Working Mumma

In today's episode, I am celebrating the 50th episode of the Working Mumma Podcast! Yes, crack the champagne mumma! I little thought bubble I had almost 2 years ago turned into reality in January 2020! It’s been an amazing experience of learning, engaging, and growing through this platform. I have spoken to amazing people and enjoyed every single discussion I’ve had on the podcast. Throughout all the episodes I've recorded there are 4 key themes that come up regularly. So, I thought for the 50th episode I’d share these 4 themes with you. As a birthday present to you, I’ve created a new resource “3 steps to sharing the mental load”. Mums have taken on more of the load over the past 18 months with lockdowns, homeschooling & the rollercoaster of emotions. This resource includes an audit checklist for you & your partner to complete and review who is doing what, end may highlight the amount you are currently doing and things may need to be a little more balanced going forward. It’s available to download now. Doors will open in a few weeks to the Working Mumma Village - be sure to put your name on the waitlist. Click here. A big thank you again for your support, engagement & involvement with Working Mumma and the podcast. My dreams are big to support working mums be able to thrive in motherhood & career. Connect with me * Instagram: @workingmummacommunity * Facebook: @workingmummaAU * Website: www.workingmumma.com.au * LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

During a recent discussion in the Working Mumma Community, the topic of Keeping in Touch days was raised. A number of people weren’t aware of them or found out about Keeping In Touch days after their maternity leave. These are not new and are something that has been around for a number of years. So, I thought I’d put together this episode for you to give you more details and information on Keeping in Touch days. During this episode I cover: * What are Keeping in Touch days? * Who is entitled to Keeping in Touch days * How can they be used? * Examples and ideas of how to use Keeping in Touch days * Tips for setting up KIT with your employer Keeping in Touch days is a great way to get a small top-up of funds whilst you are on maternity leave, allow you to have a smooth transition back to work after maternity leave, and remain connected with your employer. Useful links for more information Fairwork Australia and Service Australia Connect with Working Mumma * Instagram: @workingmummacommunity * Facebook: @workingmummaAU * Website: www.workingmumma.com.au * LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien * Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village - https://bit.ly/3C66Lrb

Do you feel you have lost some of your identity since becoming a mum? Mums often feel that they give 120% of themselves, and it can be hard to remember why you are doing what you are doing and maintain a sense of yourself. In this episode, I speak with award-winning business coach for women, Angela Henderson. We talk about maintaining your identity as a working mum and doing what lights you up and brings you joy. Angela is the mum of 2, and has started two successful businesses from scratch all whilst maintaining true to herself on knowing her why. In this episode we cover a lot: * How you can be a mum AND run a successful business * Hear why kids are not 100% of Angela's 'why' * Learn about Angela's business journey and how she has built her businesses * Importance of managing your mindset and overcoming imposter syndrome * Why you should do what lights you up and brings you joy * Helpful tips and advice if you are thinking of starting your own business * Discover Angela's secrets for success I like this quote from Angela during the chat "make choice, take responsibility, keep rocking and rolling”. This was a great and insightful chat with Angela, no wonder she has been so successful in business. Connect with Angela Henderson Angela Henderson is an international award-winning business coach for women who helps women in business get all the pieces in place to have consistent 5 figure months and then onto 6/7 figure years without burning out in the process, through her group business coaching or her Mastermind for women. Website: www.angelahenderson.com.au The Business and Life Conversations Podcast: Podcast Facebook Page: @angelahendersonconsulting Instagram: @angelahendersonconsulting Linkedin: Angela Henderson Consulting Connect with me * Instagram: @workingmummacommunity * Facebook: @workingmummaAU * Website: www.workingmumma.com.au * LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Do you look at your wardrobe looking for inspiration? Has your body changed after having kids? Are you wanting to feel more confident again both inside and out? This week I chat with mum of 3 and personal stylist, Kamri Hill, owner of Kamri Hill Styling. As a fellow working mum, she understands how our body shape, confidence, and personal style change after children and has a passion to help women feel confident inside and out. If you are looking for tips and advice on creating your "mum" wardrobe, this episode is for you. During this episode we chat about: * Role clothes play in our lives and relate to our confidence * Why taking the time to plan your wardrobe is an element of self-care and saves you time each day * How to identify your post-pregnancy/children wardrobe * How to make the "mummy uniform" suit your lifestyle * Why every wardrobe needs key basic items * How to combine a work and mum life wardrobe Kamri reminds us that our bodies change with children – it isn’t the same post children and that’s ok. “Your wardrobe and closet should be a place of happiness. Everyday we start the day in the wardrobe and it should be a place of joy”. Kamri is running a 3 day Body Confident Style Challenge starting early August - join today. It would be greatly appreciated if you could give the Working Mumma podcast a rating and leave a review. Connect with Kamri * Instagram: @kamrihillstyling * Facebook: @kamrihillstyling * Website: kamrihill.com Connect with me * Instagram: @workingmummacommunity * Facebook: @workingmummaAU * Website: workingmumma.com.au * LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Sadly the topic of pregnancy loss and infertility is something 1 in 4 women face. But, we don't openly talk about it, and it's our own secret that we feel ashamed to share with others. My guest today is Dr. Monica Rajasagaram, a medical practitioner, writer, published author, and a life & growth coach for women and young girls. Dr. Monica Rajasagaram talks openly about her experience of secondary infertility with 5 miscarriages in 3 years. She shares how she navigated pregnancy loss whilst being a mum, wife, and having a successful career. Monica is open and honest in recounting her experience and what she learned along the way that can help other women. As Monica comments, the delivery of bad news & information relating to pregnancy can shape how you manage and deal with the news. Being a doctor herself, receiving the news regarding her pregnancies didn't make it any easier. We both talk about our experiences of pregnancy loss and reflect that loss needs to be more widely spoken about. This is especially so for women that are trying to fall pregnant and they need to be aware of how common it sadly is and there is help available. As Monica explains “A loss is a loss, it doesn’t matter if it is your first or third baby. A pregnancy loss is still a pregnancy loss.” If you have experienced pregnancy loss or know someone that has, this episode will remind you that you aren't alone. Everyone grieves differently has their own journey and that is ok. If you need to speak with someone, please reach out to Bears of Hope, COPE, or Beyond Blue. Connect with Monica * Instagram: @monica.d.r * Facebook: @drmonicadr Connect with me * Instagram: @workingmummacommunity * Facebook: @workingmummaAU * Website: workingmumma.com.au * LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

As working mums, we put so much pressure on ourselves and the mum guilt is real. We are trying to be everything to everyone, but often not achieving what we set out to do. Good news – it doesn’t have to be this way. It starts with defining what is important to you and setting boundaries around this and being confident with the boundaries you have set. As I discuss in the latest episode of the Working Mumma podcast, it is ok to say no. What this episode covers: * Why having boundaries are important * What can we set boundaries for * How can we define boundaries in our lives * Importance of knowing your "why" in helping define boundaries * Hints & tips to help create and implement boundaries in your life I love this Brene Brown quote relating to boundaries “daring to set boundaries, is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others” Having boundaries helps working mums manage the many different hats we need to wear. There is also a special announcement within this episode - you have to listen to hear what exciting news we have coming up at Working Mumma. Continue the conversation with join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. I'd love for you to leave a review and rating as well.

Relationships often take a back seat once we have children. Our time and priorities are focused on our kids, but as I discuss with Sheena Schuy in this week's episode, it is important to make time for "couple-care". Sheena explains, there is so much focus on the birth plan, having a child, and preparing for a baby, many people forget about the person that helped you become a mum in the first place. The relationship between the partners came first and we can't forget this. It is what the family is built on, and a strong foundation between both parents is important to a happy and healthy family unit. During this episode we discuss: * How you can prepare your relationship to transition from a couple to parents (even if you already have children) * Understanding each other's goals and the importance of supporting each other to achieve these * Sharing the mental load in the relationship * Discuss the concept of "United parenting" * Tips and strategies on how to remain connected with your partner * Knowing and understanding your partners "love language" * Actionable steps to having a common approach to parenting with your partner * How to improve your relationship with your partner * Why you need more fun & rest in your relationship I like this quote from Sheena during the episode “it’s so easy to lose yourself in parenting – both losing yourself and losing your relationship”. We need to continuously focus on our relationship during the season of parenting to ensure we remain connected. Sheena gives great actionable tips and strategies that you can implement straight after listening with your partner. Connect with Sheena on Instagram @savasanacollective or go to her website and access all the free resources as mentioned in the episode. Continue the conversation with me and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. I'd love for you to leave a review and rating as well.

Let's talk about breastfeeding and pumping at work. At the end of 2020, I put out a survey to working mums seeking their experiences as working parents across the stages of going on maternity leave, returning to work, and managing the juggle. The results are very interesting and I'll release the report shortly. One topic that regularly came up was the lack of support employers gave in regards to breastfeeding and expressing at work. Many women reported that they weren't supported or provided a reasonable space which is against the law. The decision to express at work is an entirely personal decision. During this episode I share with you: * Personal experience of pumping after I returned to work * Tips for pumping after you return to work from maternity leave * Go through 5 facts to support you in conversations with your employer regarding your wish to pump As a working mum, I know how stressful it can be returning to work both for you and your child. Remember fed is best. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

Time is important for everyone, especially working mums managing the juggle of career, motherhood, and self-care. Every working mum wishes they could find extra hours in the day to cross off their ever-extending to-do list. In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with the Productivity coach and your ultimate wing woman, Hollie Barac. During the episode, Hollie gives actionable tips, strategies, and advice on how you can be most productive and can implement these today. As Hollie explains “working mums have an innate ability to plan even if we aren’t natural planners”. Hollie shares that productivity is not working 100 hours, it’s not being a slave to your desk. Productivity is making the best use of your time, whatever that may be. This will be different for everyone as some people are most productive in the morning, whilst others are at night. Hollie shares her experience of extreme burnout during 2020 after not taking her own advice and how she is now listening to her mind & body. This conversation with Hollie changed my perception and thinking towards productivity. Rather than looking outward, it involves looking inward and doing what is best for you at the time. Connect with Hollie on Instagram @holliebarac or go to her website. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

Feel like you are doing everything for everyone in your family and not getting much help? Mum's take on more of the mental/emotional load. We remember the school activities, birthdays, and what food we have run out of. No wonder we feel like we have a million things going on at any one time, it's because we do. BUT we don't have to carry the load on our own. It can be shared with your partner or tribe around you. In this episode I share 5 ideas for sharing the mental load. Link to the New York Times article "Why Women Do the Household Worrying". Continue the conversation with the Working Mumma Community Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

This episode is packed with so many gems of gold and inspiration to help you, Mumma on the topic of self-care. It is a must-listen what with Lisa Kroesche Boyce, founder of The She Rebellion and she empowers women to reclaim their power with confidence and calm. Lisa and I talk about the important topic of self-care and how as busy working mums we can take control of the actions, feelings, and purpose that drive self-care to enable you to nurture, honour and grow in yourself. As Lisa reminds us, we were a person before we became a mum and you deserve to find that person again. Self-care doesn't need to be something that you practice for months apart. Lisa shares strategies on how to build little self-care practices into your daily routine to help you Mumma. Tune in to hear: * Discussion on "what is self-care" * Lisa lifting the veil on self-care * Why you can't give to people if you can't give to yourself * Strategies to look inward rather than outward for self-care practice * How to allow yourself to see what lights you up to determine what self-care strategies work for you * Why knowledge is power * Why women should value themselves more * And so much more Remember that self-care is caring for yourself - you can't pour from an empty cup. Connect with Lisa Lisa has also just release a book 'When I look up at my Mum I see' - A female empowerment children's picture book created to encourage open conversations with our children about who their mother is when standing in her true power as a woman. To order https://www.thesherebellion.com/book Connect with Lisa on Instagramand Facebook. Continue the conversation with the Working Mumma Community Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

The age-old question "what's for dinner?" is something that haunts every parent. In this episode, I share with you a simple but effective framework to help you meal plan a month in advance in under 30 minutes. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

This week marks a big milestone for me & that is that it's my first week of maternity leave. It's my second maternity leave & I have to say I've approached it differently from my first leave and had 2 very different experiences. Whilst things are fresh and before I have baby number 2, I wanted to share with you tips to help you prepare for parental leave with confidence.

Looking for ways on how you can build your personal brand to have your dream career. Have you recently returned from maternity leave and looking to position yourself for future opportunities. Or wanting tips and advice on how you can develop your career. This episode with Sarah Makris will provide you with tips and advice on how you can do just this. Sarah helps senior executives elevate their professional brand, be recognised and valued in their industry, and attract their dream role. Throughout this podcast she helps you do just this. During this episode we cover: * How Sarah designed a career & business that fit around her family * Why you should set goals at the start of the year that aren't too easy but may put you out of your comfort zone * How to set career goals that you may not achieve in the next year, but taking steps to achieve in the next few years * Talk about staying relevant and employable whilst having a family * Why you should be always taking steps to build your personal brand and identity - even when you are on maternity leave * Tips and tricks on how to use LinkedIn to develop your personal brand and value * Suggestions on how to position yourself for part-time work * Discuss Sarah's actionable framework on how to build your personal brand As Sarah mentions during the podcast - if you have built your brand, you can have whatever career you want. Connect with Sarah Makris on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sarah-makris/ or Instagram @sarahmakrisaustralia. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

In this episode I speak with Taryn Wrezounik - a sleep consultant, mum, wife & business owner. She is a huge believer in the power of turning inward and empowering yourself to be, do & have everything that you could dream of - as well as being a mum. I speak with Taryn about navigating the identity shift after becoming a mum. We talk about loosing your sense of self as a new mother and how we can regain our identities. Hear how you can take steps to regain your identity and define what parenting means to you. We also talk about mum guilt and how we can change our mindset and the stories we tell ourselves around this topic that impacts all mothers at some stage. Taryn shares strategies on how to overcome mum guilt. I like this quote from Taryn in the episode "There is nothing to stop us from following our dreams, only our own limiting beliefs and mindset " Connect with Taryn Wrezounik via Instagram at @themotherload_co. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

This week I speak with Mim Dart who provides strategies on how to reduce the overwhelm of motherhood. Mim is a lifestyle coach who focuses on the overwhelm of motherhood. She explains that motherhood doesn't have to feel overwhelming and as mothers, we are allowed to have a positive experience of motherhood. We get so many mixed messages about motherhood, especially from social media, and this leads us to compare ourselves to others and increases the feelings of overwhelm and believe that we "should" be showing up in certain ways. These feelings can be debilitating, but as you will hear during the episode with Mim, they don't have to be. We discuss strategies you can use immediately to manage the overwhelm. A big part of this is about reflecting on what is important to you and your family and staying focused on this and blocking out all the external messages. Mim explains the season of motherhood can last >18 years and we don't deserve to spend this time feeling exhausted, burnt out, and unhappy. We deserve to live over a quarter of our lives happy and living our best lives possible. The good news, you can choose how you want to feel in motherhood and curate a life that aligns with this. It is ok to feel good during motherhood. We also talk about the importance of self-care and looking after ourselves as mothers. So much of the family's mood and culture comes from the parents, particularly the mothers. If you are feeling good Mumma, then it is likely that the rest of the family will feed off this energy. This shows the importance of filling your cup and the impact this has on those around you. Connect with Mim Dart via her website, Facebook or Instagram. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

In this week's episode I speak with Melinda Chaponnel to learn about job sharing and how this has advanced her career. Mel has a corporates finance background in large corporates. She has experienced 2 successful job share arrangements, across 2 different companies and multiple roles. During this episode she shares her experiences, advice and tips for all topics relating to job sharing. You will quickly discover why Mel is an advocate for job sharing and why it should be more widely considered by organisations and not just for working mothers. Connect with Melinda via LinkedIn. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Share your experiences as a mum managing the juggle in the annual Working Mumma Survey. Survey closes Tuesday 3 November.

This week on the podcast I speak with Yvette Sitters, founder of Manage My Wedding. Yvette had a long career working in hotel events, spending a large portion of her career at the Hilton London on Park Lane. Prior to kids she had aspirations of becoming the GM of a Hotel. But, 6 weeks into her maternity leave she came to the realisation that she didn't want to work for someone else and wanted to create a life and business around her family. Over the next 2.5 years she developed an app that she launched when her 2nd daughter was 12 weeks old. During this episode Yvette has many great tips and advice for fellow working mums (not only if you have a business) around productivity, managing the mental load and self-care. We discuss: * Yvette's career journey to date * Managing identity shift once she became a mum and how her priories changed * Challenges she has overcome (including her inner critic) to create her business * How she has created a business around her family * Planning approach to align to her work/life harmony * Managing the mental load * Advice for working mums looking to start their own business (including when is the right time to start - now!) * Mindset shift with having own business * Important of self care and how Yvette goes about this each day I like this quote from Yvette during the podcast on the realisation she didn't want to go back to her corporate role "the driver was to be at home with 2 girls and make decisions for family to be where I wanted when I wanted and not on someone else's terms" Connect with Yvette and Manage My Wedding via her website, Facebook or Instagram. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. This episode is supported by a free e-Book "10 steps to help you transition from parental leave to pay day" . I'll also be launching a mini course early in 2021 on Returning to Work that will support you through this process in much greater detail. Click here to join the waitlist.

Today I speak with Aparna Sundar on how to get organised at home. Aparna is a KonMari consultant and in this episode we talk about how organising your home can have positive influences on your whole life. When we set up the discussion I thought the topic of home organisation was going to be about cleaning room by room, but as Aparna quickly made me realise it is so much more. We need to look at organising holistically and it is more of a mindset shift than anything else, thinking about your future self and organising is only a small part of that. During the episode we cover: * 6 steps to the KonMari(TM) method and how you can implement these today in your own home * Talking about the common myths and challenges when it comes to home organisation * Overcoming our own limiting beliefs * Organisation tips for baby, children, food preparation and storage * Involving children from a young age in home organisation and the benefits of toy rotation Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Aparna via her website or on Instagram @globalmindfuljourney Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time.

When we are pregnant about to go on maternity leave, we aren't really thinking about the return, instead focused on discovering our new role as a mum. Returning to work after a period of time on maternity leave is another big milestone and transition in our personal and professional lives. It is mixed with a wide range of emotions from lack of confidence, uncertainty to looking forward to going to the toilet on your own, adult conversation and everything in between. Returning to work can have its own challenges and you aren't alone in experiencing these. During today's podcast I speak with executive coach, trainer and facilitator, Jo Gobbo on getting our mojo back after maternity leave. Jo shares her experiences of returning to work after the birth of her son and shares her emotions in this journey. We cover a broad range of topics during the podcast episode including: * Confidence change with motherhood then returning to work * How to improve your confidence * Managing and being aware of the emotions that come about in the transition back to work * Importance of sharing the mental load with your partner * Factors that cause women to loose confidence prior to returning to work and strategies to overcome this * The concept of a "blended" identity for working parents merging our work and family lives - something that has been elevated due to Covid-19 * Impact of limiting beliefs and how we can overcome these * Example of a working mum who doubted her confidence and skills but after working on these she has been able to overcome her own limiting beliefs to take on a more senior position * How managers can support working parents, especially women, who have parental leave transition back into the organisation successfully and with confidence * Transition back to work, requires mental and emotional preparation We covered a lot on a topic we are both passionate about. Connect with Jo via Instagram or LinkedIn. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. This episode is supported by a free e-Book "10 steps to help you transition from parental leave to pay day" . I'll also be launching a mini course later this year on Returning to Work that will support you through this process in much greater detail. Click here to register.

This podcast episode I speak with Amanda Bowles, co-founder of Bears of Hope. Trigger warning - this episode discusses pregnancy loss and may bring up emotions. If you need to speak with someone, please reach out to Bears of Hope, COPE or Beyond Blue. The focus of the episode is navigating and managing pregnancy loss as well as how support people can best help the bereaved family. If you are the 1 in 4 women that have experienced pregnancy loss or know someone who has and wants to understand a little more what they are feeling and how you can help, this episode is for you. This is a very personal episode for me as my husband and I experienced pregnancy loss in February 2020 when we were told at our 13 week scan our unborn child had a rare medical abnormality and we made the hardest decision to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons. During this experience, I was sent a bear by my mother's group from Bears of Hope and this introduced me to this supportive organisation and Facebook groups to support families that have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. It continues to be my safe zone with people that have been through similar experiences. The episode covers two central themes - the first for people that have experienced loss and the second for friends & family and how they can actively support the bereaved family. During this podcast we cover: * Emotions associated with grief and loss of a child * Discuss the question "why us" * Subsequent (rainbow) pregnancies, the emotions associated and tips on how to manage this * Connection with a child you were unable to meet * Managing grief between partners * Seeking help is a strength not a weakness * Advice for support networks on how they can actively help * Tips on how support networks can help * Advice on what to say to people that have experienced loss * Discuss the magical "12 week" milestone of a pregnancy to let people know you are pregnant I recorded this episode with two intentions. The first for families that have experienced loss know that you aren't alone, and secondly to help the support network learn how they can actively help a friend or family member. I hope this episode helps you in some way. Please reach out to Bears of Hope to discover more about this supportive organisation and the resources and support they have available. If you know someone that has experienced loss I encourage you to purchase a Bear of Hope.

In a competitive job market, having a standout job application is critical. For this week's podcast I'm excited to be joined by resume and career coach, Ashlee Thomas. She is a busy working mum of 2 boys and runs her own successful business focused on helping women find their next role in a flexible environment. Given the market and economy we currently live in with over 1 million Australians out of work, and it was already challenging for working mums to find a job that fit their career and lifestyle goals, this chat with Ashlee has so many hints, tips and advice for people wanting to stand out from other candidates. During this podcast we cover: •Ashlee's career & parenthood journey so far •What to and what not to include in a resume •How long a resume should be •Importance of having an active and current LinkedIn profile •Advice on re-entering the workforce after a period of time on parental leave •New skills mothers have gained since becoming a mum and the value of these to the workplace •Overcoming confidence and going for the role even when you believe you don't have all the skills on the position description •Changing careers and focus after becoming a mum •Importance of seeking out your ideal organisations to work for •Interview advice and how to form engagement with the interview panel •Why you should be interviewing the organisation as much as they are interviewing you to ensure it is a good fit Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Ashlee via her website, LinkedIn and Facebook. Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time. I'll be launching a mini course later this year on Returning to Work that will support you through this process in much greater detail. Click here to register.

In today's podcast, I take you through 10 steps to help you prepare for your upcoming return to work so you will feel confident and ready to manage the juggle of career and family. Returning to work can be challenging. The person you were at work pre-baby is a little (or possibly a lot) different to the current version of you. The you that's returning to work has an additional role title and along with the amazing perk of unconditional love, comes a seemingly endless list of new role responsibilities! As you consider your return to work you may find that you have a new way of thinking. Babies impact our lives in sooo many ways, beyond what we may have ever expected. You've been looking after this new little human who is entirely dependent on you. Just as parental leave was a huge adjustment, returning to work is another major adjustment in the journey. With this, comes a whole new range of challenges, so it helps to be mentally prepared for this as possible. Before getting started, if you have the opportunity, grab a pen & paper as I've got lots of little gems throughout this podcast and if it's possible find a quiet space free from interruptions so that you can focus on you. This episode is supported by a free e-Book "10 steps to help you transition from parental leave to pay day" . I'll also be launching a mini course later this year on Returning to Work that will support you through this process in much greater detail. Click here to register. Before we get into it, I will also say that everyone has a different journey and experience of returning to work, just like parenthood. I know it might not all be a smooth transition and I know this from first hand experience. But, hopefully this podcast helps you prepare mentally, emotionally, physically and with your employer to make it as smooth as possible. Continue the conversation and connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

Today I speak with Dr. Sarah Gleeson, based in Goondiwindi Queensland with her husband & three boys aged 3.5, 5 and 6.5. Sarah works at the Goondiwindi Medical Centre as a GP, at the Boggabilla Community Health Clinic & at the Goondiwindi Hospital in the Emergency & Obstetrics departments. She also teaches medical students at The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School. After several busy years both personally & professionally, Sarah had decided that 2019 was going to be her year of saying 'no' to new projects. But when her sister Liz approached her with the idea for Family HQ, she said yes without hesitation and over the next 14 months has worked with Liz to develop the ultimate health management app for busy families. During this episode we discuss: •Sarah's career pathway to where she is today •How she juggles a busy life as a doctor and being a mum to 3 boys •Tips and advice for sharing the mental load with her husband •How people have paved the way before her to have flexible work arrangements and supportive workplace culture •Discuss the myth 'does childcare help build up a child's immunity?' •When to send your kids to childcare/school vs keep them at home if sick •Medicine options for children and when to use ibuprofen vs paracetamol •Recording medicine dosage and why you should do this (especially with more than 1 child) •Why paracetamol is the leading cause of Liver failure for children in developed countries •Talk about Sarah's solution to help parents with administering and recording medicine - FamilyHQ Key piece of advice - use a single brand & single strength for consistency - so you know every time you pull out the medicine that you know what dose you should have. About FamilyHQ Family HQ is an all-in-one solution for families to give parents peace of mind when they need it most. It has been designed by a nurse and a doctor who are mums to 5 boys. It's a cloud-based app that enables 2 parents/carers to accurately record and securely share relevant, real-time information about their child's health and medication dosage/timing. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Sarah via the FamilyHQ website, Instagram @dr_sarah_gleeson or trial the FamilyHQ app. Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time.

I know when I was about to go on maternity leave I was a mix of emotions. I was looking for ideas, hints, and tips on how to prepare both emotionally as well as physically for maternity leave. Needless to say, I made it up as I went. I hope this episode with 12 tips to help you prepare for maternity leave helps you as I wish I had been given these tips before I went on leave. Going on maternity leave is an emotional time. You have worked for several years, it has been a big part of your life working 40+ hours, 5 days a week, and consuming much of your time. The prospect of maternity leave you will be stepping away for a period of time and handing over your work to another person can be difficult, you aren't alone if you are having trouble letting go. This period allows you time to reflect on your career so far and what you have enjoyed and achieved so far. It also allows you time to consider the new challenge of motherhood and your role as a parent. If you are a first-time parent, there are many unknowns and the feeling of trepidation - this is entirely normal. Having some time to stop and reflect on your maternity leave and how you would like it to work, will help both you and your employer so you can manage the leave period. It also allows you to process how you are feeling and if any areas are causing you anxiety, speaking to someone before the birth would be recommended. Enjoy this episode and best of luck with your upcoming birth and maternity leave. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Village, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

Today I speak with Sarah Purvey, a Clinical Psychologist, practice owner of Eastern Shore Psychology, author of Keep Sane and Parent On, Positive Birth Program Facilitator and mother to a 6 yo and 4yo girls. We recorded this podcast in early July 2020 prior to the current outbreak of covid-19 in Melbourne. It is very timely and has many hints and tips for people that might be experiencing anxiety during this time. If this episode is a trigger for you, please reach out to Beyond Blue, COPE, a psychologist or your GP to assist. As you will hear it is a strength to seek help and not a weakness. During this episode Sarah and I discuss: •Sarah's family set up with her husband as a stay at home dad •Defining anxiety •What can we do if we recognise if we are experiencing anxiety - self helps and seeking help strategies are discussed •Managing anxiety during Covid-19 •Sharing the mental load between couples and how important this is especially for new parents and ongoing when raising children •Striving for being a "good enough" parent rather than perfect •Managing mum guilt when returning to work after maternity leave •Managing expectations of new mum during parenting journey There is a lot covered in this episode and I hope you enjoy everything we cover. If you are in Melbourne this episode might be of extra interest given the current stage 4 lockdown measures. I'm in this with you and hope you and your family stay safe. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Sarah via her website, Instagram @sarahpurveypsychologist or her book "Keep Sane and Parent On" Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time. Until next time, have a great week.

Today I speak with Anne Koopmann, a leadership coach, who works with individuals and organizations to empower courageous leaders, and fellow working mum. A big take away for me from this episode is the need to focus on and "leaning into" your strengths. We all can't be great at everything and we need to unlearn what we are taught about focusing on our weaknesses and instead focus on what we are good at because as working mums we often don't do this enough and we gain so much confidence from developing our strengths. During this podcast we talk about: •Resilience and confidence •Taking ownership of your own life and to realize that what you do is your choice •Why we should focus on our strengths and less on our weaknesses (even though we have been taught to do the opposite) •Why knowing your strengths can improve your confidence •Telling ourselves that we can't all be great at everything and it is normal to have weaknesses but not to focus too much on these and instead embrace your strengths •The 7 c's in the resilience toolbox •Tips and strategies for recognising your strengths •Working on your inner self and improving your self awareness •Knowing and understanding your circle of control Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Anne via her website, on LinkedIn on Instagram @annekoopmann_leadlikeyou Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time. Until next time, have a great week.

What does work/life balance mean to you? Some call it balance, some integration, others harmony, but with a similar meaning. In today's episode I don't give you the magic wand of what balance is as I don't believe there isn't one. But, I would like to give you tools and strategies to help you determine what your balance is, what does your dream day of work/life integration mean to you and how you can work towards achieving this. Importantly we talk about defining what works for you mumma and your family. I think some form of balance and integration is the north star of every working parent, to have balance between work and life. Everyone has a different story and approach, so my aim for this episode is not tell you what balance/integration/harmony looks like, but to help you define what it means for you and your family. We only have one life so we might as well make it the best one we can. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time. Until next time, have a great week.

Today I speak with Tash Guthrie, founder of The Time Creator, and fellow working mum. Tash is a productivity mentor, and the visionary behind The Time Creator planner, podcast, community (and soon-to-be membership). She believes that everyone has the power within them to live the life they truly desire, free of overwhelm, burden and stress. Tash helps busy, time-poor women to take control of their day by improving their productivity and time management skills to ultimately create more time for the people and things they love most. During this episode we talk about: •Transition from 0 to 1 children and the expectations we put on ourselves as new mothers •How planning helps us identify what is important and to shape our lives around this •Where you can start in the planning process, even if you think you don't have the time to focus on planning •We discuss mindset change to time management and productivity •Positive impact of Covid-19 in allowing us to re-evaluate our lives and look at what is important •Be/Do/Have concept •What you can plan - the options are endless •Tips on how to gain more time and harmony in your life •Five pillars to work life harmony •Three tips to work life harmony •Knowing your primary and secondary hats There are so many great tips and advice from this episode with Tash. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Tash her website or on Instagram @Tash_Guthrie Check out the free 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle to help you navigate work, family & you time. Until next time, have a great week.

In this episode I discuss 10 strategies you can implement straight away to help you in managing the juggle of career, family and life. The strategies are curated from advice given by fellow working mothers when they have kindly shared their stories of managing a career, family and life. Read the stories. Let's get into the ten strategies to allow you to feel more confident in managing the juggle of career, motherhood and life. Check out the free resource to support this episode - Download 10 Strategies to Managing the Juggle. I profile a working mum each week and tell her story of her parenting journey so far. Share your story today. Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

Today I speak with Carmen Pascoe, co-founder of SitClique. Carmen and I talk about selecting child care and managing the transition for both you and your child. There are many great tips and advice relating to child care during this episode. During this episode we talk about: •Variety of options for child care •4 questions to ask yourself when determining child care options to meet the needs of your family •Why we need different care options outside traditional hours •Questions to ask when speaking with potential educators •Overcoming mum guilt in managing the child care transition •Managing the transition for you and your child •Backing your gut instinct - your children are the most important thing in your life Download 50 questions you should ask when selecting child care. Continue the conversation and join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Carmen and SitClique via their website, Facebook or Instagram.

Today I speak with Vanessa Vanderhoek, founder of The FlexAgility Group and launched National Flexible Working Day in 2017 to celebrate and showcase how flexible working can (and does) work. During the conversation we covered many topics relating to flexible work with many practical tips and strategies. During this episode we talk about: •Vanessa's career journey and how she came about launching National Flexible Working Day •Understanding your "Golden Thread" and how this led Vanessa to have a career pivot to focus on her strengths and passions •The notion of a portfolio career •Flexibility isn't just about having children and people seek flexible arrangements for a variety of reasons - Health & welling being, looking after older parents, caring for children, productivity and many more reasons •The four categories of flexible work •Survey results that show the number one people want flexible work arrangements is health & wellbeing, followed by productivity then caring for children •Advice on the transition to flexible work and re-negotiating arrangements post covid-19 •Tips on negotiating flexible work with your manager to be a "win-win" for both employee & employer •Examples of organisations with good policies and approach to flexible work •Talk about what the future of work will look relating to flexible work During our conversation, I like this quote from Vanessa "Let's not forget this is about moderninsing our approach to work, yes remote work is a key part of it, but we need to look more holistically to say ok flexible work is the way of working (the new way of working)." Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work. Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn or her business The FlexAgility Group and find out more about National Flexible Work Day or on LinkedIn.

In this solo episode I share with you 5 tips for a successful return to work after isolation. COVID-19 came upon us like an unexpected storm the experts never saw coming. One week we were going about our lives as normal then suddenly the following week we found ourselves home-schooling and living in isolation. We are living through history. As we are starting to come out of self isolation, we are at the beginning of the end. I've had friends comment that during isolation they enjoyed "slowing down". Pre-isolation we would often comment that we were busy. But do we need to be so busy? Busy shouldn't necessarily be a badge of honour. This gives us the opportunity to reassess our lives to understand what the "new normal" means for us. Enjoy this episode as I share with you five things that can help you prepare for returning to the office and life after self isolation. Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.

Vessy Tasheva is the founder of Vessy.com, culture and D&I consultancy. Vessy has authored two editions of her Diversity in the Workplace Report and was named by Hive Learning as one of 2019's most influential D&I Leaders globally. On this episode of the podcast we discuss the current times of uncertainty and ways to stay connected, energized, and productive whilst work remotely and dealing with isolation and loneliness. Vessy discusses the change in focus from organisations on mental health from being a low priority 2 years ago to the number one focus during Coronavirus. Organisational culture has also been impacted and we talk about the importance of effective communication. Lastly Vessy gives her insights into the Future of Work and what we might expect following Covid-19. Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Vessy on LinkedIn or her website

Today's guest is Meaghan J Smith. She is a life coach for women who want to make change and the host of the Money Mindful podcast and book club, both created as a space for women to learn about money and mindset. Meaghan started out her career as a photographer, then found herself as a teacher and in the past 6 months has made the transition to life coach and podcast host. During the Meaghan shares her experience and advice in changing careers to suit her family. We then discuss how to have a money mindset and educating people on money to be good role models for their children. Lastly Meaghan gives insights into how she has overcome challenges in being a working mum. Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. Connect with Meaghan on Instagram @moneymindfulpodcast, Facebook or her website

Today's guest is a holistic pediatric sleep coach, Hala Merola where we talk all things sleep for newborns, babies, and toddlers. Please note, at the beginning of the episode the topic of depression and anxiety is raised. If this impacts you in some way, please speak to someone such as experts from Beyond Blue, COPE or Lifeline. As you will soon discover, Hala is so passionate about helping parents with their child's sleep issues. Amazingly she also has another job on top of being a mum and wife. At the start of the conversation, we talk about the challenges Hala has faced in becoming a mum. She shares her experience of post-natal depression, how she was forced (reluctantly) by her husband to seek help as he was witnessing the effect it was having on her and her son, and the impact PND had on their early relationship. Today, she is a big advocate on seeking help and comments on how the stigma of mental health has changed in 6.5 years. During the discussion we talk about: •Importance of interviewing sleep consultants prior to working with them to ensure your values align •Look at sleep holistically, there are many factors that impact sleep •Discuss age appropriate techniques & routines for sleep and settling •Managing transition to childcare and change in routine - good news, the child will adapt •Separation anxiety impacting sleep •Sleep regressions (including the dreaded 4 month sleep regression) •Difference between self settling and self soothing •Managing the transition from cot to bed •What to dress our children in •Talk about swaddling and sleep suits •The fourth trimester •And so much more As Hala says "Nothing will ever prepare you for the type of child you will have, every child is unique". Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work. Connect with Hala on Instagram @sleepsweetconsulting, Facebook or her website.

Today's guest is Catherine Brooks, a senior employment lawyer, Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations and Associate-Director of the innovative New Law firm, Law Squared, a published author and mother to two young boys. Understanding your legal rights as working mothers is an area many people are unsure about. Throughout this episode, Catherine gives great insights and simple techniques you can apply today. During this episode of the podcast we discuss: •Key aspects of the JobKeeper government stimulus package •Consider what the future workplace may look like post covid-19 •Three steps to negotiating flexible work post coronavirus •The positive effect of sharing stories of parental leave, particularly when fathers take extended leave •Maternity leave - keeping in touch provisions •Tips to remain engaged with your organisation whilst on maternity leave •Discuss redundancies during maternity leave •Scandinavian parental leave policies and how they promote flexible work and equal parental leave Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work. Connect with Catherine on Instagram @letsmakeitworkbaby or on LinkedIn.

Today's guest is Kate Toon, speaker, author, SEO lover, copywriter and podcast host. We recorded this podcast pre-covid-19 but all the topics are discussed as just as relevant today as they were 2 months ago. Kate started her business when she was five months pregnant with her son. Over the past 11 years she has been able to craft her multiple businesses to align with her family needs. She has great insights, tips and expertise to share on all topics relating to the juggle. We cover topics such as: •Why Kate decided to start a business after a successful corporate career •Discuss the realities of mum guilt and how she overcomes this •How she has built the business around the hours she wants to work •Parenting challenges, especially early on with a young child and growing a business •The guilt of enjoying work and having a career •Merging the worlds of parenting and work •Concept of in-sourcing with children •Mindset as a working mum •Understanding your strengths •LinkedIn tips •Enjoying the struggle and not just the end result I enjoyed this quote from Kate you are "Perfectly capable of being a great mum & having a great job". Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work. Connect with Kate on Instagram @katetoon and head to her website for more information.

This week's podcast is a recording of an Instagram Live with Tiffany from Inspire.Learn.Teach at the start of April. We took questions during the chat so you will hear us making a shout out to people and answering those questions. It was a great conversation with Tiffany, that I wanted to ensure that if you missed the Instagram Live, you were still able to hear all the gems of wisdom Tiffany spoke about on all things relating to homeschooling. I caught up with friends on zoom last Friday night and they told me they watched the Instagram Live and felt more assured and confident about homeschooling after hearing Tiffany. I hope you are able to feel the same after listening to this episode. We cover many topics including: •Meeting the emotional needs of your children •Reminding ourselves that as parents we were our childs first teacher •Setting up learning at home •How to prioritise what to teach (do the hard stuff first!) •How to teach a subject you have no idea about •Structuring the day •The importance of play •Managing different aged children and meeting their education needs •The need to remove expectations on yourself •Discuss the school of life I know there is a lot going on in your world, so please mumma, take a moment, take a deep breath in and exhale. You are not expected to be a teacher, remove all expectations of yourself. Focus on you and your family first. Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work. Connect with Tiffany on Instagram @inspire.learn.teach.

I hope this episode finds you safe and healthy. In this episode, I chat with business coach Emma McQueen talking about improving your confidence, knowing your strengths and managing your mindset. Emma describes herself a little bit like "Pollyanna" because she likes to see the good in every situation and this is evident during our conversation. Emma has been working from home for 3 years and during this episode provides great insights and experiences both from the perspective as her role as a business coach and personal stories as a mother of 3 girls. In this episode we talk about: •Improving your self confidence as a working mum and return to work after parental leave •How to determine your strengths •Knowing your strengths and working on these is like lipstick, you need to keep on reapplying •Working from home & being productive with kids in this "new normal" •Importance of having a routine & communication •How mindset is important working from home •Focusing on what you can control during Covid-19 •Discussing our new normal and how this may change the workforce in the future During the episode when we are talking about adjusting to working from home, Emma mentions "if we would not do it in the office, would we do it at home" which is a handy mindset to have. Links mentioned in this episode •Free strengths finder - https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register •Emma McQueen "Work from Home Schedule" Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work. Connect with Emma on Instagram @emmarmcqueen and head to her website for more information. Be sure to get yourself a copy of her new book "Go-Getter".

Looking for ways to stay fit and healthy during COVID-19 then this episode is for you. With so many aspects of our lives feeling like they are out of our control, it is important to then focus on the items that we can. One aspect we can control is our fitness, our health, and our well-being. The good news is that we can still exercise, in our own home AND we don't need gym equipment to do this as today's guest Laura Martin explains. A key takeaway from our discussion is 'focusing on what you can control'. Even though many of us are now living a large proportion of our day at home, it is still possible and very important to remain active. This has benefits for your physical as well as mental health. Often in times of stress, we use food as a comfort. Laura gives tips on healthy eating and a one-day meal plan to help you and your family. We talk about strategies to help you manage your mindset which is so important in times like we are living. This is also where exercise plays a big part as well. Stay healthy and active in mind & body Mumma - if we all work together we can get through this. Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow on LinkedIn Connect with Laura on Instagram @thefitmamalifestyle and head to her website for more information on her programs.

We often hear what it is like for mothers on parental leave and managing career and parenthood, but rarely do we hear from the father. In this episode we do just that! I chat with Blake Woodward, a management consultant and father of two who works part time, 4 days a week. He is passionate about encouraging and enabling working parents to play an active role in their children's lives. When he became a dad in 2016, Blake found a lack of information and support specific to dads who want to be involved fathers. This led him to create www.suittiestroller.com. In this episode we hear about: •Honest experience and feelings in what it is like becoming a dad •Blake's experience in taking 9 months parental leave •Advice for fathers looking to take extended parental leave •The conversation on how he & his wife decided who was going to take parental leave •How Blake's work culture and leaders support fathers to take parental leave and it is now the "norm" •Tips & advice on flexible work •Changing society norms, perceptions and narrative that mum is not the only carer, but both parents •We discuss what organisations should consider to support future workforce needs •And so much more Hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to share it with your fellow working parents managing the juggle of career and parenthood. Links relating to this episode https://www.suittiestroller.com/ http://instagram.com/suittiestroller https://www.facebook.com/Suittiestroller-2173719636020863/ https://twitter.com/suittiestroller Working Mumma https://www.facebook.com/groups/workingmumma/ https://www.facebook.com/WorkingMummaAU/ https://www.instagram.com/workingmumma_au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma/ https://www.workingmumma.com.au/10-step-guide-to-return-to-work

With the theme of this year's International Women's Day, EachForEqual meaning that each person can make a change and create a world where genders are equal. This leads me to today's focus for the podcast and that is discovering your why to help you overcome mum guilt. A topic that we all experience. #EachforEqual, mum guilt is something that is currently not equal and we still have a long way to go. As mothers, we have competing but important priorities in our lives - often the two biggest are work and family. Knowing your why is an important first step in figuring out how to achieve the goals that excite you and create a life you enjoy living (versus merely surviving!). Mum guilt is a term that is regularly used and I think we all live with it. But as someone recently said to me, you integrate this into your life. You don't necessarily get over it, you learn to live with it. I also believe that knowing why you are working and have this understood can help with overcoming the guilt as you know the purpose for why you are doing what you do. Re-framing the thinking beyond the money, into the social, physical and mental well-being may also change your outlook and hopefully with that, overcome some of the mum guilt we all carry. I'm not suggesting it will remove the mum's guilt altogether. Understanding your why of why you work, helps reduce second-guessing yourself and feeling guilty by working. It is perfectly fine to want to work if you want to do so. Like many aspects of parenting, every mother's why is different. What is important, is that you can define this. Know your why for the key priorities in your life. To help you are getting the balance that you want for you and your family.

Wanting to become financially fit to help you and your family? This podcast will help you with financial planner, Keryn Batsilas from Your Life and Money Matters. Keryn talks about her experiences in life as a working mother with two children, starting her own business as a financial planner and great tips to help you have financial freedom. We chat about how her perceptions of parenthood changed with the birth of her first child, how she transitioned from working to parental leave and returning to work, and then onto starting her own business when she was 5 months pregnant with her second child. Keryn giving great tips and suggestions for working parents to allow you to be 'financially fit', cover topics such as budgeting, planning, and budgeting for a family, parental leave and subsequent children, the importance of communication with your partner and advantages of managing your money wisely. Links relating to this episode Connect with Keryn Batsilas, Your Life and Money Matters Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Working Mumma Facebook group - Working Mumma Community Facebook Page Instagram LinkedIn Free resource - 10 Step guide to Return to Work Podcast disclaimer: Keryn Batsilas, Financial Adviser from your Life and Money Matters, is an Authorised Representative of Avalon financial services. Anything Keryn talks about is of a general nature and not to be used as personal advice.

Today I speak with Robyn Miller, who is a medical doctor has spent the past decade helping people from diverse backgrounds in many different places: from Australian cities and country towns to refugee tent hospitals in central Africa. In 2018, Robyn returned to Brisbane to complete her paediatric specialty training. Later that year, she and her husband also welcomed their first child and puppy into the family. Upon returning to work after maternity leave, Robyn, like many women, experienced the struggles of the "mental load". The mental load or emotional labour refers to the endless, but often invisible, planning, organising, remembering of everything that is required to run a household! In most relationships, the majority of this mental load falls to the woman. Robyn realised that to continue to succeed in her professional career, and be a happy wife and mother, she and her partner needed to learn to truly share all this invisible labour. When she couldn't find the any solutions or strategies from googling or from asking friends and colleagues, Robyn drew upon her own skills and experience to develop a unique formula to achieve mental load equality. Somewhat to even her surprise, Robyn's strategy worked and continued to work so much so that Robyn then decided to teach other women via a 6 week online course how to fairly and sustainably share the mental load. During the chat, we discuss all things relating to the mental load as well as Robyn's own experiences in becoming a mother 18 months ago. Robyn gives a great explanation of what the mental load is and talks about the emotional labour vs mental load. A big part of Robyn's work is equalising the mental load at home. We go on to talk about how the sharing the mental load at home can extend into changing stereotypes in society. Robyn shares strategies you can use today with your partner. I love the quote Robyn says during the conversation "working motherhood shouldn't be any harder than working fatherhood". Hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to share it with your fellow working mumma's managing the juggle of career and parenthood. Here is the link to the Emma cartoon we speak about in the podcast: https://english.emmaclit.com/2017/05/20/you-shouldve-asked/ Links relating to this episode Dr. Robyn Miller - The Mental Load project •Website •Facebook •Instagram •Pinterest Working Mumma •Facebook - Working Mumma Community •Facebook page •Instagram •LinkedIn Free guide: 10 steps to return to work

Today I chat with Catherine Ngo. Frustrated with the lack of balanced representation at events, Cathy founded Keynoteworthy as a way to amplify the voices of the 'everyday speaker'. She believed there is no shortage of talent out there and wanted to make it easier for event professionals to find amazing people. Outside of Keynoteworthy, Cathy is a writer in the field of human resources, specialising in diversity, inclusion and thought leadership. She is also an (amateur) comedian and loves to use humour to bring people together. In this episode we hear about: · Catherine's entrepreneurial spirit developed from a young age whilst growing up in a strict Asian family •Understanding of Elizabeth Gilberts career philosophy •Career was a big part of her identity and she left lost when she had her first child •How Catherine found strength in letting go and asking for professional help •Talks about unconscious bias around part time work, especially with Asian background •Advice for going after those career opportunities when you have returned after parental leave •Tips for mothers returning to work after parental leave and managing the juggle Catherine makes a good point as well in reminding us that no one has it all together. A key take-away from the podcast is living by what makes you happy. Hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to share it with your fellow working mumma's managing the juggle of career and parenthood. Links relating to this episode Keynoteworthy https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ngo-communications/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/keynoteworthy/ https://keynoteworthy.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/keynoteworthy/ https://www.instagram.com/keynoteworthy/ Working Mumma https://www.facebook.com/groups/workingmumma/ https://www.facebook.com/WorkingMummaAU/ https://www.instagram.com/workingmumma_au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma/ https://www.workingmumma.com.au/10-step-guide-to-return-to-work

Today I chat with Tegan Rose, who is a business owner and working mother of 3 young children. She has worked in the HR space for many years and is passionate about supporting businesses to grow and thrive through good people practices, which in turn helps contribute to a productive and successful community. Tegan also serves on the Board of a local charity which provides crucial assistance to those less advantaged in the community and spends her limited free-time tackling the walking and running trails with friends in the beautiful Dandenong ranges and surrounds. In this episode we hear about: •Tips, tricks and advice from a HR expert •How Tegan transitioned from career to motherhood and she manages the juggle •Learn how Tegan & her partner thought were busy in their 20s and nothing compares to life now with 3 kids! •Why Tegan needed to be 'mentally busy' whilst on maternity leave •Advice on using your 10 Keeping in Touch days •Suggestions on how to negotiate flexible work with your employer •Great tips for women returning to work after parental leave •Trends relating to flexible work and parental leave (great insights for employers) •Tegan's view on Work/Life integration As Tegan reminds us during the conversation, "some days aren't always going to be as you plan - and that's ok". Hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to share it with your fellow working mumma's managing the juggle of career and parenthood. Links relating to this episode Tegan Rose / The HR Dept Connect with HR Dept on Facebook The HR Dept website Connect with Tegan Rose on LinkedIn Connect with the HR Dept on twitter Connect with Working Mumma Facebook group - Working Mumma Community Facebook Page Instagram LinkedIn Website Free resource Free resource - 10 Step guide to Return to Work

Looking to improve your mindset and approach to money at the start of the year? Then this podcast is for you and your family. Today I chat with Lily Hii, who is a bookkeeper and money strategist. She is a self-confessed numbers-nerd, focused on helping small business owners create an entrepreneurial mindset and a pathway for financial freedom. During our chat we covered a range of topics from money mindset, family budgeting, knowing your why to help overcome mum guilt and her own experiences of being a mum. In this episode we hear about: •Lily's experiences in becoming a mum, her challenges and how she overcame these •How to have an open mindset with money •Tips to help talk about money with your partner •Advice on how to improve financial situation and relationship with money •The importance of knowing your "why" as a working mother Hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to share it with your fellow working mumma's managing the juggle of career and parenthood. Links relating to this episode Connect with Lily Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Working Mumma Facebook group - Working Mumma Community Facebook Page Instagram LinkedIn Free resource - 10 Step guide to Return to Work

Welcome to the first episode of the Working Mumma podcast - a show that provides real-world tips, tricks and advice to all working mothers (& fathers) on how they can have a career, family and hopefully one day break the glass ceiling. My name is Carina O'Brien, a fellow working parent trying to manage the juggle. As this is the very first episode, I wanted to first of all say WELCOME! I also share with you a little about Working Mumma and myself, what inspired me to start this podcast and give you a short overview about what to expect in the future. I look forward to going on this journey of navigating career and parenthood with you. Please take a few seconds to leave me a review and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. As you are listening to the episode, be sure to take a screen shot, upload it to social media and tag me @workingmumma_au so I can give you a shout out. Have a great week and look forward to speaking to you again soon.