Kundra

What can companies learn from countries where parenthood still pushes talent out of the workforce?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa speaks with Claudine, founder of Promama, an Italian startup working to make workplaces genuinely more family friendly. Claudine shares how her own maternity leave experience - marked by silence, lost role clarity, and stalled progression - became the catalyst for building a data-driven solution to a systemic problem.Together, they explore what Italy’s parental-leave reality reveals about workplace culture, why good intentions aren’t enough without structure, and how companies can retain parents through simple but deliberate design choices. This is a rare peer-to-peer conversation with someone tackling the same challenge from a different national, cultural, and policy context—and uncovering lessons that travel far beyond borders.Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or working parent, this episode offers a grounded look at what actually moves the needle when it comes to parental leave, retention, and performance.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:How a maternity leave breakdown exposed a wider, systemic problemWhy nearly 1 in 5 Italian women leave the workforce after becoming mothersWhat “family-friendly” looks like in practice—not just in policyThe hidden cost of losing parents (and why retention is the real ROI)Where companies most often fail—and the low-effort fixes they missWhy flexibility is the single biggest enabler for working parentsWhat it takes to turn personal experience into scalable changeIn this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Claudine & the Career Turning Point03:31 When Maternity Leave Breaks Trust - and Careers09:29 The Data: Why This Is a Systemic Issue in Italy11:48 Building ProMama: From Personal Pain to Platform14:33 The 4 Pillars of a Truly Family-Friendly Company19:26 Retention, ROI & the Business Cost of Getting This Wrong32:36 Flexibility as the Foundation - and What to Change FirstAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and companies that embed equity into their foundations today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of our journey: speaking with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to surface the truths of career and parenting and the tools that make it work.We’re now opening up pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

How do you design a parental leave experience that strengthens performance, reinforces loyalty, and supports seamless business continuity - even when an employee steps away for nine months?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Fanny, Product Manager at Trainline, to explore how a supportive culture, thoughtful planning, and a structured reboarding process transformed her maternity leave into a moment of stability - for both her team and her career.From leadership reassurance and clear expectations, to a dedicated cover and a gentle ramp-back, Fanny’s experience shows how the quality of a leave journey can directly influence engagement, performance, and retention.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Supportive Leadership Behaviours: How honest, proactive conversations with her manager and CPO created clarity, confidence, and psychological safety before she went on leave.Continuity Without Burnout: Why Trainline chose to hire a dedicated maternity cover - and how this ensured smooth delivery, stable performance, and a frictionless return.Healthy Disconnection, Helpful Touchpoints: How low-pressure updates during leave preserved a sense of belonging without pulling her back into work.A Structured, Human Reboarding: What Trainline’s handovers, stakeholder mapping, shadowing and ramp-up period looked like - and why they set her up for success.Performance After Parenthood: How becoming a mother reshaped Fanny’s approach to prioritisation, efficiency, and boundaries - ultimately enhancing her impact.Retention Through Real Support: Why a generous, well-managed leave made Fanny feel more loyal, more motivated, and more committed to contributing long-term.Whether you’re a working parent, HR leader, or manager, this episode highlights how the right structures and expectations can turn parental leave into a powerful driver of stability, satisfaction, and organisational strength.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction & Fanny’s Background03:57 Setting the Scene: Trainline’s Structure & Leave Context05:01 Preparing for Leave: Leadership Reassurance & Expectations09:31 Ensuring Coverage & Business Continuity16:39 Staying Connected: Light Touchpoints During Leave18:25 Reboarding with Care: Structure, Shadowing & Safety20:39 Lessons for Leaders: Loyalty, Performance & ROIAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and companies that embed equity into their foundations today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of our journey: speaking with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to surface the truths of career and parenting and the tools that make it work.We’re now opening up pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

How do you design a parental leave program that supports parents, protects performance, and earns buy-in from managers - all inside a fast-growing tech company?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Cheryl Rubian - former Chief People Officer at Greenhouse, the innovative hiring and onboarding platform. Cheryl is the first HR leader to join the show and the architect behind Greenhouse’s parental leave program. She brings a rare insider perspective: what it takes to move from policy to practice, and how to operationalize people processes in a way that genuinely works for both parents and the business.Inside this conversation, you’ll learn more on:Building While Scaling: How Cheryl designed Greenhouse’s first parental leave program at a time when the company grew from 40 to 180 employees in one year - and what she wishes she’d known earlier.The Missing Link in HR Policies: Why empathy is not enough, and how operational discipline (calendars, checklists, structured touchpoints) becomes the backbone of a successful leave experience.The Ask Gap: The surprising insight Cheryl uncovered when senior women shared what they didn’t feel comfortable asking for - and what HR can do to close that gap.Performance & People: How proactive leave design can reduce business disruption - and why companies that support parents ultimately strengthen retention, engagement, and long-term output.A Practical Playbook for HR: Cheryl’s one-page manager guide, the matching parent-facing version, and how leadership buy-in unlocks organizational alignment.Whether you’re an HR leader, business manager, or executive thinking about parental leave as part of your people strategy, this episode breaks down the real systems and decisions that turn parental leave from an ad-hoc event into a scalable, high-impact practice.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction & Cheryl’s Career Background05:24 Building Greenhouse’s First Parental Leave Program08:27 Why Good People Practices Need Operations - Not Just Empathy12:23 Importance of Highlighting Leave Options17:41 The Business Case: Why Parental Leave Matters for Performance25:14 Cheryl’s Playbook: One-Page Guides, Leadership Buy-In & FlexibilityAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and companies that embed equity into their foundations today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of our journey: speaking with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to surface the truths of career and parenting and the tools that make it work.We’re now opening up pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

How do you create a parental leave culture that keeps performance steady while strengthening loyalty?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Marine, Product Manager at Alan, who shares her inspiring story of navigating motherhood shortly after joining the company - while still in her trial period.We explore how Alan’s culture of radical transparency, coaching instead of management, and proactive planning transformed what could have been a stressful moment into a story of trust, empowerment, and high performance.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Culture of Trust: How radical transparency and open communication made Marine feel safe announcing her pregnancy - even during probation.Continuity with Care: How Alan’s coaching structure and internal mobility planning ensured business continuity without guilt or overload.Human-Centered Flexibility: How consent, autonomy, and empathy guided Marine’s maternity leave experience - from disconnection to extension.The Power of Reboarding: How structured check-ins, a “mum buddy,” and project choice smoothed her return and reignited motivation.Retention by Design: Why Alan’s approach to parental leave is not just kind - it’s a strategic retention and performance driver.Whether you’re a working parent, HR leader, or manager, this episode shows how clear structure and genuine care can make parental leave a flywheel for loyalty and growth.In this episode we cover:0:00 Introduction & Marine’s Background06:23 Announcing the News & Alan’s Radical Transparency09:27 Planning for Continuity – Internal Mobility and Handover15:01 Creating a Guilt-Free Transition18:09 Reboarding with Care - The Role of the Coach and Mum Buddy22:31 Lessons for Leaders - Retention, Culture, and Long-Term ROIAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and companies that embed equity into their foundations today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of our journey: speaking with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to surface the truths of career and parenting and the tools that make it work.We’re now opening up pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

What happens when a manager and her team member sit down to discuss the highs, lows, and lessons of navigating two maternity leaves together?In this special episode of the Kundra Podcast, Podcast host Theresa reconnects with Ines, a Paris-based marketer turned entrepreneur, for a rare two-sided conversation.Together, they reflect on their shared experience at Qonto, where Theresa managed Ines through back-to-back maternity leaves in a fast-scaling tech environment.With humility and honesty, they explore what worked, what didn’t, and how both perspectives - manager and employee - can shape better parental-leave support inside companies.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Empathy in Action: Why simple human check-ins mattered more than any policy.Unspoken Fears: How performance reviews, pay decisions, and timing made disclosure difficult.Reboarding Realities: The impact of returning without structure - and what a better comeback plan could look like.Career Growth After Leave: How open dialogue around ambition and promotions builds trust and motivation.Shared Accountability: Why parental-leave success is a partnership between manager, employee, and company.Whether you’re a manager, HR leader, or working parent, this episode offers an honest look at the messy, human side of maternity leave - and how small, intentional actions can make a lasting difference.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction & Ines’ Background03:26 Two Back-to-Back Maternity Leaves04:37 Feeling Supported - Empathy in Action06:51 The Fear of Announcing Pregnancy08:03 Performance Reviews & Pay Conversations13:00 Reboarding and Career Alignment17:28 Lessons From the Second Leave22:02 The Power of Highlight Moments Before Leave25:54 Creating Excitement and Career Growth on Return30:45 Reflections - Empathy Isn’t EnoughAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and companies that embed equity into their foundations today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of our journey: speaking with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to surface the truths of career and parenting and the tools that make it work.We’re now opening up pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

How do you prepare for maternity leave when you’re leading a commercial organization - and make sure your team, business, and career continue to thrive while you’re away?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Maria, VP of Revenue Operations at Welcome to the Jungle, who shares how she approached two very different maternity leaves - one at a large, established company, and one inside a fast-scaling startup.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Continuity by Design: How Maria built clear handover plans, ownership structures, and expectations that kept performance steady.Coverage Decisions: The trade-offs between redistributing responsibilities internally vs. hiring an interim contractor - and how to evaluate what’s right for your team.Team Empowerment: Why maternity leave can become a leadership accelerator when managed intentionally.Performance & Progress: How Maria aligned objectives, success markers, and performance reviews to protect career growth during leave.Return & Reflection: What “reboarding” looks like in practice - and how stepping away reshaped her leadership clarity and purpose.Whether you’re a working parent, HR leader, or manager, this episode is a blueprint for designing continuity, protecting performance, and turning maternity leave into a moment of organizational and personal growth.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction & Maria’s Background03:03 Setting the Scene - Two Very Different Maternity Leaves04:56 Designing Coverage - Splitting the Team and Empowering Others07:58 The Decision Framework - Objectives, Cost & Continuity13:07 Hiring a Contractor - How to Make It Work23:14 Lessons for Managers - When You Can’t Hire Externally27:28 Preparing for Return - Disconnecting, Reboarding & ReframingAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together — and that companies embedding equity into their culture today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of that journey: conversations with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to uncover the truths of career and parenthood, and the structures that make it work.We’re now opening pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave.To learn more or see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?→ Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkits→ Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership→ Follow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

How do you balance an ambitious international career with motherhood - and what happens when your company builds real support around you?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa speaks with Lalla Elasanty, Operations Development Manager at a global beauty company, whose career has taken her from Indonesia to China, the UK, France, and now Singapore.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Early Career Clarity: How setting bold career goals opened doors abroadSupportive Systems: The role of HR, company doctors, and structured handovers in FranceFemale Role Models: Why seeing other mothers in leadership reshaped her ambitionsMotherhood & Leadership: How embracing imperfection built resilience and sharpened her management styleParental Training Programs: How her company normalized struggles and created community for parentsManager Advice: Practical ways leaders can support team members preparing for leaveWhether you’re a working parent, HR leader, or manager, Lalla’s story shows how motherhood can enrich a career - and how companies can turn parental leave into a moment of growth.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Lalla02:29 Lalla’s Career Journey Across Five Countries04:21 Motherhood and Career Balance07:08 Support Systems and Parental Leave in France09:43 Role Models and Leadership Growth28:30 Advice for Managers Supporting Parental LeaveAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and companies that embed equity into their foundations today will lead tomorrow.This podcast is part of our journey: speaking with working parents, business leaders, and HR innovators to surface the truths of career and parenting and the tools that make it work.We’re now opening up pilot programs for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

What does it take to grow your career at a global tech company while navigating maternity leave - twice?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Deepa Mensinkai, Director of Product Marketing at LinkedIn, to unpack her journey from consulting into tech and the lessons she’s learned as a working mom.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:How Deepa planned her first maternity leave while leading a U.S.-based team from CanadaWhat happened when she returned to a changed role - and the hit to her confidenceWhy self-advocacy is critical for career growth during parental transitionsHow she’s preparing differently for her second leave with clearer goals and sponsorsWhat HR leaders and managers can do to make reboarding more effectiveWhether you’re a working parent, a team leader, or an HR decision-maker, this episode offers real strategies for balancing ambition and parenthood.In this episode we cover:00:00 Deepa’s Career Journey - From Consulting to LinkedIn04:47 Planning Her First Maternity Leave - Setting Up for Success08:31 Returning to a Changed Role - and Rebuilding Confidence12:48 Lessons in Self-Advocacy and Career Conversations20:52 Preparing Differently for a Second Leave27:00 What Companies and Managers Can Do BetterAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and we are the only platform that turns parental leave from an unpredictable cost to a structured investment.We’re have limited pilot spots for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email theresa@kundra.ai for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes

After hundreds of parental-transition coaching conversations, which common insights drive retention and performance?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Rita Bouzaid—Paris-based consultant, former investment banker, and founder of Empowerment—coaching men and women on reintegrating and excelling in their careers after becoming parents. Drawing on her deep expertise at the nexus of leadership and family life, Rita reveals why parental leave must be treated as a strategic transition, not a personal interruption, and how companies can turn it into a talent-boosting advantage.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Patterns in Parental Transitions: The recurring identity shifts and confidence dips that returning parents face—and how to anticipate them.Strategic Reboarding Blueprints: Why a one-size-fits-all checklist fails, and how to design tailored reboarding plans that stick.Importance of Manager Support: How empowering managers with scripts, training, and check-ins transforms the return-to-work experience.Policy Pitfalls to Avoid: The top three missteps companies make when designing leave and return programs.Why ignoring fathers undercuts cultureWhether you’re an HR director, team leader, or working parent mapping your next career move, Rita’s insights will help you transform parental transitions into moments of growth, retention, and stronger team performance.In this episode we’ll cover:00:00 Intro to Rita01:05 From Investment Banking to Parenthood Coaching03:46 Identity Shifts & Confidence Dips: Common Challenges for Returning Parents06:23 Where Companies Go Wrong: Treating Leave as a Pause, Not a Transition08:48 Bridging Process & People: Human-Centric Transition10:12 The 3-Step Framework: Anticipate → Accompany → Anchor15:17 Case Study: Four-Month Reboarding Plan That Ended in a Promotion24:17 Manager Playbook & Final Advice: Silence, Pace, AmbitionAbout KundraKundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and this podcast is part of that journey.We’re speaking to founders, HR leaders, and working parents to better understand what support looks like when ambition meets parenting.The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today.If you're shaping that future — or want to help us build the tools that support it — we’d love to hear from you.—Want practical takeaways from every episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right nowFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What happens when a senior finance leader navigates pregnancy in one of the world’s most demanding banking cultures?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Hemi — Executive Director at JPMorgan and working mother who’s built her career across London and New York. Hemi shares her candid journey through pregnancy in a high-performance finance environment, from her bold request to work from home to the micro-stress of negotiating informal leave policies, all the way to her vision for a dedicated parent business resource group. Along the way, she reveals how proactive flexibility, transparent communication, and inclusive workplace policies empower working mothers (and all parents) to thrive without sacrificing career momentum.If you’re a finance leader, HR professional, or working parent seeking real-world insights on parental leave, career advancement, and building a truly parent-first workplace, this episode is your blueprint.In this episode we cover:00:00 Intro to Hemi01:12 Crossing Cultures: London ↔ New York Journey08:13 Planning for Parental Leave & Handover Practices09:40 Early Pregnancy in High-Performance Finance23:44 A Parent Business Resource Group25:43 Asking for Support: Flexibility & Accommodations30:06 Advice for Leaders & Closing ThoughtsAbout KundraKundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and this podcast is part of that journey.We’re speaking to founders, HR leaders, and working parents to better understand what support looks like when ambition meets parenting.The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today.If you're shaping that future — or want to help us build the tools that support it — we’d love to hear from you.—Want practical takeaways from every episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right nowFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What if you could manage a team member’s parental leave in a way that supports people and drives performance — even if you’re not a parent yourself?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Marion, Head of Product Marketing at Yousign — a high-growth SaaS company based in Paris — for a first-of-its-kind conversation. Unlike other episodes that center around the experience of becoming a parent, this one flips the perspective: Marion isn’t a parent, but she’s a people-first leader who successfully managed a senior team member’s maternity leave.She shares the exact steps she took to plan ahead, secure budget for external support, maintain team performance, and ensure a smooth re-onboarding that helped her team member return with confidence — and outperform within a quarter. From company-wide support structures to manager-led empathy, Marion proves that treating parental leave as a normal part of business leads to better outcomes for everyone.If you’re an HR leader, department head, or founder who wants to future-proof your culture and operations — this episode is your blueprint.In this episode we cover:00:00 Intro to Marion03:48 Yousign’s Culture of Proactive Parental Support07:41 Managing Maternity Leave: What She Did as a Manager09:53 Hiring Help vs. Scaling Back: How Marion Made the Call12:23 Re-Onboarding that Actually Works24:38 Recognition, Promotion, and Trusting People26:52 Advice for Managers: Why Planning is Everything31:10 Final Thoughts: Rethinking What Good Leadership Looks LikeAbout KundraKundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and this podcast is part of that journey.We’re speaking to founders, HR leaders, and working parents to better understand what support looks like when ambition meets parenting.The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today.If you're shaping that future — or want to help us build the tools that support it — we’d love to hear from you.—Want practical takeaways from every episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right nowFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What happens when a company treats parental leave as a strategic investment — not a disruption? In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa is joined by Celine, Director of Sales at Spotify and mom of two, who shares the first truly positive parental leave experience we’ve heard. After years in media agencies, Celine joined Spotify and later took maternity leave with her second child. What followed was rare: a smooth handover, protected career momentum, outstanding business results and not one — but two promotions after her return. We talk about what made the difference: A proactive manager who advocated for herClear ownership over offboarding and reboardingA culture that backs flexibilityIf you're a leader, future parent, HR professional, or someone building a career while building a family — this conversation is your blueprint. Listen now to learn how parental leave, done right, can become a leadership accelerator — not a career risk. In this episode we cover:00:00 Celine’s Career Path 04:07 Maternity Leave as a Career Wake-Up Call 08:12 What Made Spotify Different 13:18 Designing Her Own Offboarding — and Feeling Calm 16:20 Returning With Confidence — and Getting Promoted 21:31 What Support Actually Looks Like 25:38 Why Culture Drives Loyalty and Results About KundraKundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and this podcast is part of that journey.We’re speaking to founders, HR leaders, and working parents to better understand what support looks like when ambition meets parenting.The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today.If you're shaping that future — or want to help us build the tools that support it — we’d love to hear from you.—Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What happens when you're at the top of your game — and the job disappears the moment they learn you’re pregnant?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa speaks with Caroline, a former marketing leader at Klarna and soon-to-be mother, who found herself navigating not one but two CMO job offers while expecting her first child.One company withdrew their offer after she disclosed her pregnancy. Another showed support from the start.With transparency and courage, Caroline walks us through how it felt to have her employment contract withdrawn with the CEO’s words: “Your first job now is to fall in love with your baby and not think about work”, why she chose not to pursue legal action, and what ultimately led her to land the CMO role of her dreams. She shares powerful lessons on how to spot red and green flags in interviews, the emotional toll of her experiences and her decision-making process, and how companies can benefit from investing in top talent in the long-term.If you're a hiring manager, a future parent, or curious about how to attract the best executive talent, this one is for you.In this episode we cover:00:00 Caroline's Career Journey & Pregnancy Surprise01:49 Caroline's Background and Career Path06:19 The First Offer — What Happened When She Disclosed12:07 Why She Chose Not to Sue16:39 The Second Offer — A Supportive Culture24:06 Spotting Red Flags in Interviews28:18 Advice for HR: How to Show You’re Supportive32:35 Why hiring Pregnant Women is still seen as a risk37:13 Reflections and Advice for Future MothersAbout KundraKundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and this podcast is part of that journey.We’re speaking to founders, HR leaders, and working parents to better understand what support looks like when ambition meets parenting.The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today.If you're shaping that future — or want to help us build the tools that support it — we’d love to hear from you.—Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What if becoming a mother didn’t hold back your career — but gave you the skills to lead even better?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Ektaa, Founder and Managing Director of the Coworth Group. After years on the Partner track at global firms like Page Executive, Ektaa became pregnant — and everything changed.Promotion conversations stopped. Visibility faded. Three months after giving birth, she quit her job and launched her own company.In this conversation, Ektaa shares what really pushed her to leave the corporate world, how motherhood sharpened her leadership instincts, and what she’s doing differently as a founder. From pregnancy bias to resilience after giving birth, this episode is full of insight for anyone navigating ambition and identity after becoming a parent.If you’re curious about how parenting skills can fuel business success — this episode is for you.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Ektaa's Journey 01:32 Early Career and Entrepreneurial Spirit 06:10 Challenges of Pregnancy in Corporate Life 12:02 Starting a Business Post-Maternity Leave 17:39 Navigating Bias and Promoting Gender Equality 22:30 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 32:59 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 34:15 Preparing the Business for a Second Child 37:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAbout KundraKundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and this podcast is part of that journey.We’re speaking to founders, HR leaders, and working parents to better understand what support looks like when ambition meets parenting.The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today.If you're shaping that future — or want to help us build the tools that support it — we’d love to hear from you.—Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What happens when you land your dream job in advertising—only to discover you’re also navigating a surprise pregnancy while figuring out parental leave in a new job?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa interviews Eve Maguire, a Senior Strategist with a standout career at ad agencies across New York, London, and now Dublin, having worked with some of the most iconic global brands. With honesty and humour, Eve opens up about balancing a major international move, a new role, and an unexpected pregnancy. From lack of transparency around maternity benefits, to the stress of disclosing pregnancy in a new job and the financial challenges of starting a family, Eve sheds light on the emotional and logistical challenges many of us deal with in silence. If you’re starting to think about the next stage in life and career—or building for the future of work—don’t miss out on these insights and practical tips.About Kundra: Kundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and we’re inviting collaborators, testers, and forward-thinking leaders to help shape what comes next. The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today. Sign up to join the beta → https://www.kundra.ai/  In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Eve’s Journey 00:40 Eve’s Background and Career Moves 01:21 Navigating Maternity Policies 02:03 Researching Benefits Before Accepting a Job 07:49 Revealing Pregnancy at Work 13:33 Financial Planning During Maternity 18:51 Childcare Challenges and Solutions 23:11 Balancing Career and Motherhood 26:47 Advice for Future Parents —Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What happens when a top 1% sales performer becomes a first-time mom — and the system expects her to pick up exactly where she left off? In this episode of the Kundra podcast, Theresa interviews Vanessa Gschwandtner, a sales executive who built her career at LinkedIn, Slack, and now AI startup Glean. Vanessa shares the untold side of maternity leave in high-performance environments: the invisible planning, the identity shift, and the silent loss of confidence no one talks about. From navigating full quotas with no reboarding support to redefining what “success” means after motherhood, Vanessa’s story offers a candid look at the realities many women face — but few workplaces prepare for. Whether you're a working parent, a leader who understands that companies investing in equity see 5.5x higher revenue growth, or someone shaping the future of work — this conversation will shift how you think about career, identity, and real support.  About Kundra: Kundra is currently in active discovery and prototyping — and we’re inviting collaborators, testers, and forward-thinking leaders to help shape what comes next. The companies that will lead tomorrow are building equity into their foundations today. Sign up to join the beta → https://www.kundra.ai/  In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Vanessa Gschwandtner and Her Journey01:24 Career Path and Transition to Glean02:55 Experiences at Slack and Maternity Leave Challenges05:54 Returning to Work and Struggles with Confidence10:13 Balancing Motherhood and Career16:43 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Gender Inequality36:30 Long-Term Career Reflections and Advice42:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts—Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

Why focus on gender workplace equality? Why launch a podcast — and why the name Kundra? In this 7-minute origin story, host Theresa Gschwandtner (former Product Marketing Exec at LinkedIn, WeWork & Qonto) shares what led her to leave big tech and start building a SaaS for change. Hear how a powerful book, personal inspiration, and shocking customer research discoveries sparked Kundra — a podcast for real stories, surprising insights, and actionable ideas to build more equal workplaces.—Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments

What’s Kundra about? In this 4-minute trailer, get a feel for what to expect: real stories of women, leaders, and changemakers driving gender equality at work — with sharp conversations, surprising insights, and actionable takeaways. Hosted by FinTech Exec turned Founder Theresa Gschwandtner. Subscribe now and join the journey.—Want practical takeaways from every episode? Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, episode recaps, and HR toolkits you can use right now Follow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadership Follow Kundra on Instagram for quotes, behind-the-scenes, and daily moments