Working Mumma

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 different. In this episode, I'm walking you through what the first 90 days of returning to work after parental leave actually looks like - the messy, the hard, and what genuinely helps. Episode resources and links Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn Podcast ep https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lighten-your-mental-load-ditch-the-mum-guilt-and/id1495282250?i=1000719634108

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 Easily — a book that started as a guide for middle managers and turned out to be essential reading for every working mum navigating her way back after maternity leave. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience in leadership, talent, and organisational transformation. In this episode, we go deep on what the return to work really involves, and why most women are doing it harder than they need to. In this episode we cover: Why returning to work after having a baby is actually one of the most powerful career resets you'll ever have, and how to use it consciously The two-part reset every working mum needs: one for your home system, one for your professional identity Why nobody does two jobs well and what has to change before you go back (hint: it's not just you) The worthiness vs capability confidence model and why your inner critic goes into overdrive when you return The difference between input and impact and why your boss is measuring you by a completely different currency than you think Why the "let it go" mindset shift is the single most important tool for working mums in their first year back How to have a conversation with your inner voice (yes, really) and why Rebecca named hers Desdemona Episode resources and links Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn and check out her book "More Impact, More Easily" on boldhr.com Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn

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 about the realities many women face but rarely talk about - redundancies whilst on parental leave, job insecurity, lack of support from employer, navigating the return to work, and the pressure to “be grateful” just to have a job. It’s also a story of rebuilding, advocating for what you need, and designing a career that actually works for you as a mum and senior leader in an organisation. If you’re returning to work after parental leave, or questioning what you want your career to look like after having children, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated and empowered. We chat about: Karis's career journey from Qantas to executive leadership, and how becoming a mum changed everything Being made redundant on parental leave during COVID, and what employers should do differently How getting clear on your values becomes your compass for every big career and life decision The systems and structures still holding working mums back (and the small changes that would make a real difference) Why Karis works four days a week, rarely goes into the office, and has a no-meeting Tuesday and how she made that happen The truth about solo parenting in Australia: 1 in 5 households, high rates of poverty, and why policy needs to catch up Why you should stop being grateful for flexibility and start advocating boldly for what you need Her call to action for every leader: would a single mum apply for this role? If not, rewrite it. Episode links Connect with Karis on LinkedIn Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn

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 shares her honest experience of coming back to a senior role when her first baby was just seven months old, the internal pressure to overcompensate, and the moment she received feedback that changed how she showed up as both a leader and a role model for other women. We explore why pretending it’s “easy” can actually make things harder for working mums and what it looks like to lead, work, and parent more honestly. This conversation is for any mum who has returned to work feeling like she has to be exactly the same as she was before, or better, while quietly carrying the mental load, guilt, and exhaustion that no one sees. In this episode, we talk about: The invisible pressure to “prove yourself” after maternity leave, especially in senior roles Why overcompensating can lead to burnout, and how to recognise when you’re doing it Why working mums don’t need perfect role models, they need real ones How each return to work can feel different (and why that’s normal) The daycare sickness season and why it’s often the point many women consider stepping away from their careers How to think about your career as non‑linear with seasons of acceleration and steadiness Why motherhood doesn’t end ambition, it often reshapes it into something more intentional and meaningful Episode links Connect with Rachel Debeck on LinkedIn. Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn

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 Australian Federal Police warning and a 41% rise in online child exploitation, this episode explores: What sharenting actually means When and how your child’s digital footprint begins The risks of sharing names, birth dates and locations AI and image scraping explained simply Why consent matters — even for babies What to do if you’ve already shared a lot Practical boundaries working parents can implement today The concept of “digital nesting” If you’re raising babies, toddlers or preschoolers — and navigating Instagram, Facebook or family sharing — this is a conversation worth having. Episode links Discover more about Tinybeans or connect with Zsofi on LinkedIn. Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn

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, and meaningful work. While on maternity leave, Laura made the bold decision not to return to her executive role. Not because she lacked ambition, but because the role no longer aligned with who she was becoming as a mother, a leader, and a human. Together, Carina and Laura chat about: The unexpected identity shift that happens after becoming a mum (matrescence) Why returning to your “old self” at work can feel impossible How values often change after motherhood and why that’s not a failure Why feeling supported at work isn’t always enough if the work no longer feels meaningful How embracing motherhood as part of your identity can make you a stronger, more confident leader Episode links Connect with Laura Stewart on LinkedIn Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn

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 mothers, and the importance of creating supportive systems for both parents. If you liked this Reflect episode, listen to the full episode "Lighten Your Mental Load, Ditch the Mum Guilt, and Rethink Care with Professor Leah Ruppanner" MORE LINKS Connect with Leah via her website www.leahruppanner.com or on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ruppanner-1657a417/ Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity and the website www.workingmumma.com.au or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien/

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 working mums can confidently start the conversation, use data and outcomes to back up their case, and find a win-win that works for both you and your employer. You’ll learn: How to have a confident, fact-based conversation with your boss about working from home or hybrid work The key phrases and language to use when asking for flexibility (without guilt or defensiveness) How to show your productivity and value while working flexibly Why hybrid work supports better wellbeing, mental load, and family balance How to reframe flexibility as a business advantage, not a personal favour If you’re a working mum who wants to keep your flexibility this episode gives you the tools, confidence, and mindset to do it. Listen to Dr. Ellen Ford's previous episode on the Working Mumma podcast ep 116 - Removing Barriers to Help Working Mums Thrive Episode Resources & Links Dr. Ellen Ford’s book: #WorkSchoolHours: A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces & the World #WorkSchoolHours eBook - 100% discount with code "workingmumma100" #WorkSchoolHours Online Courses 50% off with code "workingmumma50" check out Parents course or People manager course click here Dr. Ellen Ford’s Website ellenjoanford.com Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

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-parent Gabriella Pomare to talk about how working mums can navigate separation, divorce, and co-parenting with grace and clarity. Gabriella shares her personal story of rebuilding life after separation, whilst raising her son, managing a demanding career as a partner in a law firm, and finding a new identity. We discuss: The emotional reality of separation and identity loss How to communicate with your ex without escalating conflict Setting boundaries that protect your peace (and your children) Strategies for reducing the mental load when co-parenting The power of modeling respect and stability for your kids When to seek professional help — and why mediation can work better than court Resources & Links Follow Gariella @collaborativecoparent and see her website for free resources thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au and check out her new book "The Collaborative Coparent" Follow Carina and Working Mumma @workingmummacommunity on LinkedIn and sign up to receive the free newsletter.

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 strategies to help reframe and let go of guilt and reclaim control of your choices. You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more compassionate toward yourself, and with a practical strategy to shift from guilt to growth. You’ll Learn: Why “should” fuels guilt and burnout for working mums The link between “should” and the mental load A simple mindset reframe to reduce pressure How to replace guilt with agency and compassion Follow @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast on Instagram and follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

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 navigating IVF during COVID - from countless appointments, injections, and heartbreak, to showing up at work trying to keep it all together. She opens up about being diagnosed with endometriosis, the emotional toll of fertility struggles, and how the experience reshaped her definition of resilience, leadership, and success. Marianne also shares how her journey inspired her to introduce a 12-day reproductive health leave policy at Legalite, setting a new benchmark for workplace support. If you’ve ever wondered how anyone does it all, or felt the silent weight of trying to balance work and fertility, this conversation will make you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. In This Episode, We Talk About: The emotional toll of IVF and infertility while working Managing the juggle of appointments, deadlines, and hormones The power of vulnerability and how it changed Marianne’s leadership style Why workplaces must evolve to support fertility and reproductive health How IVF reshaped her outlook on success, motherhood, and what really matters MORE LINKS Connect with Marianne on LinkedIn or Instagram @mariannemarchesi or via her website legalite.com.au. Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast or on LinkedIn

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 expense. Drawing on her new research across 1,000 Australian women, Michelle reveals the hidden costs of this conditioning - exhaustion, resentment, and loss of self - and offers science-backed strategies to break free. Together, we explore how this shows up for working mums juggling careers, home, and identity, and discuss practical ways to replace “being good” with being uniquely you. We chat about: What “Good Girl Conditioning” is and why it’s it's showing up more than ever The 3 behaviours that keep women stuck: perfection, pleasing, and protection How these patterns show up for working mums at home and work The powerful antidote: self-compassion, secure attachment, and self-leadership Simple nervous system tools to calm your body and respond differently Why “you’re not there yet” might be the most powerful mindset shift of all Links and resources Take Michelle’s Good Girl Mindset Survey: thegoodgirlgamechangers.com Follow Michelle on Substack or LinkedIn Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast or on LinkedIn

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 the neuroscience behind why so many mums feel “wired but tired” with practical, evidence-based tools to help calm your nervous system and find balance again. If you’ve been running on empty, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and equipped with simple strategies you can start using today. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why modern motherhood has mums constantly stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode How social media fuels perfectionism and guilt What burnout does to your body (and how to reverse it) How to recognise the signs your nervous system is overloaded The role of self-compassion and why mums struggle with it Easy somatic tools to calm anxiety and restore energy Small daily rituals to reset your body and mind Connect with Dr. Kaitlin via Instagram @@drkaitlin and website wisdomforwellbeing.au and check out her upcoming book "The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Relief" Connect with Working Mumma via Instagram @workingmummacommunity and the podcast @workingmummapodast or LinkedIn

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 transitions. Gen shares her expert tips on managing big emotions, building resilience, and creating a safe space for your little ones during times of change. We also explore how you can stay emotionally grounded as a parent amidst all the chaos (we know this can be challenging!). This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights that every working mum needs in her toolkit. If you’re navigating or preparing for a big change such as starting daycare or school this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to tackle those transitions with a smile. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The emotional impact of transitions on kids and how to support them Why connection is key and how to strengthen your bond with your child during big changes Simple strategies to help your kids—and yourself—manage those tricky emotions How to create "pregame chats" and post-event moments that ease the adjustment process Hacks for balancing your own emotions while juggling the mental load with your children Resources and Links Connect with Gen Muir on Instagram: @ConnectedParentingAU Visit Gen’s website: connectedparenting.com.au Check out Gen’s book: Little People, Big Feelings Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

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, identity shift, mum guilt, and motherhood. We dive into: The identity shift women experience after becoming mothers Why guilt and “shoulds” weigh so heavily on working mums, and how to let them go The truth about confidence after kids and how to rebuild it step by step Why “balance” is a myth and what to focus on instead How to navigate the return-to-work transition with more confidence and self-belief If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not the same person anymore… and I don’t know who I am now” — this conversation is for you. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or her website neonpeople.co Connect with Carina and Working Mumma via Instagram: @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien and you can sign sign up to the Working Mumma newsletter