Working Mumma
Working Mumma is a podcast that redefines building a career after having children. Hosted by Carina O’Brien, it covers the emotional journey of returning to work, identity shifts, confidence rebuilding, pay, flexibility, and redesigning work to match new life priorities. Each episode features relatable stories, expert interviews, and practical strategies for juggling career and motherhood.
Episodes
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? Here's What I Wish Every Mum Knew
You're back at your desk, but half your brain is still at daycare. You said yes to the meeting, forgot to eat lunch, and you're already dreading tomorrow's drop-off. If that's your version of returning to work after maternity leave, this episode is for you.In this episode, Carina goes solo to unpack what it actually feels like to return to work after maternity leave — not just the logistics, but t
Running on Empty as a Working Mum? Why Taking a Break Might Be the Most Productive Thing You Do
Have you ever come back from a holiday feeling like you need another holiday?Or realised, only after you've stopped, just how exhausted you really were?That's exactly what happened to Carina. After a busy period of balancing her corporate role, work travel, Working Mumma, two young boys and the mental load of running a household, Carina headed away for a week's holiday with her family.Carina talks
Lost Yourself in Motherhood? How to Reclaim Who You Are Beyond Being Mum
Is it possible to absolutely love being a mum... and still feel like something is missing?
For so many women, motherhood brings immense joy—but it can also bring an unexpected sense of loss. The loss of confidence, identity, ambition or simply remembering who you were before everyone needed a piece of you. In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with author, speaker and coach Benita Bensch
Feeling Lost Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Find Your New Rhythm
Returning to work after maternity leave is often portrayed as the final hurdle for new mothers, but what if it's actually just the beginning of a much more complex journey?
In this eye-opening episode, Carina challenges the common narrative and reveals why the hardest part of motherhood may not be the leave itself, but the transition back to work.
You'll discover the concept of "matrescence," a t
Why does "ambitious mother" feel like a contradiction? How to reclaim your ambition after kids, with Dr. Anne Welsh
Do you feel like you have to choose between being a good mum and having a meaningful career?
Carina speaks with clinical psychologist and executive coach Dr. Anne Welsh, a mum of four who specialises in maternal mental health and works with women in leadership and working mothers navigating exactly this tension.
We talk about why the "escalation of modern motherhood" means today's mums are being a
Wondering If You Should Increase Your Work Days? 5 Signs It's Time
Most conversations about returning to work after maternity leave focus on the return itself: the first day back, childcare drop-off, the mental load of becoming "mum and professional" again overnight. But what about six or twelve months later, when the arrangement you came back on stops fitting the life you're actually living?
In this episode, Carina shares her experience moving from three to four
The Good Girl Trap: Why So Many Working Mums Are Burnt Out, Overwhelmed and Doing Too Much
Have you ever returned to work after parental leave and found yourself saying: “I should just be grateful I have my job back” even when the role doesn’t fit your life anymore?
That feeling has a name. It’s good girl conditioning. And it’s one of the most quietly powerful forces shaping the lives of working mothers.
In this episode, Carina sits down with Caitlin Judd, a business consultant, coach,
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Handle the Guilt and Separation Anxiety
Missing your baby at work?
Feeling like your heart is in two places at once?
You’re not alone, and more importantly, there is nothing wrong with you.
In this episode, Carina talk's about one of the most common (yet rarely spoken about) parts of returning to work after maternity leave: that quiet ache of missing your baby, the constant mental juggling, and the guilt that seems to follow you everywh
You're Not Less Ambitious. The World Around You Just Hasn't Caught Up Yet With Kat Francis
Since going back to work after maternity leave, has anyone - a manager, a colleague, a well-meaning relative - implied that you've changed? That you're not quite as driven as you used to be? Maybe your focus has shifted?
Because here's the truth: you haven't changed. Not in the way they think. Your ambition is still there, it's just evolved into something sharper, more purposeful, and more powerf
Going Back to Work Pregnant? How to Tell Your Employer Without the Guilt or the Panic
Returning to work after parental leave is already a huge transition. But what if you're going back and you are pregnant?
This week's episode comes straight from a listener DM, and it's one of the most relatable, raw, and important questions we've ever received on the show. In this episode, host Carina O'Brien tackles the fear, the guilt, and the very real practical questions that come with going b
Why Don't I Feel Like Me Anymore? Matrescence, Identity & Returning to Work with Amanda Jackson
If you've ever returned to work after parental leave and thought, "I'm not the same person I was before I went on parental leave", you are not imagining it. And there's actually a word for what you're going through.
In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Jackson, founder of Motherhood and Matrescence and author of the book by the same name, to explore the concept of m
Why the Mental Load Gets Bigger When Your Kids Start School (And What to Do About It)
When you're in the thick of the baby and toddler years, it can feel like that's the hardest it will ever be. But what nobody tells you is that the challenge doesn't disappear as your kids get older - it just changes shape.
In this solo episode, I'm getting real about a phase of working motherhood I didn't see coming: the school-age years. From navigating school hours that don't align with work ho
Feeling Lost Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Rebuild Your Career Confidence with Natalie McDonald
What happens when you return to work after maternity leave… only to be made redundant six weeks later?
In this honest and deeply relatable episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by Natalie McDonald, founder of Working@It, former LinkedIn editor, journalist, content strategist, and mum of two.
Natalie opens up about:
Returning to work after maternity leave
Being made redundant during the
Are You the Mum You Want to Be? A Simple Values Framework to Help Close the Gap
Have you ever felt like everything in your life looks fine on paper… but something still feels off?
In this solo episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina explores the hidden tension so many working mums experience, the gap between the mother you are today and the mother you want to be.
This episode isn’t about productivity hacks or doing more. It’s about alignment.
Carina shares a practical an
How to drop perfection in motherhood without dropping your standards with Lisa Taylor
Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right”?
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Lisa Taylor, author of The Perfect Parent Trap, about the invisible pressure modern mothers are carrying and why so many working mums feel like they’re constantly falling short.
From unrealistic expectations to the mental load, Lisa unpacks how the idea of
Is the system set up for working mums to fail? What we can do about it (without burning out)
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind…
like you’re failing at work, at home, or both…here is an episode for you.
Because here’s the truth: You are not the problem. The expectations of you are.
In this episode, I unpack why so many working mums feel overwhelmed, stretched, and stuck in a cycle of “trying harder”, and why it’s not about better time management or being more organised.
I c
Carrying Most of the Mental Load? How to Get More Support at Home with Michael Ray
When we talk about working parents, we often focus on mums. But what if one of the biggest missing pieces in the conversation is dads?
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina speaks with fatherhood advocate Michael Ray about why working mums cannot carry the load alone, and why fathers need to be seen, supported and expected to be equal parents from the beginning.
Michael shares his o
The 90 Days Nobody Prepares You For: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
If you're about to go back to work after maternity leave, or you're already back and wondering why it feels so much harder than expected, this episode is for you.
The truth is, no one really prepares you for the emotional reality of the return. The guilt. The overwhelm. The strange feeling of being expected to show up as the same person you were before, when you are fundamentally, beautifully diff
How to Reclaim Your Career Identity & Confidence After Maternity Leave with Rebecca Houghton
You came back from parental leave a different person - more resilient, more decisive, less tolerant of nonsense, and more capable. The question isn't whether you can do your role. It's whether you will give yourself permission to show up as the upgraded version of yourself.
This week on the Working Mumma Podcast, I chat with Rebecca Houghton, founder of Bold HR and author of More Impact, More Easi
Made Redundant on Maternity Leave: Rebuilding Career, Confidence & Direction with Karis Dorrigan
What happens when the job you thought you were returning to after parental leave no longer exists?
In this episode, I speak with executive leader and solo mum Karis Dorrigan, who shares her experience of being made redundant while on maternity leave during COVID, and how that moment became a turning point in redefining her career, ambition, and life.
This is an honest and powerful conversation abo
Back at Work After Maternity Leave? How to Avoid the “Prove Yourself” Trap with Rachel Debeck
Returning to work after maternity leave can come with an unspoken pressure many women don’t realise they’re carrying - the need to prove that nothing has changed.
In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, Carina sits down with Rachel Debeck, former lawyer, tech CEO, and mum of three, to unpack the “prove yourself” trap that so many working mothers fall into when they return to work.
Rachel sha
What Working Mums Need to Know About Sharing Their Kids Online - with Zsofi Paterson
Have you ever posted your child’s name, birth date or kinder photo online?
Most of us have.
And we did it with love.
But in 2026, the digital landscape has changed.
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast Carina speaks with Zsofi Paterson, CEO of Tinybeans, about the growing conversation around “sharenting” and why parents of young children need to be more aware than ever.
Following a recent
Reflect: My Job No Longer Fit Me: Navigating Career Shifts After Motherhood”
Returning to work after having a baby isn’t just about logistics, childcare, or flexible hours , a big part of it is about identity.
In this Reflect Summer Series episode, Carina revisits a powerful conversation with Laura Stewart, who shares her deeply honest experience of the identity shift that came with motherhood, and how it ultimately led her to redefine success, leadership, personal values,
Reflect: Tips to help you manage the mental load with Leah Ruppanner
The mental load is exhausting, and a big issue for many working mothers.
In this Reflect summer series special episode, I speak with Professor Leah Ruppaner.
We delve into the complexities of the mental load for working mums, and explore strategies to help you manage it that works for you. Leah shares the emotional and cognitive aspects of the mental load, the societal expectations placed on moth
How to Ask for Flexibility at Work - And Actually Get It - with Dr. Ellen Ford
You’ve proven you can do your job — and do it well — while working flexibly. But now that your employer wants more office time, how do you ask for what you need without feeling guilty or being seen as “less committed”?
In this episode Carina O’Brien speaks with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert and author of #WorkSchoolHours, about the art of negotiating flexibility at work. Together, they explore
How to Co-Parent After Separation Navigating Divorce, Work, and Motherhood with Dignity
When a relationship ends, it’s not just the romantic partnership that dissolves - it’s the version of the life you imagined. For working mums, that loss can feel even heavier. You’re juggling career responsibilities, managing the daily needs of your children, and trying to make sense of an entirely new identity.
In this honest and practical conversation I chat with family lawyer, author, and co-pa
Stuck “Should‑ing” Yourself? How to Stop the Guilt Spiral as a Working Mum
Are you caught in a constant loop of “I should be doing more”? In this reflective episode, Carina unpacks why the word "should" has become the secret source of guilt for working mums and how to replace it with kinder, more empowering language.
Carina explores how should sneaks into our day through social expectations, “good girl” conditioning, and the mental load and shares a simple mindset strate
Going through IVF whilst leading at work: What No One Prepares You For with Marianne Marchesi
What happens when you’re managing a busy job or running a business and quietly going through IVF at the same time?
In this powerful episode, Carina sits down with Marianne Marchesi, founder and Managing Director of Legalite, to talk about the emotional and practical realities of balancing fertility treatment and career.
Marianne shares what it was really like to lead a growing law firm while navig
The "Good Girl" Conditioning That's Burning Working Mums Out and How to Break It with Dr. Michelle McQuaid
Have you ever caught yourself saying “I’ll just do it,” or “I don’t want to upset anyone,” or you’re simply tired of trying to do it all perfectly?
This episode is your permission slip to stop being the good girl, and start being YOU.
Dr Michelle McQuaid joins Carina to unpack Good Girl Conditioning, the pressure women feel to perform perfectly, please everyone, and protect others at their own ex
Feeling Tired, Overloaded and Burnt out? How you can restore your energy with Dr. Kaitlin Harkess
Are you tired of feeling tired? You get through your workday, juggle drop-offs, dinner, and the endless to-do list - yet your mind never switches off.
You’re not broken, lazy, or failing. You’re just overloaded.
In this powerful conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Kaitlin Harkess explains what’s really happening in your body when you feel burnt out, anxious, and stretched too thin. She shares
THROWBACK: "Helping Your Kids Thrive Through Transitions (and How It Helps You Too) with Gen Muir
Transitions are part of every parenting journey, but they can often feel overwhelming—for both parents and kids! In this episode, I sit down with parenting expert Gen Muir to discuss navigating these pivotal moments with confidence and connection for both your child and you.
From starting daycare or school to navigating new situations, we dive into the common challenges children face during these
Who Are You Now? Reclaiming Your Identity After Maternity Leave
Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping into a whole new world - one where your values, identity, and confidence may feel completely different from before you left. You may look the same on the outside, but on the inside, you feel like a new person.
I chat with Sarah Gibbins, a leadership coach, HR expert, and mum of four, to explore the unspoken truths of navigating career
Why Are There No Senior Part‑Time Roles? What Needs to Change (and What You Can Ask For)
Why are there no senior part-time roles?
What started as a reel with recent guest Emma McLean exploded online with hundreds of comments from working parents sharing frustrations, missed opportunities, and moments of hope about part time roles.
What really struck me was how much emotion and old-school thinking remains towards part time work. For so many working mums, the lack of senior part-time
Back to Work After Parental Leave? What No One Tells You (and How to Navigate It)
Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a transition that unfolds over many months. In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I share my tips and experiences of navigating the messy, emotional, and transformative season of going back to work after parental leave.
You’ll hear about:
Why treating your return as a transition, not a snap back, changes every
Juggling Kids, Work and Caring for Parents? How to Cope Without Burning Out with Casey Beros
What happens when you’re caring for small children and aging parents at the same time? This is the reality for millions of women, now called the “sandwich generation.”
In this heartfelt episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina O’Brien speaks with author, health journalist, and carer Casey Beros about the emotional, physical, and financial toll of caregiving, and the unexpected personal growth
Feeling Held Back After Motherhood? How the Motherhood Penalty Impacts Your Career (and What to Do)
Motherhood changes everything - our identity, our priorities, our bodies, and our careers. But for too many women, it also brings a cost they never signed up for: the motherhood penalty.
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Emma McLean, executive coach, speaker, and founder of Works for Everyone to talk about the Motherhood Penalty, the price women pay and actions we can take today to change
Struggling to Return to Work? How Childcare Proximity Can Make It Easier with Lauren from BubbaDesk
Returning to work after having a baby can be one of the most emotional and challenging transitions in a parent’s life. Then finding the right care can be a daunting task.
In this week's episode I chat with Lauren Parrot, the founder of BubbaDesk and mum of two, about her personal journey from postpartum anxiety to creating a new childcare solution for modern parents.
Lauren shares her insights i
Overwhelmed by the Mental Load? How to Share It and Let Go of Mum Guilt with Leah Ruppanner
Are you feeling exhausted or burnt out from the mental load?
In this episode, I speak with Professor Leah Ruppanner – sociologist, gender equity advocate, and founder of the Future of Work Lab at the University of Melbourne. Leah unpacks the mental load in a way you’ve never heard before - why it’s not just cognitive, but deeply emotional too.
If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed, or wonder
Ready to Chase a New Dream After Motherhood? How to Start with Donna Urquhart
Have you ever felt like becoming a mum meant putting your dreams on hold?
You’re not alone. But what if motherhood is instead the start of something even greater?
In this deeply inspiring episode, we meet Donna Urquhart, a clinical researcher, mum, and now Guinness World Record holder for running an astonishing 1,400 kilometres across Antarctica after taking up running in her 30s, post-motherhood.
THROWBACK: How to navigate unrealistic expectations of working mums with Renee Barnes
I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey and unrealistic expectations.
Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and how societal expectations contri
Returning to work: How to Talk to Your Manager and Advocate for What You Need
Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just about showing up on day one. The transition starts with you going through a reflective process on your new identity, and what your terms are you want to return back to the paid workforce are. Then comes one of the most important (and often nerve-wracking) steps: the conversation with your manager.
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Cari
Trying to Do It Alone? Why Every Working Mum Needs a Village and How to Build One
There’s a phrase we’ve all heard before: “It takes a village to raise a child.” But here’s something we don’t say enough, it also takes a village to raise a working mum.
The “village” that used to exist, grandparents nearby, friendly neighbours, extended family, looks different for many of us.
In this solo episode, Carina talks about the often-overlooked truth behind the working mum juggle: we wer
“Who Am I Now?" The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For With Motherhood
"Who am I now" is a question many mums have asked themselves, especially when they are navigating the transition back to work.
I chat with Laura Stewart, mum, former executive leader, and founder of a social enterprise, to unpack her experiences of identity shift (matrescence) and navigating her transition back to work.
Laura shares her decision to resign from a senior role while on maternity lea
Money, Motherhood & Mindset: How to Rewrite Your Financial Story
Why do so many women feel uncomfortable talking about money, and how can we change it? Where does this come from? How can we change this mindset?
Carina speaks with behavioral money coach and founder of Women with Cents, Natasha Janssens. From escaping war-torn Yugoslavia to becoming an accountant, mortgage broker, financial planner, and now a powerful voice helping women shift their relationship
Navigating the Mum Juggle in the Country: How Lisa Balances Work, Kids & Farm Life
You think the school drop-off is tough in the city? Try doing it with two kids, 170 acres of farmland, no running water from mains, and a 90-minute commute to work.
I chat with Lisa Judson, a working mum of two living in regional Western Australia. Lisa shares what life is really like juggling career, motherhood, and a farm, all without access to city conveniences like town water, rubbish collect
Is Working Worth It After Childcare Costs? How to Weigh Your Career and Finances
Is childcare worth the cost when most of your paycheck goes straight to daycare fees?
In this powerful episode, financial advisor and mum of two, Deline Jacovides, opens up about how much she and her husband have spent on childcare over seven years, and why, despite the eye-watering figure, she’d do it all again.
We unpack the true cost of childcare in Australia, the long-term impact on women’s ca
Made Redundant as a Mum? How to Rebuild and Start Again with Beatrice from HeyDoodle
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina O’Brien chats with Beatrice Toh, mother of 3 and founder of Hey Doodle.
Beatrice shares how a career pivot during COVID turned redundancy into opportunity, sharing very openly her experiences of building a global business from her kitchen table, and what it’s really like managing the juggle of entrepreneurship with three young kids.
Beatrice ope
Navigating a Toxic Return to Work: Elise’s Story of Burnout, Boundaries, and Balance
Returning to work after maternity leave is a major life transition, and for many women, it’s a moment of hope that quickly turns into disillusionment with their manager and/or employer.
For Elise Slavin, her return came with rigid demands, unrealistic expectations, and emotional burnout. Despite clear communication with her employer, she was expected to ramp up to full-time hours, 5 days a week wi
Don’t Know What to Wear Anymore? Style Tips for Working Mums with Personal Stylist Lisa Stockman
Returning to work after maternity leave is a huge transition, physically and emotionally.
Your body has changed, your lifestyle has shifted, and your wardrobe? It probably doesn’t reflect the confident, capable woman you are becoming. In this episode, Carina chats with personal stylist Lisa Stockman about how clothes can influence your confidence, how to rebuild your wardrobe without breaking the
Trying to Do It All? How to Share the Mental Load and Breathe Again
Let’s be real, you're not just juggling work and motherhood. You're carrying the mental load too: remembering school events, buying birthday presents, packing lunches, and keeping everything (and everyone) running smoothly.
It’s invisible. It’s exhausting. And it’s not sustainable.
From the silent stress to the constant remembering, planning, and doing, it’s no wonder we feel like we’re running on
Lost Yourself After Motherhood? How to Navigate Identity Loss and Find Your Way Back with Ash Polland
From the spotlight of reality TV to the chaos of raising two young girls, Ash Pollard opens up about how motherhood shook her to the core. In this honest and emotional conversation, Ash shares her journey of identity loss, the pressure to keep performing, and how she’s navigating the raw realities of being a mum.
You’ll hear:
How Ash landed her first role in TV and why it’s not as glamorous as it
Struggling to Say No? How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt as a Working Mum
Feel like you’re saying “yes” to everything and losing yourself in the process? You’re not alone.
This Juggle Tip episode gives you permission to say no without feeling guilty and gives you strategies to say no with confidence. From work requests to weekend bake sales, I share how to set boundaries so you can reclaim your time and energy and do the things you enjoy.
This episode is your go-to gui
Lost Your Job While Pregnant? How to Rebuild After Setback and Postnatal Depression
The early years of motherhood aren’t just hard; they completely shake and in many ways change your identity.
In this real and raw conversation, Hatien Van shares her journey through pregnancy during a pandemic, losing her job, experiencing postnatal depression, rebuilding her life and career.
If you've ever wondered why the early years feel so overwhelming, or questioned if you’re doing enough, th
Parenting a Neurodivergent Child While Working? How to Manage the Juggle Without Burning Out with Laetitia Andrac
What does it really look like to juggle ADHD, two kids, and multiple businesses? Laetitia shares the messy, unfiltered reality of neurodivergent motherhood, and how she stays grounded.
Laetitia Andrac is a mother of two, former corporate strategist, business owner, and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. When her daughter Zoe began showing signs of being neurodivergent, Laetitia found hersel
Thinking About Becoming a Mum? The Questions No One Asks and What You Need to Know
Everyone asks you what pram you’re buying, what hospital you’re going to, and if you’ve packed your bag.
But no one asks you the real questions before you become a mum, the ones that will shape your identity, your relationships, your career, and your mental health.
In this raw and reflective 150th episode, I’m sharing the real questions I wish I had asked before I became a mum. These are the conve
Trying to Be the Perfect Mum? Why It’s Burning You Out and What to Do Instead
What if trying to be the “perfect mum” is actually what’s holding you back?
I’m joined by Fleur Chambers, a multi-award-winning meditation teacher, best-selling author, and creator of the free meditation app, The Happy Habit. Fleur understands firsthand the challenges working mums face and brings a wealth of knowledge on how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way we approach work, f
Career vs Motherhood - Why working mums can't do it all and that's ok
Ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions trying to navigate motherhood and a career - between work, kids, home, family, relationships, and everything in between? You’re not alone. The pressure to "do it all" is real, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to.
In this episode, I dive into the myth of having it all, why it’s okay to let things go, and how redefining success on your o
Raising a Child with Autism While Working? How to Navigate Career Breaks and Starting Again with Porscia Lam
When Porscia Lam received the news that her son Harry was autistic, her world shifted. She put her legal career on pause to become his full-time therapist, diving headfirst into the world of autism therapy and the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child, all during Melbourne’s long covid lockdowns.
Returning to work after a career break is challenging for any parent, but what happens when tha
How to navigate the transition returning to work after maternity leave
Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence.
In this episode, I share:
How to prepare before your first day back
The key con
Struggling to Get Flexible Work? How to Negotiate It and Actually Get It with Dr Ellen Ford
Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit?
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibi
Feeling Overwhelmed by Mum Guilt? How to Let Go of the Pressure to Do It All
Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career?
In this episode, I'm tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family.
I br
Struggling to Land Your Next Role? How to Stand Out in Your Job Search and Interviews
Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change?
In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career P
Frustrated That Work Isn’t Working for Parents? What Needs to Change and What You Can Do
As a working parent, trying to navigate the career/parenting juggle is similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this episode, I chat with Louise Gilbert, leadership coach, change consultant, and author of Make Work Work for You.
We dive into the reality of juggling work and family life and why the traditional concept of work-life balance sets working mums up to fail.
Louise shar
How to lighten the mental load and set yourself up for a smoother year
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless juggle of work, home, and family life? You’re not alone. Research shows that burnout among working mothers is at an all-time high, with much of the stress coming from the invisible mental load—the ongoing responsibility of managing it all.
In this episode, we take a moment to pause and reflect on your mental load as the year begins. It’s the perfect time
Why Work-Life Balance is a myth and practical strategies to help you navigate work and family
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I challenge the widely accepted idea and myth of work-life balance, explaining why it often sets working mums up for stress, guilt, and burnout.
Balance isn’t a destination; it’s not something you achieve and then check off your list. Life is dynamic and constantly changing, especially as a working mum.
I share strategies including boundaries and work-
THROWBACK: Practical Strategies to Conquer Mum Guilt with Sarah Purins
If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt.
Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares t
THROWBACK: Embracing the 'Good Enough' approach to motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock
In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing).
Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the un
THROWBACK: Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave
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
THROWBACK: Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina
I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums.
Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout.
We discuss balancing career and motherhood challenges, including burnout and societal expectations. Mega
Your Child Is Starting School - How to Navigate the First Year Of A New Juggle
In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina shares her personal journey navigating the first year of her child starting prep/foundation year at school while juggling work and mum life. From the emotional rollercoaster of the first day to the realities of balancing school hours of 9-3:30 with business hours of 9-5 and a career, Carina discusses the challenges and triumphs that come with th
Feeling Lost in the Chaos of Motherhood and Work? How to Find Joy Again with Elke Pascoe
In this episode of the Working Mama podcast, I speak with Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of The Little Oak Company. We chat about Elke's inspiring journey of creating a global brand of natural baby formula driven by her own experience (also while a single mum!), the unique challenges and strengths that come with balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the systemic changes needed in workplaces
Travelling for Work and Feeling Guilty? How to Balance It with Family
In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the inevitable "mum guilt." I opened up about the emotional highs and lows of traveling for work, missing my kids and husband, while leaning into the unique experiences and growth that came with the trip.
Key topics I chat about:
* Embrace Opportunities
Working in a Male-Dominated Industry? How to Succeed with Confidence with Rebecca Bangura
The statistics don't like on gender equality, especially in male dominated industries such as mining, construction and transport. Change is happening and it is great to see the improvements, but it can still be challenging for women navigating male-dominated industries.
In this episode, I speak with coach, facilitator, podcast host, and mother of 3 boys, Rebecca Bangura who shares strategies for
Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina
I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums.
Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout.
We discuss the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, including burnout and societal expectation
Embracing Imperfection in Motherhood: Dr. Sophie Brock on the 'Good Enough' Mother
In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing).
Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the un
How to overcome the Superwoman Syndrome with Renee Barnes
This week I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey.
Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and how societal expectations contribute to this unreal
Feeling Overwhelmed as a Mum? How to Reset and Feel More in Control
When was the last time you had a moment on your own to acknowledge what a great mum you are? No doubt, it has been a while.
In this episode, I want to remind you that you are amazing and not alone in navigating the juggle of motherhood and career. It's not easy, and there are good days and average days, but remember, doing something is better than doing nothing.
It’s okay to focus on what’s best f
Drowning in Mum Guilt? Practical Strategies to Let Go and Feel More in Control with Sarah Purins
If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt.
Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares t
How to Navigate Mum Guilt at Childcare Drop-Off
In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I dive into the often overwhelming feeling of mum guilt that accompanies childcare drop-offs.
I explore why these emotions arise and share practical strategies to manage and alleviate guilt. During the episode, I share practical strategies and tips to help you to reframe the drop-off experience, acknowledge the benefits of childcare for both your child
Stuck in Mum Guilt? How to Prioritise Self-Care Without Feeling Selfish
The topic of 'me time' for working mums is important. Discover why carving out moments for yourself is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This episode shares practical tips on managing your time, overcoming guilt, and building a sustainable 'me time' routine.
Whether you’re struggling to find a few quiet minutes in your busy day or feeling guilty about prioritizing your
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