From Boardroom to Babies and Back Again: The Hidden Cost of Unsupported Returns to Work
Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast Show
Release Date: 06/11/2025
Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast Show
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 craving a more sustainable way to grow, this one’s for you. 🔗 More details: Connect on LinkedIn: Follow on Instagram: Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let’s...
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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. With insights drawn from nearly 400 personal stories, Clare shines a light on the unseen struggles faced by women returning from maternity leave, and what businesses must do to keep their top...
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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 process. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Helen Reynolds an expert image consultant who helps women create wardrobes that are easy, flattering, and aligned with who they are now. ...
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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 importantly, how you can take back control. If you’re ready to break free from old patterns and rewrite the rules on your own terms, this one’s for you! You can listen to the...
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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 profound personality framework, can help you develop radical self-awareness, emotional mastery, and more authentic connections both at work and at home. I also share my personal Enneagram journey and...
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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 boxes of “success” in corporate leadership but felt completely disconnected inside. We’ll explore the science, psychology, and soul behind misalignment burnout - and most importantly,...
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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 that hold women back - and how men can step up, speak out, and be part of the solution. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “smash the patriarchy” (and why it’s just as...
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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 others back to unlocking their potential ✔️ Why real leadership is about empowerment, not control You can listen to the episode or via or . Or you can...
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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 motherhood—navigating co-parenting after divorce, advocating for her child’s needs, and breaking down barriers in the workplace. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation about setting...
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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 want to lead with authenticity, this episode will give you the tools to bridge the gap between what you care about and how you show up in the world. Tune in to unlock the power of your personal...
info_outlineReturning 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.
With insights drawn from nearly 400 personal stories, Clare shines a light on the unseen struggles faced by women returning from maternity leave, and what businesses must do to keep their top talent from quietly slipping away. Together, we dive into the emotional toll, the hidden biases, and the practical steps needed to build a workplace where working parents can thrive.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The emotional and psychological impact of returning to work as a parent
Why ambition doesn’t disappear with parenthood, and what organisations are missing
The five game-changing strategies every employer should implement
How self-advocacy can transform a return-to-work experience
The cost to businesses and society of getting this wrong, and the ROI of getting it right
Whether you’re a working mum preparing to return to work, an HR leader wanting to improve retention, or someone passionate about creating more humane workplaces, this episode is essential listening.
You can listen to the episode here or via itunes or spotify. Or you can find it on most other podcast platforms and apps.
Could you do me a huge favour and share this episode with two or three working mums that pop into your head as you listen? My mission is to support as many working mums on their journey as possible, and so I’d be so grateful if you supported them by offering this free podcast. I hope it’s been helpful to you, and if so, I hope you pass that on.
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