Work It Like A Mum
How do I know if I'm ready to return to work after maternity leave? Can I *really* make all the pick-ups, drop-offs AND get to work on time? Am I ready for that promotion? How do I balance managing a large team and demanding kids? Is now the right time to start my own business? Can I flourish in a part-time job? And the biggest question of all, can I *really* have it all? Whether you're returning to work after your first maternity leave or juggling a high-flying career with teenagers that won't do their homework, this is the show...
Why Women’s Confidence Matters (and How to Build It)
In this week’s episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Lauren Currie, founder of Upfront, a pioneering platform on a mission to upskill 10 million women. Lauren shares her journey from starting her first business straight out of university to creating Bond, Upfront’s flagship program that transforms women’s confidence and leadership potential.
We explore:
The real meaning of confidence and why society often penalises women for showing it.How internalised misogyny and societal messaging shape women’s self-perception from a young age.The ripple effect of...Smart Money Moves: Financial Planning Tips Every Woman Needs
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, we chat with Olivia Shipstone, a Chartered Financial Planner and founder of OCS Financial Planning. Olivia shares her expert insights on financial planning, saving, investing, and how mums (and everyone!) can take control of their money to achieve financial freedom.
What We Cover:
Olivia’s journey from big banks to running her own financial planning businessCommon financial mistakes and why starting early mattersHow to set meaningful financial and life goalsSaving vs. investing: what you need to knowTax-free childcare, funded hours, and child benefit tipsSupporting your ch...Side Hustle Success: Big Dreams, Flexible Hours, Real Results
In this week’s episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Jo Langley. She opens up about her experience of joining Utility Warehouse (UW) as a partner and how she’s built it alongside family life and her existing marketing business.
Jo talks about the reality of starting something new, from hitting her Fast Start bonus in her first month to juggling priorities as a mum, and how UW has given her an extra income stream, peace of mind, and new opportunities.
We also chat about the bigger shift in how...
The Anatomy of Leadership: What Thriving Leaders Do Differently
This week on the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Maria Hvorostovsky — leadership coach, host of The Anatomy of a Leader, and one of Europe’s top executive search consultants. With 20+ years of placing senior leaders (including the first CEO of JW Anderson), Maria knows what makes leaders thrive and where founders stumble.
She shares her journey from a family of musicians in Russia to running her own business, launching a podcast, and building a leadership ecosystem. We dive into reinvention, the messy middle of motherhood and business, and why creating space...
Midlife, Menopause & Saying Yes to Yourself
On this week's Work it Like a Mum Podcast episode, we’re joined by Emma Thomas, executive coach, consultant, and podcast host, who helps people unlock potential and navigate big life transitions. After 30 years in academic publishing, Emma was made redundant in 2022. Instead of returning to corporate life, she reinvented herself. Now she coaches clients, runs her own podcast, and leads Managing the Menopause, helping employers create menopause-supportive workplaces.
We discuss the messy middle of midlife — when work, parenting, ageing parents, and health collide. Emma shares her redundancy story, why she turned to podcasting during the pandemic, and...
The Silent Sacrifice: Why Mum Guilt Still Holds Us Back (and How to Break Free)
This week, we're joined by Carmen Powell, CEO of ISC Group — the global network advancing women in the insurance sector and beyond. With over 20 years’ experience across industries and continents, Carmen knows what it takes to reach the top and bring others with you.
We talk candidly about the “silent sacrifice” so many women make, why guilt still shadows working mums in 2025, and how to rewrite the script so your career and wellbeing thrive side-by-side. Carmen also lifts the lid on the exciting side of insurance, the power of community, and why it’s time we...
BONUS EPIOSDE: CVs & Interview Prep- Stand Out and Get Hired
In this bonus episode of Work It Like a Mum podcast, our very own founder, Elizabeth Willits, goes solo to share 18+ years of recruitment know-how. She’ll walk you through how to write a CV that opens doors, master LinkedIn so opportunities come to you, and ace interviews with confidence, keeping your career momentum strong, even in the quieter months.
Summer break is around the corner, and while the pace of life slows down for many, it can be the perfect time to pause and assess your career progress.
This is the first session of ou...
The Bold Mission to Empower 100,000 Women by 2035
In this inspiring episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Anaïs Comot, career strategist and founder of Her Code. Anaïs shares her personal journey from burnout in the corporate world to finding her calling in coaching.
 Her mission? To empower 100,000 women by 2035 to build careers they’re truly passionate about.
We talk about the importance of aligning your work with your values, navigating big transitions (like motherhood or moving abroad), and how AnaĂŻs is building community and impa...
Why Divorce Costs More Than You Think (Unless You Do This…)
In this week's Work it Like a Mum Podcast episode, we speak with Karen Arndt, an accomplished media, tech, and marketing leader turned legal tech disruptor. Karen co-founded WhatWouldAJudgeSay.com, a groundbreaking platform helping couples in England and Wales get clear, judge-led insight into how their finances would be split in a divorce, without going to court or paying extortionate legal fees.
With a career that’s taken her from Amsterdam to Tokyo, New York to Berlin, and now back to Yorkshire, Karen shares how her professional journey and personal experience inspired her mission to modernise and hu...
BONUS EPISODE: LinkedIn & Offline Networking: Unlock Hidden Opportunities
In this bonus episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by brilliant career advancement coach Leanne Cooper to help you raise your profile, grow your influence, and unlock opportunities—whether you’re ready for a new challenge or laying the groundwork for a future move.
Summer break is around the corner, and while the pace of life slows down for many, it can be the perfect time to pause and assess your career progress.
This is the third session of our Momentum Masterclass Series, a six-week programme designed to help you maintain moment...
Start, Scale, Succeed: How to Grow a VA Business and Still Have a Life
In this episode, Sarah Rugg shares her journey from working mum to founder of a national VA business and how she's built a flexible, scalable company that empowers other women to do the same.
She discusses the mindset shifts required to grow a business, including stepping into a CEO role, letting go of perfectionism, and trusting others to carry the baton (even if they don’t do things exactly your way).
Sarah also offers practical advice for anyone interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant, including what mindset and skills are essential, realistic earning potential, and th...
BONUS EPISODE: Building Confidence: Step Into Your Full Career Potential
In this bonus episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by brilliant career confidence coach Nicola Semple, who brings together mindset work, practical exercises, and deep real-world insight to help you take bolder steps forward in your career.Â
Summer break is around the corner, and while the pace of life slows down for many, it can be the perfect time to pause and assess your career progress.
This is the second session of our Momentum Masterclass Series, a six-week programme designed to help you maintain momentum in career growth and job...
From Stuck to Skilled: Breaking into Tech After a Career Break
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, we chat with Artemis Cropper to talk about what it’s really like to leave a traditional career path and retrain in tech with Salesforce and the Supermums programme.
We chat about how she overcame the uncertainty of a career break, why she chose Salesforce, and how Supermums gave her the structure, support, and skills to make a bold career change.Â
 What We Cover:
Why Artemis walked away from her corporate role at AccentureWhat it felt like to take a career break — and how sh...BONUS EPISODE: Gaining Career Clarity: How to Define What You Really Want Next
In this bonus episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by brilliant career coach Kim Holland to help you get clear on your next steps, whether you're job hunting, thinking about a pivot, or simply feeling stuck.
Summer break is around the corner and while the pace of life slows down for many, it can be the perfect time to pause and check in with where you are in your career.
This is the first session of our Momentum Masterclass Series, a six-week programme designed to help you keep career gro...
How to Say No and Still Be the Mum and Leader You Want to Be - Minus the Guilt!
In this week’s episode of the Work it like a Mum podcast, we're talking with the dynamic and inspiring Monique de Maio, founder and CMO of On Demand CMO, trailblazing marketer, mentor, black belt in martial arts, and author of 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership.
We dive into the unfiltered realities of being a working mum. From setting boundaries and saying no (without guilt) to resisting pressure from others and making intentional choices that align with your goals.
What We Cover:
BONUS EPISODE: Why More Women Should Consider Entrepreneurship (And How to Actually Do It)
This week, we’re going LIVE with an empowering, honest conversation that every woman considering entrepreneurship needs to hear.
We chat with Rebecca Newnham, founder of Get Ahead, about how building your own business can unlock freedom, confidence, and financial independence, without burning out or losing yourself.
With 15 years of business experience and a nationwide team behind her, Rebecca brings a wealth of wisdom and warmth to this episode.
đź’¬ What We Cover:
✨ Why entrepreneurship is life-changing for women
 ✨ How to know if it's right for you
Life Well Lived, Career Well Chosen: What If It All Starts with Self-Awareness?
This week on Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by the brilliant Laura Nesbitt—career coach, mum, and expert in helping people figure out what they actually want before jumping into job boards.
We dive into the real reasons so many women feel stuck in their careers—and why the answer isn’t always a new job.
đź’ˇ We talk about:
Why updating your CV is the last thing you should doHow to get crystal clear on what lights you up (and what doesn’t)The power of designing your career around your l...Think a Part-Time Boss Can't Be a Greater Leader? Think Again
In this week’s Work It Like a Mum episode, we chat with Donna Wayman, Chief Operating Officer at Zurich Insurance. Donna is an award-winning leader with over 15 years of experience delivering strategic change in the financial services sector.
She also works part-time in a senior, global role, which you don't hear about daily. Donna shares her personal journey, her views on flexibility in leadership, and how Zurich is leading the charge on inclusive hiring practices.
What We Cover:
Donna’s career journey from a Drama & English degree to C...Build a Flexible Career Around Your Kids Without Sacrificing Your Income
In this week’s Work It Like a Mum episode, I’m joined by my friend and mentor, Sam Earnshaw, who shares her powerful story of going from stay-at-home mum to building a thriving career with Utility Warehouse (UW).
Sam’s journey is full of grit, growth, and grace from navigating early motherhood and relationship breakdowns to finally finding a work-life balance that fits her and her family. Whether you’re craving more flexibility, thinking about earning extra income, or love a story of perseverance and purpose, this one’s for you.
What...
How To Make Your Career Pivot Work For You
This week, I’m joined by Paula Stillman, Head of HR at Oxera — one of our favourite clients and long-time supporters of flexible and part-time working. Paula shares her career journey from retail to HR, how she found her calling in people and culture, and why she's so passionate about making the workplace more inclusive and adaptable for working parents.
🗂️ What We Cover:
Paula’s unconventional path from pharmacy retail to HR leadershipThe emotional toll and growth from managing challenging people situationsHow she found purpose and alignment working at OxeraThe evolution of Oxera from a 50-person...When Motherhood Changes Everything: Finding Purpose Again
This week, I’m joined by Georgie Harris, co-founder of Mums Who Build — a community created to support mums navigating the often difficult return to work or business after having children.
After leaving a successful role at Burberry to care for her son with complex needs, Georgie found herself questioning identity, purpose, and financial security. She shares her journey of building back confidence — and how that experience led her to create a thriving support network for like-minded mums.
🗂️ What We Cover:
Georgie’s decision to leave corporate life and how it reshaped h...A Breast Cancer Survival Story: Finding Your New Self
In this heartfelt episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by the inspiring Anja Webster — a breast cancer survivor turned recovery coach. After her own life-changing diagnosis and treatment journey, Anja now supports others navigating life after breast cancer.
We talk openly about the emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery — and the often-overlooked period after the NHS signs you off. Anja shares her personal experiences with honesty and compassion, making this episode essential listening for anyone facing illness or supporting a loved one who is.
đź’¬ In this episode, we discus...
Motherhood, Career & Identity: How to Thrive Without Burning Out
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Gifty Enright — global workplace wellbeing expert, diversity and leadership consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of the highly acclaimed book Octopus on a Treadmill.
This conversation is full of empowering insights for working women — especially mothers — navigating the pressures of career, motherhood, identity, and self-care.
đź’¬ In this episode, we talk about:
The story behind Octopus on a Treadmill and why it resonates with working womenWhat burnout really feels like and how to recognise it before it hits crisis pointLosing yourself in motherhood and how to re...Career Feeling Stuck? Why It's OK to Start Again (And How!)
This week on the Work It Like a Mum podcast, I’m joined by career coach Kim Holland, who specialises in helping parents navigate career transitions. We explore why becoming a parent often sparks the desire for a career change, how to approach that change with confidence, and the framework Kim uses to help people make meaningful, sustainable pivots.
From identity shifts and values realignment to creating a step-by-step plan, Kim shares expert advice for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current role. If you’re considering a new direction in your career, this one’s for yo...
From Invisible to In-Demand: How to Build a Career-Changing Network
Surprise! We’re dropping a bonus episode this week — pulled from one of our recent LinkedIn Live conversations — and it’s a good one.
In this special edition, I’m joined by the ever-brilliant Rebecca Newenham, founder of Get Ahead, a business support agency that connects businesses with freelance experts on a flexible basis. With 14 years in business and zero cold calls, Rebecca has grown her company purely through the power of networking.
She also runs LinkedIn Local Guildford and is known by many (myself included...
Grief, Growth, and Finding Purpose: A Funeral Celebrant's Story
This week, I’m joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends — the incredibly grounded and wise Nikki Lodge-Frear. A former teacher, Nikki has built a beautiful, purpose-led business as a funeral celebrant.
This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly uplifting — an exploration of what it means to hold space for people at their most vulnerable, and how grief can quietly teach us about presence, humanity, and even joy.
đź’¬ What We Cover:
Nikki’s journey from the classroom to the crematorium — and why it felt like coming homeThe unique joy and depth she’s d...No Plan, No Problem: How to Switch Careers and Still Succeed
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Nicola Stevenson, Branch Manager at Jewson Orkney. Her career path is anything but traditional — from banking, to whisky distilling, to running a builders’ merchant — all while raising a family in the remote but stunning Orkney Islands.
We chat about:
What it’s really like to live and work on a remote Scottish islandNicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each oneHow she landed a management role with zero prior experience in th...Freelancer to Founder: Growing a Team, Without Losing Yourself
This week on Work It Like a Mum, I’m reunited with the brilliant Amanda Henderson, founder of Thread HR 💼
You might remember Amanda from an earlier episode where she dropped pure gold on how to go freelance (seriously — tip after tip after tip!). If you’re dreaming of leaving corporate behind, that one’s a must-listen — and we’ve linked it in the show notes.
But today? We’re talking about what comes next — Amanda’s incredible leap from solo freelancer to agency founder 🙌
🎙 In this episode:
What s...Leaving It All Behind: One Woman’s Move to the Middle East
This week on Work It Like a Mum, we sit down with Susanna Gray Jones — founder of Chime Search, recruitment powerhouse, and expat entrepreneur — to chat all things life, work, and the bold move to Dubai. From her career in recruitment to launching her own business overseas, Susanna shares candidly about what inspired her to make a major life pivot after a personal health scare and how she's built a fulfilling life (and company) in the UAE.
In this episode:
Why Susanna swapped corporate life for entrepreneurshipThe wake-up call that pushed her to leave the...Surviving Menopause in the Workplace: What Every Woman Should Know
This week on Work It Like a Mum, I'm joined by the brilliant Anna Allerton—former sports journalist turned executive coach—who shares her deeply personal and professional journey through perimenopause and how it led to a powerful career pivot.
Anna now specialises in coaching professional women, particularly those navigating the challenges of menopause while juggling high-pressure careers. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the debilitating symptoms that cost her a 20-year broadcasting career—and how those challenges now fuel her mission to help others thrive.
We Talk About:
 Ann...Ditching the 9–5: How One Mum Built a Flexible Finance Career
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I sit down with Daniella Wainwright, founder of Wainwright Consulting. Daniella shares her journey from working in large corporate finance roles to starting her own business, offering fractional Finance Director (FD) services to growing companies. We discuss why she made the transition, how she built her client base, and why she’s passionate about helping businesses thrive without the overhead of a full-time finance director.
Daniella also discusses the personal motivations behind her career change, including the desire for greater flexibility to spend time with her children. She ex...
Empowering Mums: Balancing Motherhood and Ambition
In this week's Work it Like a Mum episode, we chat with Alex Morgan and Tiffany Scott, the inspiring hosts of the Manbition podcast! They share the story behind their podcast, their journey through motherhood, and how they balance ambition with family life. They reflect on the emotional process of reclaiming personal ambitions and rediscovering passions after giving birth. The conversation highlights the power of personal transformation and evolving into a new version of yourself after motherhood.Â
What We Cover:
The emotional journey of rediscovering identity after becoming a momThe shift fr...Breaking the Silence: Empowering Fertility Conversations in the Workplace
In today’s episode of Work it Like a Mum, I’m chatting with the amazing Natalie Silverman, the voice behind The Fertility Podcast and co-founder of Fertility Matters at Work. As a long-time fan of Natalie’s podcast (which was a lifeline during my own fertility journey), I’m so excited to have her here to share her story.
We talk about the evolution of fertility discussions in the workplace, her transition from broadcasting to podcasting, and how her new venture is helping businesses support employees going through fertility treatments. If you’re navigating fertility or wondering...
How Outsourcing & Flexible Work Is The Secret To Preventing Burnout
Welcome to this week’s episode of Working It Like a Mum! Today, we’re chatting with Rebecca Newnham from Get Ahead about outsourcing and flexible work. If you’ve ever wondered how virtual support can help lighten the load, stay tuned.
Why You Should Listen:
If you're tired of the hustle culture and looking for a more flexible way to work, this episode is for you! Rebecca Newnham shares how she built Get Ahead, a thriving virtual outsourcing agency, and how it's helping professionals reclaim work-life balance while still building successful careers.
<...
Discover Munich RE: Who They Are, What They Do and Life Inside.
Bonus Episode: LinkedIn Live with Munich Re!
Don’t miss the chance to hear from Lauren Tyrer and Sasha McNuff (P2P), members of the Talent Acquisition team at Munich Re, a global leader in reinsurance and insurance-related risk solutions.
About Munich Re:
With a presence in over 50 countries, Munich Re is at the forefront of managing complex risks through innovative insurance and risk management solutions. Their work in sustainability and digital transformation makes them a true industry pioneer.
What We Cover:
How to Thrive as a Working Mum
How do you balance a high-powered career with family life?Â
On this week's Work it Like a Mum episode, we chat with Georgina Wicken, Chief People Officer at Pool RE, about how she secured a part-time senior role, why flexible work should be the norm, and the real impact of diversity in hiring.Â
Topics Covered:
âś… How Georgina landed a part-time senior executive role
âś… The challenges of senior leadership with four kids
âś… The power of blind CVs in unbiased hiring
âś… Why companies should embrace flexible work
Key Takeaw...
How to Balance Your Career With Motherhood
In this Work It Like a Mum episode, we’re delighted to chat with Emily Russell, Internal Recruitment Partner at Saint-Gobain. Emily, who specialises in recruiting engineers, shares her journey of balancing a full-time career with single motherhood. With two children—one preparing for his GCSEs and the other only three years old—Emily discusses how she manages the juggle and offers tips for other working mums.
We also dive into Emily’s career history and her transition into engineering recruitment, as well as some expert advice on how to make your CV stand out when applying for your...
The Future of Flexible Childcare
In this Work It Like a Mum episode, we’re joined by Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids, a childcare service designed to provide flexible, reliable options for working parents. Rachel shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and how her experience as a new parent led her to rethink the childcare system in the UK.
Topics Covered
Rachel’s journey from a corporate career to founding Koru KidsThe challenges of accessing flexible and affordable childcare in the UKHow Koru Kids is tackling the gaps in the childcare sectorThe importance of providing support for...How to Grow and Scale a Business Successfully
In this week's Work It Like a Mum episode, we sit down with Clare Findlay, the co-founder of Purple, a lead generation company serving clients in the tech industry. Clare shares her entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights into growing a business without external funding—a challenge she has successfully navigated.Â
Episode Highlights:
Starting the Business: Clare shares her humble beginnings and how her desire for financial independence and inspired by her mum’s work struggles led her to start her own business.Imposter Syndrome & Leadership: She discusses overcoming imposter syndr...Mastering Job Offers & Salary Negotiation
Welcome to the last episode of our January solo series on the Work It Like a Mum podcast! In this final solo episode, we’re diving into job offers—how to navigate, negotiate, and secure the best possible salary.
 📖 This episode is in celebration of the release of my new book, Flex, which is designed to help you create a career that works for you and your life.Â
What We Cover
Negotiating a job offer can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial skill. This episode breaks it down step by step:
