking on my journey as a mum. While pregnancy comes with its fair share of advice, there's often less guidance on navigating the complexities of balancing career and motherhood. Join me as I share these personal insights to help you navigate your own journey: - Understanding why each transition, whether it's returning to work...

I chat with Kate Toon, business mentor, digital marketing coach, author, and mother, and dive into the world of raising a child whilst running a six-figure business within school hours (tip - it's not as easy as it looks). Kate shares her journey of business ownership over the past 15 years, from deciding to become a freelancer when she was 5 months pregnant, and a bumpy first few years trying to...

Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Ford, an advocate for working mothers, award-winning leader, military veteran, international speaker, facilitator, and mum! Ellen shares powerful insights on redefining success, finding harmony between work and parenting, and valuing the skills you have acquired during parental leave. Hear practical strategies for ha...

Mothers often respond with "good" when asked how they are, but deep down, many are exhausted. This exhaustion is often due to the mental load they carry. Yet, comprehending this mental load could be an initial step towards managing it better. My thoughts on how to improve gender equality? It starts in the home. The more we can rebalance the caring and mental load in the home, it will have a flow o...

In this episode, I chat with Mia Fileman, a successful businesswoman and military spouse, to discuss her experiences and insights into balancing her career with the challenges of military life. Mia shares her insights and strategies for finding balance and success in the face of constant change. During this episode, Mia and I chat about:  Challenges of Military Life: Mia discusses the challenges f...

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked aspects of motherhood—financial literacy and the mental load. Our guest, Ana Christina, author of "Kids Ain't Cheap," shares her insights on how to navigate the financial challenges of parenthood while balancing a career. She discusses the hidden costs of parenthood, the importance of financial planning, and strategies for setting your family up...

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and Alicia, share their expert advice on overcoming the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome prevalent among working mothers as they return to work after maternity leave. They further question the default narratives about motherhood while stressi...

In this episode, I delve into a topic we all experience but seldom discuss - the Mum Mindset. Beyond the well-known growth vs fixed mindset paradigm, the unique challenges faced by mothers often go unexplored. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the pressure to do it all, and the mental chaos can be exhausting. As we step into the new year, it's an opportune moment for reflection and resett...

Today, we dive into the dynamic world of career transitions, work-life integration, and the unique challenges faced by working mothers. Joining us is Dayna Stewart, the Executive Director of The Nudge Group, and a devoted mother to two children. In this insightful conversation, Dayna shares her wealth of experience from over 20 years in recruitment, offering valuable advice on how to navigate your...

Embarking on a new chapter, whether it's the leap from home to childcare or kindergarten to school, can stir up a whirlwind of emotions for both children and parents. In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, we dive into the intricacies of transitions with Dr. Kathryn Hackman, MBBS PhD FRACP, a mother and the founder of Courageous Kids. Discover effective strategies to tackle separation anxie...

Today, we delve into the world of flexible work with a true expert, Belinda Morgan, a dedicated flexible work and leadership specialist. In this episode, Belinda shares her profound insights, rich experiences, and actionable advice on how part-time work can be a game-changer in achieving work-life integration without compromising career aspirations. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the W...

On this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with working mothers everywhere: the elusive work/life balance. Many of us find ourselves caught in the perpetual cycle of the "hamster wheel of life," struggling to define and maintain boundaries. In this insightful episode, we explore a four-step process to help you establish and uphold boundaries, ensuring...

In this empowering episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I take you on a journey into my year that has been personally & professionally transformative, marked by milestones, challenges, and unexpected triumphs.  Mid year I was experiencing imposter syndrome and personal doubt that was having a big impact. But, as I explain in the episode, I got support and came out much better on the other sid...

Alexandra is a solo mum by choice who has recently released a memoir called Inconceivable: Heartbreak, Bad Dates and Finding Solo Motherhood. During this episode, we chat about how Alexandra wrestled with her desire for a baby along with her creative and career ambitions at the same time. Alexandra has an inspiring story of following your dreams and taking hold of your own future, no matter what t...

Every two years, Women's Agenda publish the "Women's Ambition Report". For this episode, I speak with Angela Priestley, publisher and co-founder of Women's Agenda (a publication for career-minded, time-poor women who want to stay ahead of the conversation).  During this chat, we discuss the report's key findings, trends on the future of work, and the opportunities for change to support female work...

Anecdotally we know what commonly happens to a woman's career after she has a child. But, what are the facts? That question is what this week's guest, Jessica Heagren asked herself and decided to find out. Jessica is based in the UK, and early this year released the 'Careers after Babies' report on what happens to a woman's career after she has a child. This is a really interesting and insightful...