Working Mumma

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

When a relationship ends, it’s not just the romantic partnership that dissolves - it’s the version of the life you imagined. For working mums, that loss can feel even heavier. You’re juggling career responsibilities, managing the daily needs of your children, and trying to make sense of an entirely new identity. In this honest and practical conversation I chat with family lawyer, author, and co-parent Gabriella Pomare to talk about how working mums can navigate separation, divorce, and co-parenting with grace and clarity. Gabriella shares her personal story of rebuilding life after separation, whilst raising her son, managing a demanding career as a partner in a law firm, and finding a new identity. We discuss: The emotional reality of separation and identity loss How to communicate with your ex without escalating conflict Setting boundaries that protect your peace (and your children) Strategies for reducing the mental load when co-parenting The power of modeling respect and stability for your kids When to seek professional help — and why mediation can work better than court   Resources & Links  Follow Gariella @collaborativecoparent and see her website for free resources thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au and check out her new book "The Collaborative Coparent"  Follow Carina and Working Mumma @workingmummacommunity on LinkedIn and sign up to receive the free newsletter.   

Are you caught in a constant loop of “I should be doing more”? In this reflective episode, Carina unpacks why the word "should" has become the secret source of guilt for working mums and how to replace it with kinder, more empowering language. Carina explores how should sneaks into our day through social expectations, “good girl” conditioning, and the mental load and shares a simple mindset strategies to help reframe and let go of guilt and reclaim control of your choices. You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more compassionate toward yourself, and with a practical strategy to shift from guilt to growth. You’ll Learn: Why “should” fuels guilt and burnout for working mums The link between “should” and the mental load A simple mindset reframe to reduce pressure How to replace guilt with agency and compassion Follow @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast on Instagram and follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. 

What happens when you’re managing a busy job or running a business and quietly going through IVF at the same time? In this powerful episode, Carina sits down with Marianne Marchesi, founder and Managing Director of Legalite, to talk about the emotional and practical realities of balancing fertility treatment and career. Marianne shares what it was really like to lead a growing law firm while navigating IVF during COVID - from countless appointments, injections, and heartbreak, to showing up at work trying to keep it all together. She opens up about being diagnosed with endometriosis, the emotional toll of fertility struggles, and how the experience reshaped her definition of resilience, leadership, and success. Marianne also shares how her journey inspired her to introduce a 12-day reproductive health leave policy at Legalite, setting a new benchmark for workplace support. If you’ve ever wondered how anyone does it all, or felt the silent weight of trying to balance work and fertility, this conversation will make you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. In This Episode, We Talk About: The emotional toll of IVF and infertility while working Managing the juggle of appointments, deadlines, and hormones The power of vulnerability and how it changed Marianne’s leadership style Why workplaces must evolve to support fertility and reproductive health How IVF reshaped her outlook on success, motherhood, and what really matters   MORE LINKS Connect with Marianne on LinkedIn or Instagram @mariannemarchesi or via her website legalite.com.au. Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast or on LinkedIn 

Have you ever caught yourself saying “I’ll just do it,” or “I don’t want to upset anyone,” or you’re simply tired of trying to do it all perfectly?  This episode is your permission slip to stop being the good girl, and start being YOU. Dr Michelle McQuaid joins Carina to unpack Good Girl Conditioning, the pressure women feel to perform perfectly, please everyone, and protect others at their own expense. Drawing on her new research across 1,000 Australian women, Michelle reveals the hidden costs of this conditioning - exhaustion, resentment, and loss of self - and offers science-backed strategies to break free. Together, we explore how this shows up for working mums juggling careers, home, and identity, and discuss practical ways to replace “being good” with being uniquely you.   We chat about:  What “Good Girl Conditioning” is and why it’s it's showing up more than ever The 3 behaviours that keep women stuck: perfection, pleasing, and protection How these patterns show up for working mums at home and work The powerful antidote: self-compassion, secure attachment, and self-leadership Simple nervous system tools to calm your body and respond differently Why “you’re not there yet” might be the most powerful mindset shift of all   Links and resources  Take Michelle’s Good Girl Mindset Survey: thegoodgirlgamechangers.com Follow Michelle on Substack or LinkedIn   Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast or on LinkedIn 

Are you tired of feeling tired? You get through your workday, juggle drop-offs, dinner, and the endless to-do list - yet your mind never switches off. You’re not broken, lazy, or failing. You’re just overloaded. In this powerful conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Kaitlin Harkess explains what’s really happening in your body when you feel burnt out, anxious, and stretched too thin. She shares the neuroscience behind why so many mums feel “wired but tired” with practical, evidence-based tools to help calm your nervous system and find balance again. If you’ve been running on empty, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and equipped with simple strategies you can start using today.   In This Episode, We Talk About: Why modern motherhood has mums constantly stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode How social media fuels perfectionism and guilt What burnout does to your body (and how to reverse it) How to recognise the signs your nervous system is overloaded The role of self-compassion and why mums struggle with it Easy somatic tools to calm anxiety and restore energy Small daily rituals to reset your body and mind   Connect with Dr. Kaitlin via Instagram @@drkaitlin and website wisdomforwellbeing.au and check out her upcoming book "The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Relief"   Connect with Working Mumma via Instagram @workingmummacommunity and the podcast @workingmummapodast or LinkedIn 

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

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping into a whole new world - one where your values, identity, and confidence may feel completely different from before you left. You may look the same on the outside, but on the inside, you feel like a new person.  I chat with Sarah Gibbins, a leadership coach, HR expert, and mum of four, to explore the unspoken truths of navigating career, identity shift, mum guilt, and motherhood. We dive into: The identity shift women experience after becoming mothers Why guilt and “shoulds” weigh so heavily on working mums, and how to let them go The truth about confidence after kids and how to rebuild it step by step Why “balance” is a myth and what to focus on instead How to navigate the return-to-work transition with more confidence and self-belief If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not the same person anymore… and I don’t know who I am now” — this conversation is for you.     Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or her website neonpeople.co   Connect with Carina and Working Mumma via Instagram: @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien and you can sign sign up to the Working Mumma newsletter   

Why are there no senior part-time roles?  What started as a reel with recent guest Emma McLean exploded online with hundreds of comments from working parents sharing frustrations, missed opportunities, and moments of hope about part time roles.  What really struck me was how much emotion and old-school thinking remains towards part time work. For so many working mums, the lack of senior part-time roles isn’t just about jobs. It’s about identity, family, equality, and opportunity. The main barrier to part time and flexible work isn’t logistics or the law. It’s cultural. Too many workplaces still equate hours with commitment, and presenteeism with performance.  But the stories, the data, and the law all show it can work. In this episode, we dive deep into: The barriers and cultural beliefs holding back part-time senior roles Real stories of mums (and dads) facing career penalties for choosing part-time work Where flexible and part-time work is working well, from job shares to international examples What Australian law (Fair Work Act) actually says about part-time work and flexible arrangements The broader impact: missed talent, superannuation gaps, the mental load, and systemic inequality How businesses can rethink leadership, flexibility, and the future of work to support all working parents  This episode is a must-listen for working mums who want both a career and family life, and for leaders who want to unlock talent, improve retention, and create more inclusive workplaces.   Resources & Related Episodes: Prof. Leah Ruppanner on the mental load Deline Jacovides on childcare affordability & superannuation Natasha Janssens on money & confidence Elise Slavin & Laura Stewart on redefining career success after kids Episode with Emma McLean Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Instagram: @workingmummacommunity LinkedIn: Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien Sign up to the Working Mumma newsletter   

Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a transition that unfolds over many months. In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I share my tips and experiences of navigating the messy, emotional, and transformative season of going back to work after parental leave. You’ll hear about: Why treating your return as a transition, not a snap back, changes everything How to set clear boundaries at work and at home (and stick to them) Why “good enough” parenting and working is more than enough The importance of letting go of guilt and perfectionism Practical strategies to make help work possible again, from email signatures to blocking your calendar Why identity shifts are normal, and how to hold onto your identity in the juggle as working mum If you’re a mum preparing to return to work after maternity leave or already in the first year back, this episode is filled with practical tips and encouragement to help you navigate the challenges and embrace this new season with confidence.   Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Instagram: @workingmummacommunity LinkedIn: Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien Sign up to the Working Mumma newsletter 

What happens when you’re caring for small children and aging parents at the same time? This is the reality for millions of women, now called the “sandwich generation.” In this heartfelt episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina O’Brien speaks with author, health journalist, and carer Casey Beros about the emotional, physical, and financial toll of caregiving, and the unexpected personal growth that can come with it. Casey opens up about her journey caring for her dad while raising two young children, the lessons she learned about navigating the healthcare system, and how to advocate for those you love. She shares the honest truth about burnout, guilt, grief, and why self-care often feels impossible, but is vital. Whether you’re already in the thick of caregiving or want to prepare for the road ahead, this episode will leave you with practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom. What you’ll learn in this episode: What it really means to be part of the “sandwich generation” The two essential skills for caregiving: advocacy & system navigation How to juggle emotional, physical, and financial pressures of care Ways to look after yourself when you feel there’s nothing left to give How to support friends and family going through the caring role Why preparation before a crisis is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself Connect with Casey Instagram @caseyberos Check out her new book 'Next of Kind' nextofkinbook Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Instagram: @workingmummacommunity LinkedIn: Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien Sign up to the Working Mumma newsletter   

Motherhood changes everything - our identity, our priorities, our bodies, and our careers. But for too many women, it also brings a cost they never signed up for: the motherhood penalty. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Emma McLean, executive coach, speaker, and founder of Works for Everyone to talk about the Motherhood Penalty, the price women pay and actions we can take today to change it.  We dive into: What the motherhood penalty really is – and why it costs women up to 55% of their earnings Why flexible work is sometimes a trap rather than a solution How school holidays reveal the hidden gender divide in caregiving The confidence and overwhelm crisis so many working mums silently battle Why dads need to step up at home if women are to step up at work The simple strategies you can use to reclaim your inner compass and shift the load Whether you’re returning to work, managing the juggle, or just tired of the system keeping mothers stuck, this conversation will inspire you to think differently and take action.   Connect with Emma: Instagram: @worksforeveryone LinkedIn: Emma McLean Podcast: How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Instagram: @workingmummacommunity LinkedIn: Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien Sign up to the Working Mumma newsletter 

Returning to work after having a baby can be one of the most emotional and challenging transitions in a parent’s life. Then finding the right care can be a daunting task.  In this week's episode I chat with Lauren Parrot, the founder of BubbaDesk and mum of two, about her personal journey from postpartum anxiety to creating a new childcare solution for modern parents.  Lauren shares her insights into why proximity care is becoming increasingly important for many parents, how the current childcare system is failing to meet the needs of working families, and the benefits this model brings for both parents and employers. We also discuss the challenges facing parents in 2025, the future of childcare innovation, and the role policy makers and businesses can play in supporting working mums and dads. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What proximity childcare is and why it matters Lauren’s personal postpartum and return-to-work experience that sparked BubbaDesk The gaps in Australia’s childcare system and why it needs urgent innovation How BubbaDesk is partnering with employers to support working parents The mental health benefits of being close to your baby during work hours MORE LINKS Connect with Lauren on Instagram @bubbadesk or website bubbadesk.com Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity and the website  www.workingmumma.com.au or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien/   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW  If you loved this episode, please take a moment ot subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more working mums who need this resource to help them navigate the juggle of career and motherhood. Thanks for tuning in and see you next week. 

Are you feeling exhausted or burnt out from the mental load?  In this episode, I speak with Professor Leah Ruppanner – sociologist, gender equity advocate, and founder of the Future of Work Lab at the University of Melbourne. Leah unpacks the mental load in a way you’ve never heard before - why it’s not just cognitive, but deeply emotional too. If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed, or wondered why you’re carrying so much, this conversation is for you. Leah’s insights are validating, refreshing, and might just change the way you move through motherhood and work. From gendered expectations and the invisible labor women carry, to the societal norms that fuel mum guilt, Leah shares evidence-based insights and practical ways to help you begin to lighten the load.  You will hear about: - The true definition of the mental load (spoiler: it’s more emotional than you think) - Why some mental load solutions don’t work (and what might) - How gender norms are holding us back at home and at work - The real reason mum guilt exists and how to release it - How workplaces can (and must) better support caregiving - What the research says about dads, mental load, and the desire to be more present - Leah’s vision for structural change and redefining care as essential infrastructure   MORE LINKS Connect with Leah via her website www.leahruppanner.com or on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ruppanner-1657a417/ Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity and the website  www.workingmumma.com.au or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien/   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW  If you loved this episode, please take a moment ot subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more working mums who need this resource to help them navigate the juggle of career and motherhood. Thanks for tuning in and see you next week. 

Have you ever felt like becoming a mum meant putting your dreams on hold? You’re not alone. But what if motherhood is instead the start of something even greater? In this deeply inspiring episode, we meet Donna Urquhart, a clinical researcher, mum, and now Guinness World Record holder for running an astonishing 1,400 kilometres across Antarctica after taking up running in her 30s, post-motherhood. Donna’s story isn’t just about athletic achievement. It’s about rediscovering identity, pushing through imposter syndrome, and chasing a dream most people would consider impossible - all while juggling family, work, and training in freezing conditions. She shares how motherhood reshaped her ambition, the systems she put in place to make time for her passions, and how she reframed “sacrifice” as values-aligned decision-making. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re too late to start something new, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired. We chat about: Why Donna started running after becoming a mum to help her own mental health Why motherhood doesn’t mean the end of your personal dreams The emotional and physical challenge of breaking a world record Balancing work, family, and extreme training How values, not sacrifices, guided her decisions The power of community, support, and believing in yourself Real tips for taking the first step toward your next dream This is your reminder: it’s never too late. Motherhood might just be your launchpad.   Show links Follow Donna on Instagram @runantarctica and check out more of Donna's story via her website runantarctica.com   Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  

I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey and unrealistic expectations. Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and how societal expectations contribute to this unrealistic ideal for working mothers. We discuss the significant mental and physical health impacts of striving to be a Superwoman and how you can redefine this moving forward and break free from the cycle.  Renee and I chat about the critical role employers play in a mother’s return to work after parental leave. Renee highlights strategies for businesses to create a supportive environment and retain valuable talent, helping to let go of Superwoman Syndrome in this critical time. She stresses the importance of employers being proactive in discussing entitlements, flexible work opportunities, and creating a supportive culture.  This is an enlightening conversation with many tools, tips, and strategies to support you to let go of the notion of superwoman.    ************************************************************************* Connect with Renee via Instagram @found_learningmotherhood or her website The FOUND program Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien.  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/  

Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just about showing up on day one. The transition starts with you going through a reflective process on your new identity, and what your terms are you want to return back to the paid workforce are. Then comes one of the most important (and often nerve-wracking) steps: the conversation with your manager. In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina walks you through how to confidently and clearly prepare for your return-to-work conversation with your employer. We cover what is important for you, what does returning to work look like for you, flexible work options, how to plan a phased return, your legal rights (including Keeping In Touch days and breastfeeding support), and how to approach the conversation with clarity and confidence. Whether you're 3 months out or just weeks away from returning, this episode will help you take control of your transition, whilst also managing expectations on both sides. 👩‍💻 In this episode, you’ll learn: What to clarify in with your manager before returning Flexible work: 4 types and how to request them How to define your non-negotiables and ideal work week Tips for negotiating return plans and support How to use Keeping in Touch (KIT) days effectively What to do if your company’s policies have changed Breastfeeding and pumping rights at work in Australia Building your confidence and setting boundaries early     Show links Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

There’s a phrase we’ve all heard before: “It takes a village to raise a child.” But here’s something we don’t say enough, it also takes a village to raise a working mum. The “village” that used to exist, grandparents nearby, friendly neighbours, extended family, looks different for many of us. In this solo episode, Carina talks about the often-overlooked truth behind the working mum juggle: we weren’t meant to do this alone. We used to raise children in villages, but today the concept of the village has changed.  During this episode Carina chat's about:  Why the traditional village has disappeared in Western culture The emotional toll of doing it all alone as a working mum Real-life reflections from a recent work trip abroad Practical ideas for creating your own support network Why every village looks different — and that’s okay How to build a village from scratch (even when you're new in town)   Show links Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

"Who am I now" is a question many mums have asked themselves, especially when they are navigating the transition back to work.  I chat with Laura Stewart, mum, former executive leader, and founder of a social enterprise, to unpack her experiences of identity shift (matrescence) and navigating her transition back to work. Laura shares her decision to resign from a senior role while on maternity leave, the emotional process of discovering she no longer fit the career she once thrived in, and the deep internal shifts that followed. From redefining success and letting go of mum guilt, to building micro-systems to support her return-to-work life, Laura offers wisdom, vulnerability, and practical strategies for working mums navigating their own identity transformations. We chat about: Why Laura chose to leave her high-level role after becoming a mum The concept of matrescence and the identity shift no one warns you about Practical systems and hacks for simplifying the mental load Reframing mum guilt and giving yourself permission to grow The importance of communication and redefining partnership How to make space for the new version of you Whether you’re feeling lost, stuck in the juggle, or wondering if you’ve changed, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and not alone.   Episode links  Connect with Laura Stewart on LinkedIn  Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn 

Why do so many women feel uncomfortable talking about money, and how can we change it? Where does this come from? How can we change this mindset? Carina speaks with behavioral money coach and founder of Women with Cents, Natasha Janssens. From escaping war-torn Yugoslavia to becoming an accountant, mortgage broker, financial planner, and now a powerful voice helping women shift their relationship with money, Natasha shares her personal journey and how it led her to focus on the psychology of money to support women. Whether you're returning to work, navigating the cost of daycare, or just trying to stay afloat, remember: this is a season. Give yourself permission to just survive, if that’s where you are. The time for growth will come. You don’t need to know it all. You just need to take the first step and know your numbers. We chat about: Why women often avoid financial conversations How our upbringing, traditional gender roles, and societal norms impact our money mindset The emotional drivers behind financial stress and avoidance Practical steps to build financial confidence (even if you're not a "numbers person") Why understanding your "financial story" is key to making empowered decisions that can also have a positive impact on your children  Tips for navigating money conversations with your partner Superannuation, contribution splitting, and what to know post-maternity leave This is an episode with great tips and advice whether you’re returning to work, navigating childcare costs, working for a few years, or want to feel more in control of your finances to help you later in life.    Episode links  Connect with Natasha: Women with Cents or @womenwithcents Subscribe to the Working Mumma newsletter or connect @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn