Working Mumma

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 

You think the school drop-off is tough in the city? Try doing it with two kids, 170 acres of farmland, no running water from mains, and a 90-minute commute to work.  I chat with Lisa Judson, a working mum of two living in regional Western Australia. Lisa shares what life is really like juggling career, motherhood, and a farm, all without access to city conveniences like town water, rubbish collection, or nearby daycare. As Lisa comments "my parents are only an hour away" - a relative short distance for the country.  Lisa is so well organised, built a great community around her, and she has a great approach to working mum life with so many great tips that are useful regardless if you live in the city or country.  We dive into: The logistical juggle of long commutes, limited childcare, and off-grid living How Lisa returned to full-time work with two kids under five Why community care and asking for help are survival strategies, not weaknesses The importance of good communication, systems, and flexibility in rural working motherhood Whether you live in the city or the country, this episode will leave you with new ideas, empathy, and a reminder: working mums are stronger than we realise – especially when we stop trying to do it all alone.   Episode links Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn  Connect with Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn and check out the website for free resources. 

Is childcare worth the cost when most of your paycheck goes straight to daycare fees? In this powerful episode, financial advisor and mum of two, Deline Jacovides, opens up about how much she and her husband have spent on childcare over seven years, and why, despite the eye-watering figure, she’d do it all again. We unpack the true cost of childcare in Australia, the long-term impact on women’s careers and superannuation, and the often-overlooked benefits, like career progression, independence, and child development. Deline also shares how she and her husband juggled part-time work, subsidies, and even brought in an au pair to make it all work. This is the honest childcare conversation every working parent needs to hear. Whether you're navigating daycare decisions now or planning for the future, you'll walk away with insights, budgeting tips, and the reassurance that your sacrifices today are an investment in your family's tomorrow. What You’ll Learn: How Deline spent six figures on childcare and what she got in return The financial and emotional trade-offs of early childhood education How to budget for childcare, including fee increases and cashflow planning The career, superannuation, and identity costs of opting out of work Why childcare is a family cost, not just a mother’s burden How legislation has (and hasn’t) helped affordability for families   Show links: Connect with Deline on Instagram @maziwealth Listen to the previous episode of the Working Mumma with Deline "Managing the financial impact of motherhood with financial planner Deline Jacovides"   Connect with Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina O’Brien chats with Beatrice Toh, mother of 3 and founder of Hey Doodle. Beatrice shares how a career pivot during COVID turned redundancy into opportunity, sharing very openly her experiences of building a global business from her kitchen table, and what it’s really like managing the juggle of entrepreneurship with three young kids. Beatrice opens up about the raw realities of business and motherhood, between nap times, during night shifts, the skipped maternity leave, and the joy of watching her kids thrive alongside her brand.  Today, Hey Doodle is stocked in over 850 stores and is expanding internationally, all while staying true to the values that matter most: family, creativity, and fun. Beatrice’s story is raw, real, and full of helpful insights for any mum dreaming of more, whether it’s flexibility, creativity, or starting your own business.    Episode links  Check out HeyDoodle website or connect on Instagram @heydoodle_ Connect with Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn and check out the website for free resources. 

Returning to work after maternity leave is a major life transition, and for many women, it’s a moment of hope that quickly turns into disillusionment with their manager and/or employer. For Elise Slavin, her return came with rigid demands, unrealistic expectations, and emotional burnout. Despite clear communication with her employer, she was expected to ramp up to full-time hours, 5 days a week within three months of returning after parental leave, secure extra childcare in an impossible timeframe, and show up as if nothing had changed. From feeling invisible and bullied to walking away from a company that didn’t value her as both a professional and a mother, Elise opens up about the burnout she experienced, the boundaries she built, and how she finally found balance in a role that truly supports working parents. We explore the emotional and practical challenges of the return-to-work period, why part-time work is just as impactful, and how the right manager and mindset can completely transform your career and confidence. Whether you're preparing to return to work or reflecting on your own transition, Elise’s story will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered.   Connect with Elise via LinkedIn  Connect with Working Mumma via LinkedIn, Instagram or connect with Carina on LinkedIn. 

Returning to work after maternity leave is a huge transition, physically and emotionally. Your body has changed, your lifestyle has shifted, and your wardrobe? It probably doesn’t reflect the confident, capable woman you are becoming. In this episode, Carina chats with personal stylist Lisa Stockman about how clothes can influence your confidence, how to rebuild your wardrobe without breaking the bank, and the mindset shift mums need when rediscovering their personal style. Packed with actionable tips, this episode is your style pep talk for your next chapter to help you feel confident and capable in the clothes you wear.  What You’ll Learn: How to use clothes as a tool for confidence The power of identifying 3 “style words” before shopping Why it’s okay to let go of your pre-baby wardrobe Lisa’s must-have staples for working mums How to avoid common post-baby style mistakes   Resources & Links Follow Lisa on Instagram: @lisastockmanstylist Visit Lisa’s website: lisastockman.com.au Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity on LinkedIn or check out the website workingmumma.com.au

Let’s be real, you're not just juggling work and motherhood. You're carrying the mental load too: remembering school events, buying birthday presents, packing lunches, and keeping everything (and everyone) running smoothly. It’s invisible. It’s exhausting. And it’s not sustainable. From the silent stress to the constant remembering, planning, and doing, it’s no wonder we feel like we’re running on empty. In this podcast I cover: What the mental load really is, and how it quietly burns us out The default parent trap (yep, you probably know it well) A powerful 4-step strategy to lighten the mental load and reset your home life How to shift from martyr mode to shared responsibility - without the guilt This isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing less and sharing more. You deserve support. You deserve to breathe. So if you’ve been carrying it all and wondering why you’re so tired this episode is for you.     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    

From the spotlight of reality TV to the chaos of raising two young girls, Ash Pollard opens up about how motherhood shook her to the core. In this honest and emotional conversation, Ash shares her journey of identity loss, the pressure to keep performing, and how she’s navigating the raw realities of being a mum. You’ll hear: How Ash landed her first role in TV and why it’s not as glamorous as it seems What shocked her most about early motherhood and the identity crisis that followed Her struggle to reconcile ambition with the unpredictability of parenting How becoming a mum shook her to the core, despite years in high-pressure roles, and sought help in her darkest days to navigate her new world Her honest take on ambition, identity, and why the transition to motherhood is never as simple as it seems Whether you're chasing your own goals or adjusting to life as a new mum, Ash’s story is a reminder that we’re all figuring it out as we go.   Show Links Connect with Ash on Instagram @ashpollard__ and check out the Shaker Bag Mushrooms Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn