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In this first anniversary episode of the Miracle Working Mums podcast I reflect on the 31 episodes I have presented so far and highlight some of the key themes and lessons learned. These themes include the resilience of working mums, the importance of support and understanding in the workplace, overcoming organisational and societal barriers, the need for representation and leadership, creating supportive networks and communities, and redefining fatherhood.
I am going to take a little break from recording while I reflect and think about what season two will sound like. If you have any ideas or would like to share your story, please email me: [email protected] and you can still find me on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Thank you for listening along, I have LOVED sharing these stories, to my guests thank you again for trusting me with your stories and I look forward to bringing more stories to you soon.
TakeawaysWorking mums are resilient and capable of balancing their personal and professional lives.Support and understanding in the workplace are crucial for working mums to thrive.Organizations and society need to reduce barriers and create more equitable policies for women.Representation and leadership are important for diverse perspectives and better outcomes.Creating supportive networks and communities can provide a sense of belonging and help navigate challenges.Fathers play a vital role in supporting working mothers and promoting gender equality.Redefining parenthood to include fathers is essential for societal change.Both parents should feel empowered to take on parenting responsibilities.Engagement with the podcast can help reach more women and make them feel less alone. -
Emily Dent, a partner in the innovation and transformation consultancy &Us, shares her journey of balancing career and family. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and acknowledges the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. Emily discusses the pressure to have it all and the need to redefine societal expectations. She also highlights the physical and hormonal toll of pregnancy and the lack of understanding and support in the workplace. Emily shares her experience of transitioning to freelance work and eventually becoming a partner in her consultancy. The conversation covers topics such as socialization of children, creating an equitable workplace, the importance of dialogue, and redefining success. She emphasizes the importance of treating people like adults and tailoring work arrangements to individual needs. Emily also talks about her approach to growth in her consultancy and the value of creating a supportive and inclusive culture. She highlights the need for open dialogue and collaboration in both the workplace and at home.
Takeaways
Building a supportive community is crucial when living far from family.Women in male-dominated industries face challenges in balancing career and family.Societal expectations of having it all can be overwhelming and lead to a lack of confidence.Pregnancy and postpartum experiences are often misunderstood and not adequately supported in the workplace.Transitioning to freelance work can provide more flexibility and control over work-life balance.Having male allies and supportive colleagues can make a significant difference in career opportunities.The COVID-19 pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on work and family life. Lack of socialization can have a significant impact on children's development.Treating people like adults and tailoring work arrangements to individual needs is key to creating an equitable workplace.Open dialogue and collaboration are essential for creating a supportive and inclusive culture.Redefining success as making a positive impact and leaving a legacy.Growth should be focused on creating the right environment and organization, rather than pursuing growth at all costs.Equity at home requires ongoing dialogue and sharing of responsibilities. -
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In this conversation, I talk to Jesse Conflon, co-founder at Yay Startup Marketing, about her journey as a parent and entrepreneur. We discuss topics such as career expectations, challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in parenthood, fertility treatment, and work-life balance. Jesse shares her experiences of running her own business while planning for parenthood and the importance of having a supportive partner. We also explore the division of labour in same-sex couples and the benefits of proactive and equitable parenting. In this conversation, Jessy shares her experience with postpartum depression and how she realized what was happening. She discusses the challenges she faced in the early weeks of motherhood and the impact it had on her mental health. Jessy also talks about how she managed to find balance between her career and parenthood, including going back to work and seeking therapy. Finally, she shares her thoughts on how organizations and society can reduce barriers for women, including acknowledging the hormonal changes women experience, providing support for fertility treatments, and creating policies that support pregnant employees. TakeawaysCareer goals and aspirations may change as life circumstances evolve, and it's important to be open to new opportunities.The LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges when it comes to parenthood, including limited access to fertility treatments and unequal treatment compared to heterosexual couples.Starting a business while planning for parenthood requires careful consideration of work-life balance and the need for flexibility.Postpartum depression can be challenging to recognize, but it's important to seek help if you're experiencing symptoms.Finding balance as a working mum can be difficult, but it's important to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.Organizations and society can reduce barriers for women by acknowledging the hormonal changes women experience, providing support for fertility treatments, and creating policies that support pregnant employees.It's important to create a supportive and understanding work environment that allows women to be their authentic selves and navigate the challenges of motherhood.
You can find out more about Jessy's business here: https://yaystarter.com/
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In this episode I talk to tech founder and CEO of XigXag, Kelli Fairbrother. Kelli is a force of nature; her trailblazing personality, passion and intelligence just burst out of this episode and it was really fun to record. Kelli shares her journey from her ambitions as a young adult to her experiences in the army and at McKinsey. She discusses the challenges and expectations of motherhood and the decision to leave her corporate job to found her own tech business. Kelly also introduces XigXag, an audiobook platform that aims to make books more accessible with offers a unique listen and read experience and innovative pricing structure. Kelli also shares her approach to achieving equity at home and the benefits of having a progressive relationship. She highlights the need for more women to be represented in all levels of organisations and society, to remove barriers for women and underrepresented groups. Kelli encourages individuals to stand up, take on leadership roles, and work towards a more inclusive society.
https://xigxag.co.uk/
Takeaways:
Balancing work and motherhood requires setting boundaries and prioritizing tasksWorking moms are efficient, multitasking, and highly capable of delivering resultsThe transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship can provide more control over work-life balanceXigXag is a digital book platform that offers a unique listen and read experience, making books more accessible and sustainable. Encourage reading by providing access to a variety of booksChoose your own team to align incentives and find fulfillmentAchieve equity at home by dividing labour and promoting independenceIncrease representation of women and underrepresented groups in positions of authority -
In this episode Helen Cammack shares her fascinating story, which synthesises her Oxford PPE intelligence, corporate experience and adoption experience to create the Preparental financial modelling tool. Its one of those things that, when you hear about it you can't believe it doesn't already exist. https://www.preparental.com/ TakeawaysHaving open and honest conversations with your partner about your desires and concerns regarding parenthood is crucial in making a decision.Planning and preparation can help alleviate anxieties and fears about becoming a parent.There is a lack of resources and support for individuals and couples who are considering parenthood, particularly in terms of career planning, financial planning, and childcare options.Reducing barriers for women in the workplace, such as implementing flexible working arrangements, can support their decision to become parents and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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In this episode of the Miracle Working Mums podcast I chat to Lucy Heavens about whether there is ever a 'right time' to have kids and the differences she experienced of being a teen mum versus a mum a second time twelve years later. Lucy is VP of Marketing at Salv and a mother of two. She discusses the support she received from a young mums group and the importance of inclusion. Lucy also talks about her career progression and the pressure she felt to conform to societal expectations. She reflects on the struggles and pressure she experienced with her second child and the impact of information overload on parenting decisions. In this conversation, Lucy emphasizes the importance of building employee wellness and benefits around the specific needs of parents. Lucy also highlights the value of lived experience and the benefits of having individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives involved in decision-making processes. Support and inclusion are crucial for young mums to navigate the challenges of motherhood.Societal expectations and judgment can impact a young mum's self-esteem and sense of identity.Curiosity and asking for help are essential for personal and professional growth.There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and it's important to trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your family. Personalized support is crucial for working parents, as each individual and family has unique needs and circumstances.Building employee wellness and benefits around the specific needs of parents can greatly enhance their experience in the workplace.Including individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes can lead to more effective and inclusive support for parents.Listening to employees and asking them what they want is essential for providing meaningful support and addressing their needs.Organizations should strive to remove barriers for working parents and create an equitable environment that supports their professional and personal lives.Having a support network in place is important for working parents, as it provides emotional and practical assistance during challenging times.
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Helena Rivers, Net Zero Leader at AECOM for Europe and India, discusses her career as an engineer and the challenges of balancing work and family life. She shares her experiences of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the barriers women face in engineering. Helena also talks about the importance of support and attitudes in the workplace, as well as the impact of career choices on family life. She emphasizes the need for patience and allyship in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in engineering.Women in engineering face barriers and biases in a male-dominated industry.Supportive attitudes and policies in the workplace are crucial for women balancing career and family.Career choices can have a significant impact on family life, and trade-offs may be necessary.Patience and allyship are essential in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in engineering.
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Nicky Lowe, an executive coach and founder of Luminate Group and Wisdom for Working Mums, shares her journey of balancing career and motherhood. She discusses her early career expectations and the challenges she faced in the corporate world. Nicky also talks about the lack of role models and support for working mothers in her industry. She shares her experience of dealing with adrenal fatigue and how it led her to prioritize her health and well-being. Nicky emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-care in navigating the challenges of motherhood and career. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities for working mothers, emphasizing the need to shift from a mule mentality to adding value and recognizing the power of female energy in the workplace. It also highlights the importance of supporting women's wellbeing needs and creating equity in relationships and parenting. The conversation concludes by discussing the need for improved support systems for working mothers. www.luminate-group.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/wisdomforworkingmums/ Some key takeaways:Balancing career and motherhood requires a mindset shift and a focus on self-care.Lack of role models and support for working mothers can make it challenging to navigate the corporate world.Prioritizing physical and mental well-being is crucial for long-term success and happiness.Building a support network and setting boundaries are essential for managing work and family responsibilities. Shifting from a mule mentality to adding value is crucial for career progression.Embracing female energy in the workplace is essential for creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce.Recognizing and supporting women's wellbeing needs is necessary for a healthy work-life balance.Creating equity in relationships and parenting requires open communication and shared responsibilities.Improving support systems for working mothers is crucial for their success and overall wellbeing.
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In this episode, Tony Darwall, a compliance consultant and Head of London Markets at ICS, shares his experience as a father and how he balances his career and family life. He discusses his career progression in the insurance industry and how he unexpectedly became a dad at the age of 30. Tony emphasizes the importance of being involved in parenting and breaking down gender stereotypes (Tony was the OG TW&T). He also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a blended family and the changing dynamics as his children grow older. Tony believes that organizations should recognize dads as equal partners in parenting and support their involvement. He concludes by discussing the meaning of fatherhood and the joy he finds in being a dad. The highlight for me though was the secret to the perfect risotto.
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In this conversation, Fiona, a Managing Director and Independent Non-Executive Director, discusses her experience as a working mother. She shares insights into her career path, the importance of role models, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Fiona also reflects on attitudes towards pregnant women in the workplace and the changing role of fathers. She highlights the need for flexible parental leave options and the impact of parenting decisions such as having a nanny and choosing whether to breastfeed on returning to work. In this conversation, Fiona discusses various aspects of parenting, decision-making, vulnerability, and work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of personal choice in parenting and advises that you are best placed to make decisions about your own family and that once a decision is made, be confident in sticking to it and ignore perceived judgment from others. She also reflects on the vulnerability experienced when returning to work after maternity leave and the need for support and understanding in the workplace. Fiona shares her experience of taking a role abroad and the challenges and rewards it brings to her family. Finally, she highlights the importance of appreciating individuals for their unique contributions and avoiding assumptions based on personal experiences. Key takeawaysThe transition to parenthood is a unique journey for each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.Having a supportive network, including family and role models, can greatly influence a person's experience as a working parent.Attitudes towards pregnant women in the workplace have evolved, but there is still progress to be made in achieving gender equality and eliminating judgment.The role of fathers in parenting has become more prominent, with many dads taking on supportive and involved roles.Flexible parental leave options can benefit both parents and children, allowing for a better work-life balance. Parenting is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong approach. It is important to respect and support each other's decisions.Returning to work after maternity leave can make individuals feel vulnerable. It is crucial for employers and colleagues to be understanding and provide support.Taking on new challenges, such as working abroad, can be a rewarding experience for both individuals and their families. It requires open communication and a willingness to adapt.Appreciating individuals for their unique contributions and avoiding assumptions based on personal experiences is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics02:33 Career Path and Parenthood09:30 Transitioning to Parenthood11:48 Maternity Leave and Returning to Work18:14 The Importance of Role Models23:01 Attitudes Towards Pregnant Women in the Workplace29:18 Supportive Family and Role Models37:53 The Changing Role of Dads42:08 Flexible Parental Leave43:08 Challenges of Breastfeeding and Returning to Work44:17 Different Approaches to Parenting45:18 Limited Reading and Personal Parenting Advice46:15 Vulnerability and Decision-Making48:21 Self-Doubt and Delegating Responsibilities50:31 Taking a Role Abroad52:34 Balancing Work and Family Life56:17 Appreciating Individuals and Avoiding Assumptions
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Today I share the story of Louise Cornish, who is the mum of two young boys and a fitness coach specialising in postpartum fitness. Louise studied Economics at Oxford and dabbled with career options in investment banking, where even as an intern she experienced some of the misogyny which is often associated with the industry. Louise has a really interesting career journey which combines her strengths and passions of your more typical "work skills" with a passion for being active. Louise decided to make the plunge and launch her own business after her mat leave following her second son in 2018 when her employer was unable to agree a flexible working arrangement for her so she could work from home one day per week. Yes you read that right, just five years ago, career choices were limited if you wanted to have the flexibility to work from home even just once a week. You just have to listen; Louise is enthusiastic and engaging and if you would like to know more about post-partum fitness you can find out more on instagram @louisecornishfitness or https://louisecornishfitness.com/
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This week I talk to Minke Van Til who works for an all-female charity, Ella's. Minke and the team at Ellas work with traumatised and marginalised survivors of trafficking and exploitation, as well as their dependent children. Many of the women have been abused from a young age. Nearly half are refugees or asylum seekers. Most have complex mental health needs. They face many barriers to accessing the support they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free for themselves and their children. Without vital support from Ella’s, many of these families could fall back into danger. Ella's does everything it can to ensure survivors of trafficking and exploitation have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free. Their new Children and Families Caseworker will support survivors who are mums as they raise children while themselves recovering from the trauma they've been through. The caseworker will also provide direct support for children, as well as organise parents and family activities and referrals to other services. This Christmas if you have a spare £1, £5, £10, £20, £50, £100 or £500 please consider donating to support the work of Ella's and it you donate before Tuesday the funding will be doubled as part of the Big Give campaign. Links below ! And if you are listening after Christmas you can still contribute to their insanely meaningful work. Minke is definitely a Miracle Working Mum / wonderwerkende moeder
https://www.ellas.org.uk/
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002RXsnJAAT
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This week we hear the second half of Jane Carmichael’s story. The family is living within the wire on a closed-down base when she finds another opportunity to use her words for good. Jane experiences working remotely pre-pandemic, before the now well-trodden path of agile working was a thing, and it was very hard! Jane also sends her girls to boarding school, which is a great privilege but also a tremendous hardship. The cost of childcare was prohibitive to working outside the home when the girls were little, which has definitely reduced Jane’s ability to maximise her economic potential. But I leave this episode thinking that if being an Army Wife was a career of its own then Jane would be the CEO.
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This podcast features Jane Carmichael, who is a powerful storyteller with a vocation to use words for good. She is a writer from within her bones and this surfaces at every opportunity in her life. Jane's career has many twists and turns due to being an "army wife" and regularly having to relocate, but she always finds another opportunity to use words for good. This episode was over an hour and a half long so to do it justice I have made it into two-parts, and after two parts we are still only just scratching the surface. I am going to stop summarising our conversation here - you just need to listen. It is golden.
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Today I talk to Laura Harvey, a director at the Davies Group. Laura joined the Davies group aged 18 with no clear direction, apart from one day wanting to have a family. Despite this, she rose through the ranks and also met her husband within the same organisation. Laura and her husband had planned to become birth parents but this was not to be for them and in 2021 they adopted a pair of siblings aged 3 and 4, at the time. Laura's story is a great one to listen to to head about the path to adoption and it has made me wonder, when families are more intentional about welcoming children to the team, whether they are more successful in achieving a more equitable distribution of parental responsibilities. Have a listen and let me know what you think! Kind words for my guests are always welcomed so please do comment below.
National Adoption Week was earlier in October, this year it was the 16th-22nd; here are some more resources regarding adoption if it is something you are interested in finding out more about: https://www.pac-uk.org/
There are statutory rights given to adoptive parents which you can read about on the Gov website, but why not also talk to your workplace to find out how they are able to enhance the experience and support adoptive parents?
https://www.gov.uk/adoption-pay-leave
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This week I speak to Vona Aghoghovbia-Ezichi, Managing Director, Head of Finance Europe & APAC at Nuveen, an Asset Management firm. Vona is a force, taking control of her own future with her three-yearly life check-ins, but finding out that when it comes to becoming a mum, there are some things you can't control. Vona tells me that when she saw someone who looked like her doing what she wanted to do it gave her the confidence that she needed to recognise her own value and to go for it. I am so happy to be able to share this story of a truly phenomenal miracle working mum.
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In this episode I talk to Reverend Rebecca Amoroso, whose mother, Bianca, arrived in England at Tilbury Docks from Trinidad in order to embark on a career as a nurse in the NHS. Rebecca became a mum to her son in-between finishing her A-levels and going to university, which was younger than most of her friends but became another wonderful opportunity in her life. Rebecca identifies the lack of affordable childcare as a barrier for women who want to return to work or study after becoming a parent and doubts she would have been able to access university education if it had not been for the grant system that was available to her. She also notes how taxing the path to ordination is for mothers of young children, especially as the hours of a vicar are often unsociable. Rebecca loves to seize a new opportunity and makes the best of any situation by following the mantra 'bloom where you are planted', inspired by her mother. We also salute Floella Benjamin as Black women who have made a difference to the lives of many and in particular to Rebecca in her life by being visible role models, and unashamedly being themselves.
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Today I am talking to Lyle Steffenson, who grew up in Apartheid South Africa before moving to Australia. Lyle is a mum of four in a blended family, but until a few years ago was raising her children by herself. As a single mum, Lyle still managed to carve out a career for herself in insurance, protecting some of the most vulnerable people in her community. Her story is very moving and you just need to listen! During this Black History Month, I am definitely saluting Lyle who is an incredible role model professionally and as a mum.
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This week I speak to Eleshia Harris about her personal wellbeing journey and how the stress of her role in investment banking was preventing her from conceiving. In fact we talk a lot about how stress impacts women's bodies in general, and how we can harness our hormonal cycles to our best advantage.
We also celebrate Black History Month which, in the UK, is celebrated throughout October. This year the theme is 'celebrating our sisters' so I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the amazing positive impact Eleshia has had on her community and with her clients.
https://www.eleshialifestyle.com/
Eleshia also encourages everyone to read the inspirational story of Cicely Tyson by reading her book 'Just as I am' which is available in Waterstone's and through your local independent bookstores.
https://www.waterstones.com/book/just-as-i-am/cicely-tyson/9780062931061
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Gemma Livermore and her partner Claire co-parent six children in their blended family. Gemma is the International FS Marketing Lead for a sales enablement software company called Seismic, and the Founder of the Women of FinTech network. At heart she is an anthropologist who loves people's stories and connecting dots, so no wonder the universe brought us together! She has a fascinating story so listen and enjoy!
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