Mums On Cloud Nine

Are you ready to discover how artificial intelligence can genuinely transform the juggle of family and work life? In this inspiring episode, the Mums on Cloud Nine team welcomes Julia Druck, an AI consultant with a fascinating career journey. Julia shares her path from weapons engineer in the Royal Navy to co-founding the AI consultancy 'Serpent,' and unveils practical, real-life ways you can embrace AI, even if you think you're not techy. Julia reveals her creation of a "Family Command Centre" using user-friendly, low- and no-code AI tools, bringing calm and order to the chaos of family logistics. She and the hosts explore why now is the perfect time to get curious about AI, how to get started without fear, and how your current skills are far more transferable to the world of AI than you think. Whether you're an ambitious mum, a parent managing multiple calendars, or someone looking to upskill and relaunch your career, this episode will spark your motivation and give you tangible tools to build a life you love. Key Points in This Episode: Julia Druck's unconventional career path and how she carved out a place in the AI industry. What exactly a Family Command Centre is and how AI can solve everyday household chaos like school events, appointments and birthdays. The reality behind learning AI as an adult: free courses, bootcamps, and online resources that are actually accessible (including YouTube!). Common fears and myths about AI... and why getting hands-on is easier than it seems. How transferable skills from product management (and parenting) set you up for success in the tech world. Favourite tools and platforms for AI task management, from Lindy, Susama and Todoist to Reclaim. Top tips for time-poor parents on integrating AI solutions for home and career. Julia's Free Guide: https://mumsoncloudnine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MUMS-on-Cloud-NINE-Podcast-AI-agent-resource.pdf  Mentioned in this episode: Lindy (No-code AI agent platform): https://www.lindy.ai/assistant  Susama: https://www.sunsama.com/  Todoist: https://www.todoist.com/  Reclaim: https://reclaim.ai/  Claude: https://claude.ai/login  Comet: https://www.perplexity.ai/comet  YouTube tutorials for Lindy AI: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lindy+ai+tutorial  Craving more inspiration and practical tips? Subscribe for weekly mindset and career guidance, and join a community of women supporting each other in relaunching careers, building confidence, and achieving fulfilment. Find Julia Druck and connect for more insights: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadruck/  If you're ready to banish overwhelm, embrace technology, and empower yourself, this episode is your perfect starting point! For more about Mums on Cloud Nine, the Supermums programme, and our expert directory, visit: Supermums.org Championing the Ambitious Women Mindset each and every week.

What if you could stop saying "I don't know how to do that"… and start saying "give me an hour"? In this episode of Mums on Cloud Nine, Heather, Lynne and Kelly share how they use AI to make lifelong learning easier, faster, and genuinely enjoyable, even if you struggle with focus, motivation, or traditional online courses. We cover: How AI gives you "sticky skills" you can add to your CV quickly Why learning isn't just about work, it's about confidence and momentum in life The moment AI stops feeling like homework and starts feeling like magic Why demos matter: you don't adopt tools until you see what they can really do ADHD learning styles: how to learn in a way that actually sticks The emotional rollercoaster of mastering new tech (and why it's normal) This is a real, funny, practical conversation about staying relevant in a changing job market… and becoming the kind of person who can reinvent themselves whenever they need to. If you've been stuck in "I'll start Monday" mode, this one's for you. 📍 More resources: mumsoncloudnine.co.uk 📍 Explore our training courses: https://supermums.org/ 💬 Tell us what you want to learn next and we'll cheer you on.

Ready to transform your job interview experience and boost your confidence? This week on the Mums on Cloud Nine Podcast, Heather Black, Lyn Constantine, and Kelly-Jace Halls are joined by the inspiring Lani Bass to explore how AI can become your personal career coach. Heather Black introduces Lani Bass, a Supermum alumni who navigated a five-stage interview process with remarkable success, powered by AI tools like ChatGPT. Discover how Lani Bass harnessed technology to build her confidence, prepare for interviews, and even create a custom GPT that you can use yourself. Whether you're re-entering the job market, relaunching your career after a break, or simply want to ace your next interview, this episode is packed with empowering advice, practical tips, and personal stories that will leave you feeling inspired. Key Points You'll Discover in This Episode: How AI (like ChatGPT) can help you prepare for interviews, update your CV, and boost your confidence. The importance of rehearsal and refining your interview answers using AI tools. Building custom GPTs based on your own CV and job descriptions to deliver tailored interview questions and responses. Tips for making sure your CV gets through application tracking systems, without losing your personal voice. How to create presentations in branded colours to impress potential employers. The role of 'personal clones' in capturing your unique tone and communication style. Why having a human perspective alongside AI-generated content is vital. Explore the journey from self-doubt to self-assurance using practical and affordable AI tools, and find out how you can access Lani Bass's custom interview prep agent (details in the show notes). Useful Links: ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ Gamma AI: https://gamma.com.ai/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Lani's GPT: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-695fdf1c0a8c8191baeabb998e2d56f2-gpt-interview-prep Join the conversation, subscribe for weekly mindset tips, and empower yourself to carve out a career and life you love. Brought to you by the Supermums team, supporting women to relaunch their careers since 2016. https://supermums.org/ For links to Lani Bass's custom GPT interview prep tool and other resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes on our website. Ready to step onto your own stage with confidence? Listen now!

Are you ready to sparkle in your career and feel confident as you carve out a life you truly love? Join the Supermums team on this empowering episode of Mums on Cloud Nine, where hosts Kelly-Jace Halls, Heather Black, and Lyn Constantine welcome special guest Kitty Miller, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate life to launching her own ventures. We dive deep into how mums (and anyone relaunching their career) can harness the power of AI to make informed decisions, explore new pathways, and stand out in today's competitive job market. Kitty Miller shares practical, actionable advice from her own experience using AI for career planning, business development, confidence building and personal branding. Discover how large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity can become your personalised career co-pilot. Learn to uncover your superpowers, refine your CV, prep for interviews, and build an authentic personal brand, all while feeling supported and empowered. Whether you're contemplating a career change, returning to work after a break, or just want to discover your next step, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement and useful tips that can transform your journey. Key points covered in this episode: How AI tools can help mums relaunch or pivot their careers Creating a personalised AI "job co-pilot" to guide career decisions Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt when returning to work Using AI to analyse job specs, prep for interviews, and refine CVs and cover letters Personalising your AI settings for honest feedback and critical friendship Leveraging AI for networking, business research, and personal branding Discovering your strengths and superpowers to shine in applications and interviews Practical risk management tips for using AI authentically Why you shouldn't wait until you're "100% qualified" before going for your dream job Harnessing the power of network and mentorship in your career development Links & Resources: Visit the Supermums website for further tips and tools: Supermums Find out more about Kitty: https://maze-ccm.com/about/  Kitty also mentioned StrengthsFinder to find your career strengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx  Join the Supermums community for more inspiration, expert advice, and practical support to help you shine in your career. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our blog for more empowering content! Tune in and begin your journey to confidence, balance, and fulfilment. Let's help you save time and get better results with AI!

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence can support your wellbeing and self-care? This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, Heather Black, Lyn Constantine, and Kelly-Jace Halls are joined by special guest Mitra Memarzia, founder of Wellcast, for an inspiring and practical conversation about how to use AI to support your life as a busy mum, professional, or anyone looking for guidance on their wellness journey. Discover why one in three people are already turning to AI for guidance with health and mindfulness, and explore the real benefits (and precautions) of using AI in your daily routine. Mitra Memarzia shares her entrepreneurial journey and practical tips on how she uses AI Agents to support both her personal wellbeing and her business, demystifying the process for mums who want to make technology work for them. From building new habits and saving time, to navigating the sensitive side of AI in wellbeing and self-care, this episode is packed with expert advice, honest experiences, and encouragement for every woman looking to carve out a life she loves. Key Points in This Episode How AI is already being used by one in three people for health and wellbeing The benefits and risks of using AI in your self-care routine Mitra Memarzia's story of founding Wellcast and how it will personalise fitness using AI Practical ways to set up your own AI agents for daily support Why using your voice with AI can make a difference to mental clarity and wellbeing Tips for busy mums to find time for themselves with the help of personalisation and motivation tools How to stay safe and conscious when using AI, including choosing reputable sources and understanding the limits of technology The importance of balance and the human touch in wellbeing, even in a digital world Resources & Links Check out Wellcast here: https://www.wellcast.life/ Fitness/Health Trainer? Sign up here: https://www.wellcast.life/trainers  Connect with Mitra Memarzia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitra-memarzia-33a1152/  Headspace's empathetic AI companion: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-subscription/ebb  Our mission is to empower women with practical advice, personal stories, and new technology to support your confidence, balance, and fulfilment. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and start building your ambitious women mindset today. Listen now to feel empowered, informed, and ready to make AI work for your wellbeing.

This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, hosts Heather Black, Kelly-Jace Halls, and Lyn Constantine dive deep into the world of AI productivity hacks for budget planning and finances. As part of our 90 day series on AI, we're exploring how everyday mums can use simple AI tools to save time, lower stress, and take control of their finances. From finding bargain deals online, to streamlining mortgage repayments and bringing financial clarity into family life, our hosts share honest stories, practical tips, and tried-and-tested tricks from their personal experiences. Whether you're a spreadsheet lover, a savvy deal-hunter, or simply looking for ways to overcome money anxiety, this episode has got you covered. We discuss top financial apps like Snoop, Cleo, Plum and Emma, and show how they can help couples and families manage money together. Plus, find out why engaging with AI isn't just about saving cash and time—it's about building confidence, relationships and new career skills for the future. Join us to get inspired and empowered to make smarter financial decisions with the help of AI! Key Points in this Episode: Discover AI hacks that can save you up to 3 hours a week on financial planning and budgeting How to use ChatGPT to find discount codes, the best deals and smarter mortgage repayment plans Making spreadsheets smarter: bridging Excel with AI for financial accuracy Must-try financial apps: Snoop, Cleo, Plum, and Emma (https://emma-app.com/) How AI is supporting couples to manage joint finances and reduce money-related stress Tips for overcoming money anxiety and fear with gentle accountability from finance apps Teaching children about budgeting, saving and the value of money with fun AI tools The importance of developing AI skills for family life and future career opportunities Websites & Apps Mentioned: Emma: https://emma-app.com/ Cleo: https://web.meetcleo.com/ Plum: https://withplum.com/ Snoop: https://snoop.app/ ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/  Listen now to start your journey to financial freedom, supported every step of the way by your Mums on Cloud Nine community! Subscribe and connect with us for weekly mindset tips, practical hacks and empowering stories. Let's build a brighter future together. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with any mums who want to feel stronger, clearer and more confident about their money and career!

Are you ready to reclaim precious hours in your week? Join hosts Kelly-Jace Halls, Heather Black, and Lyn Constantine as they dive into AI-powered productivity hacks for meal planning and shopping. This episode is packed with personal stories, helpful tips, and playful banter about how tech-savvy mums can save over 10 hours a week using AI tools. From building smart shopping lists to managing leftovers, discover how real mums are transforming their kitchens and family routines – all while finding extra time for themselves and their loved ones. Whether you're juggling dietary requirements, hunting for quick meal inspiration, or just wanting to avoid those time-consuming supermarket trips, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and inspired to give AI a try. Websites Mentioned: Melia (UK): AI meal planning and shopping integration Meal Match UK: AI-powered meal matching Eatr (focused on healthy eating and calorie counting) ChatGPT (as the primary AI tool used by the hosts) Key Points This Episode Covers: How AI can save over 10 hours a week on meal planning, shopping and food prep Real-life stories from the hosts using ChatGPT to create tailored meal plans and adapt recipes for specific dietary needs Using AI to manage leftovers and create tasty new dishes from what's in your cupboards The pros and cons of AI-powered shopping apps like Melia and others, including budget and organic food considerations Tips for streamlining the weekly shop and curbing overspending in supermarkets (including classic mum wisdom like shopping with a strict list and not shopping when hungry) Embracing voice-controlled AI for hands-free productivity at home and on the go Integrating meal planning tools with mainstream UK supermarkets for added convenience Tune in to start your journey to easier, healthier and happier family mealtimes — and let the Mums on Cloud Nine team empower you to carve out more quality time for yourself. Share your thoughts! We love hearing from our listeners. Drop your comments, suggestions or questions on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe for more weekly tips and stories that support ambitious women and mums. Brought to you by the Supermums team. Supporting women to relaunch their careers and build a life they love since 2016.

Welcome to the launch of Series 8 of the Mums on Cloud Nine Podcast, where we kick off our special SuperMums series with an inspiring introduction to AI. Hosted by Heather Black, joined by the ever-dynamic Lyn Constantine and Kelly-Jace Halls, this episode explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way working mums balance work, life, and everything in between. Get ready for a lively conversation packed with relatable stories, plenty of laughter, and actionable tips to help you harness AI to supercharge your productivity both at home and at work. Discover how the SuperMums community is championing women's confidence as they step into the future of work, and learn how you can embrace technology to carve out the career and life you love. Key Points in this Episode: Why now is the time for mums to embrace AI and how it can give you back precious time Real-life examples of using AI tools like ChatGPT for work, home, parenting, and beyond How to break down barriers to learning new tech, overcome overwhelm, and get motivated The importance of community, support, and confidence in building your tech skills Tips for getting started with AI, including how to find and tailor the best tools for your needs Insights into how AI is already being used in everyday life, often without us noticing Information on how SuperMums supports women to relaunch their careers with tech and AI How you can get involved and share your favourite AI tips and tools Join us as we kickstart our mission to help women harness the power of AI, with support, mindset tips, and practical resources coming your way every week. Useful Links: Find out more and join our community at: mumsoncloudnine.co.uk Stay Connected: We'd love to hear your thoughts and how you're using AI in your life. Connect with us on social media and share your insights and questions: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mumsoncloudnine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mumsoncloudnine  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mums-on-cloud-nine/  Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss upcoming episodes filled with expert advice, personal stories, and step-by-step guides to building a confident, balanced, and fulfilled future.

Are you considering returning to work after a career break or looking to reinvent yourself? Join Kelly-Jace Halls, Lyn Constantine and special guest Julianne Miles, co-founder of Career Returners and author of "Return Journey", for a truly inspiring conversation that will empower you to thrive in your career and your personal life. In this episode, Julianne Miles shares her personal return-to-work story, practical steps for shaping your future, and how her own journey led to founding Career Returners, a social impact organisation dedicated to supporting professionals back into the workforce. Discover how building the right mindset, understanding your strengths, and owning your career break can set you up for lasting success. Whether you're re-entering the workplace, pivoting to a new direction, or simply looking for encouragement, this episode is packed with expert advice, actionable tips, and relatable stories that will boost your confidence and help you carve out the career and life you love. Key Points You'll Discover Owning your return-to-work journey Why mindset is pivotal to a successful and fulfilling career change or return The importance of clarity on your motivations and building your "career compass" Practical exercises for identifying your strengths and values How to reframe your career break as a positive part of your professional story The essential role of self-marketing and personal brand in today's workplace Tools for overcoming inner critics, building resilience, and thriving - not just surviving- after returning to work How "Return Journey" provides clear roadmaps, actionable advice, and stories to empower and inspire Connect & Resources Find out more about Career Returners and join the supportive community at Career Returners website  Don't forget to subscribe for weekly mindset tips and join the Mums on Cloud Nine community for guidance, inspiration, and expert advice. Tune in for personal stories, practical strategies, and the motivation you need to make your next move. Listen now and start your return journey with confidence! Brought to you by Supermums, supporting women to relaunch their careers since 2016. For more advice and resources, visit our blog and expert directory – your destination for confidence, balance, and fulfilment on your career journey.

Struggling with nerves before a presentation or returning to work after a break? This week on the Mums on Cloud Nine Podcast, hosts Heather Black and Lyn Constantine are joined by strategic leadership and communications coach, Natalie Forkin, to explore how you can present with confidence and impact, whether you're chairing a meeting, speaking up in a group, or taking the stage for the first time. Together, they share honest stories about losing (and regaining) confidence, overcoming anxiety, and the importance of starting small. Natalie Forkin offers practical techniques for tackling nerves, from breathing exercises and power poses to preparing deliberately with your audience in mind. The episode is packed with tips on engaging your listeners, structuring your message, handling "death by PowerPoint", and building confidence, step by step. If you want to find your voice, shine at work, or simply feel more empowered as a presenter, this episode is for you. The conversation is honest, supportive, and packed with ideas you can put into action right away. Key Takeaways: Understanding where presentation anxiety comes from—and how to tackle it Simple techniques to calm nerves before speaking How preparation and knowing your audience can make all the difference Why "less is more" in presentations (and avoiding the dreaded wall of text) Building your confidence and finding your authentic voice Join us for inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that presenting with confidence is possible for anyone—even if you're starting from scratch. You can find Natalie on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-forkin-ba398812/ Discover our Supermums courses: https://supermums.org/training/  Subscribe now for empowering stories and mindset tips, and start building the career and life you love.

Ready to embark on a new career path in tech, but not sure if coding is for you? In this empowering episode of the Mums on Cloud Nine Podcast, hosts Heather Black and Lyn Constantine are joined by Sally ElGhoul, an accomplished Elite Salesforce Developer and founder of Code with Sally.  Sally shares her inspiring journey from Egypt to the UK and Canada, juggling motherhood and an ambitious career in development. Together, they demystify what it means to be a Salesforce developer, tackle common misconceptions about coding (you don't need a computer science degree or to be a maths genius!), and explore the skills and attributes that help you succeed in tech. Sally offers honest advice about learning styles, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why curiosity and persistence matter more than technical qualifications. Discover the resources Sally has built to make coding accessible for everyone, including her free YouTube live sessions and blog: 🔗 Useful Links: Code with Sally YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeWithSally  Code with Sally website: https://codewithsally.com/  Code with Sally LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/code-with-sally/ Supermums: https://supermums.org Whether you want to upskill, confidently manage tech projects, or simply understand how coding fits within the wider Salesforce ecosystem, there's something here for you. Tune in for practical tips, real-life stories, and motivational support for women (and mums!) seeking out fulfilling careers in the cloud. Perfect for anyone curious about tech, looking to broaden their skills, or searching for a confidence boost as they navigate work and motherhood. Subscribe now and join a growing wave of ambitious women building the lives and careers they love!  

If you grew up far from the big-city career bubble or you are returning to work after a break, building a network can feel mysterious. In this conversation, Amy Blanthorn-Hazell shares how she went from an intern who knew almost no one in tech to a senior sales leader at Salesforce. Her story starts in a small village in the north of England and evolves into a career shaped by curiosity, initiative, and the right advocates. Amy explains the difference between short-term transactions and real relationships. She talks about giving value first, creating communities when none exist, and asking for advice in ways that make people want to say yes. You will hear how she used simple moves like thoughtful follow-ups, tailored compliments after talks, and one-to-one coffees to turn chance meetings into long-term sponsors. The episode leans into honest moments too. Amy shares what felt awkward early on, how she learned to balance I and we when talking about results, and why the best mentors sometimes start with a single session before committing to more. It is practical, kind, and refreshingly doable. Positioning Yourself For The Next Step Promotions are not made in the room. They are made in the conversations that happen when you are not there. Amy breaks down how to build advocates who will speak up for you when it counts, why timing matters, and how to prepare a clear, business-focused case that leaders can support. We get into the nuts and bolts of promotion readiness. Amy shows how to map your current skills against the next level, gather feedback from managers and peers, and use stretch projects to prove you can operate at a higher band without losing sight of your core results. She also calls out common red flags, like moving too fast before you have shown enough impact. There is guidance on interviews and panels too. From reaching out to interviewers ahead of time to sending an agenda and following up, Amy lays out the basics that so many people skip. The result is a calm, confident approach that helps decision makers see you in the role before the title changes. Practical Moves You Can Use This Week If you are new to networking, start with a clear goal. Amy shows how to target conversations based on what you want to learn, the teams you want to join, or the skills you want to grow. Then she models simple language that shares wins without bragging, invites collaboration, and highlights the people who helped you get there. If your workplace lacks community, create one. Amy describes how she launched a women's foundation group early in her career and why that decision still pays off years later. Small acts like hosting a learning session, sharing a playbook in Slack, or forwarding kind client feedback to your manager can quietly build your reputation. If you are planning to ask for a promotion, give yourself time. Build a short business case, link outcomes to company priorities, and gather examples that show consistent performance in your role plus stretch impact beyond it. Then book the meeting, share your thinking, and ask for clear guidance on what to demonstrate next.

Salesforce RVP Lauren McGuire has lived the full arc of modern sales leadership. She started as an SDR in California, helped build high-performing BDR teams through hypergrowth and an IPO, jumped into AE management at multiple startups, then relocated to London with two young children to scale regional teams. In this conversation, Lauren opens up about what those chapters really felt like and how she kept her family at the center while growing her career. We talk through the early return to work after maternity leave in the US, the adrenaline of standing up outbound engines from scratch, and the reality of being close to the pulse of a startup when you also have small humans who need dinner at six. Lauren shares how a move to the UK reshaped family logistics, school choices, and the friendships that make a new city feel like home. Lauren breaks down the difference between leading inside a large, established company and the all-hands-on-deck energy of startups, including where exposure to decision making is plentiful and where it is limited. She explains her leadership style, why empathy is a performance tool, and how she aligns coaching moments to each person's long-term goals so the tough days still make sense. We also get practical. Lauren walks us through the weekly rhythm that keeps her household running, the role of an after-school nanny, and the simple agreements that reduce friction at home. There is gym time at 6 a.m., shared calendars, planned meals, and just enough spontaneity on weekends to keep it fun. Her final takeaways are clear. Build a structure that fits your life, protect time for your health, and remember that family wellbeing is the foundation everything else sits on. About the show Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics—from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset

On this week's Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges many women face after having children or entering perimenopause: maintaining a healthy weight while balancing everything else in life. Heather is joined by Charlotte Norton, Chief Medical Officer at The Slimming Clinic, who brings both her medical expertise and lived experience as a mum to the conversation. Together, they explore why weight can be so hard to manage, the role of hormones at different life stages, and the emotional connection many of us have with food. Charlotte also explains the health benefits of reaching and sustaining a healthy weight, how to find an approach that fits your lifestyle, and why kindness to yourself is just as important as the strategies you choose. From lifestyle changes and mindset shifts to medical support options, this episode offers a real-world look at the many routes women can take to feel better in their bodies and boost their confidence. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics—from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.

This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, we're joined once again by Rachel Vecht, founder of Educating Matters, for a rich and practical conversation about supporting parents in the workplace. Whether you're an employer designing family-friendly policies, a line manager juggling team needs, or a parent navigating work and home life, this episode offers grounded advice for building a more inclusive and supportive work culture. We explore why parenting brings a unique set of challenges—from emotional load and childcare logistics to identity shifts and persistent guilt and how these experiences can affect performance, confidence, and retention at work. Rachel draws on over two decades of experience supporting global organisations, and shares what actually works when it comes to policy, culture, and peer support. We also discuss the role of flexibility, the importance of modelling healthy boundaries, how to advocate for better support (even during job interviews), and why workplace culture often matters more than what's written in the policy handbook. Plus, we reflect on the emotional impact of good managers, how to avoid assumptions, and why parenting is one of the best training grounds for time management, resilience, and empathy. Rachel shares how any employee—parent or not—can be an advocate for change, and why making space for real conversations is one of the simplest but most powerful things any company can do. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics—from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.

On this week's Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, we're tackling a challenge that shows up in almost every area of life: getting people to truly listen. Whether it's your kids tuning you out, your partner missing the point, or colleagues distracted by a never-ending to-do list, the frustration is universal. Joining Heather for this conversation is Ruth Kudzi, CEO and founder of Optimus Coach Academy, who has spent years teaching coaching skills to leaders, managers, and aspiring coaches. Ruth shares why listening is at the heart of strong relationships, why we sometimes fail to hear each other, and how we can create an environment where people want to engage. They explore the subtle cues that make us feel valued, the role of trust and safety in communication, and how distractions, both external and internal, derail conversations before they have even begun. Ruth also explains how coaching skills, even at a basic level, can improve listening, build stronger connections, and encourage more productive exchanges. The discussion moves from the personal to the professional, with examples of how to approach tricky moments at home, including with children who have boundless energy or short attention spans, and strategies for workplace conversations where timing, tone, and empathy make all the difference. Ruth also offers insight into the training options at Optimus Coach Academy, from short online courses for everyday communication to accredited diplomas for leaders and professional coaches. Whatever your role, she believes coaching skills can help you become more present, more curious, and ultimately more effective in every conversation you have. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics from health and mindset to money and career growth. Episode Highlights Why people sometimes fail to listen and how trust, safety, and feeling valued influence communication. The role of distractions, both external and internal, in breaking focus during conversations. How coaching skills can help improve listening, presence, and curiosity in everyday interactions. Practical tips for getting children to engage, including choosing the right time and environment for conversations. Approaches for ensuring colleagues listen in the workplace, such as timing discussions and understanding communication preferences. The different training options offered by Optimus Coach Academy, from short skills-based courses to accredited coaching diplomas.   Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.

When you're the one everyone turns to, who supports you? In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Rebecca Daniel and Sarah Bramall, co-founders of The Coaching Catalysts, to talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough airtime—coaching supervision. We explore how leaders can create space for themselves in a world that constantly demands they show up strong. Sarah and Rebecca unpack the emotional load of leadership, explain what supervision really is (hint: it's not therapy or coaching), and share why it's essential for anyone managing people, especially those blending leadership with a coaching mindset. We talk messy minds, blurred boundaries, and the power of having a protected space to process, reflect, and recharge. If you've ever felt like you're holding it all together for everyone else while quietly falling apart inside, this episode is for you. You'll learn: What coaching supervision is and how it differs from coaching or therapy Why leaders need a space to offload without judgement or agenda How the emotional labour of leadership shows up (and what happens if it goes unchecked) The benefits of slowing down, even if your brain is already in 2026 How organisations can build safer, more supportive coaching cultures Whether you're a qualified coach, a team leader, or simply the go-to person in your circle, this conversation will make you think differently about how you care for yourself, so you can keep showing up for others. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.

This week, we're talking all about productivity, and there's no better guest to guide us than Lucy Watkins, Head of Productivity at Salesforce and proud mum of two. Lucy doesn't just talk about getting more done. She lives and breathes it. She leads a global sales team while being a visible advocate for working parents. She also sponsors Salesforce's Parents and Families Equality Group, helping to shape how major companies support parents in the workplace. In this honest and energising conversation, Lucy shares the three pillars that help her balance high-impact leadership with real-life parenting. She talks about the mindset shift that helped her leave burnout behind, how she uses a weekly "family playbook" to create alignment at home, and why being a parent is actually the best leadership training you'll ever have. We explore time blocking, boundary-setting, relationship dynamics, how to ask for help, and why career ambition does not have to mean constant hustle. Lucy opens up about her own challenges, including how she and her partner rebuilt their home life from survival mode into something intentional, joyful, and sustainable. Whether you're knee-deep in nappies or navigating a promotion while managing school runs, this episode is packed with real talk and practical wisdom to help you feel more in control and less alone. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.

Debbie Franklin, CEO of Peplows Accountancy, joins the podcast to unpack the practical steps behind building a portfolio income and starting your own business. From side hustles and freelance work to property investment and pension planning, this episode explores how women can create long-term financial resilience, especially when life doesn't follow a straight path. Heather, Kelly, and Lynn share personal stories and honest questions about income gaps, late starts, business structures, and navigating financial responsibilities after career breaks or divorce. Debbie offers down-to-earth advice on topics like choosing between sole trader or limited company status, managing tax implications, and protecting your business from legal risks. There's also an eye-opening discussion on the pension gap for women, and how combining employment with business or investment income can be part of the solution. From planning for retirement to thinking through your business exit strategy, this episode encourages listeners to take control of their future with confidence and clarity. Whether you're already running a freelance consultancy, thinking about buying your first rental property, or just want to better understand your pension options, this episode offers clear, supportive guidance to help you make smart financial decisions. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.

This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, we're getting honest about something that affects more women than we often realise: unhealed trauma and how it quietly shapes our relationships, careers, health, and sense of self. I'm joined by Adele-Marie Hartshorn, the coach, therapist, and somatic strategist who steps in when mindset work just doesn't cut it anymore. Adele explains how trauma isn't always about big, catastrophic events. Sometimes, it's simply the absence of the nurturing, presence, or stability we needed growing up. From people-pleasing to burnout, anxiety to chronic health issues, Adele breaks down how our nervous system responds to life's emotional load, and why we can't simply think our way out of it. We talk about what nervous system dysregulation actually looks like, how trauma can stay trapped in the body, and why traditional talking therapies might fall short for some. Adele also shares how somatic healing helps us process what's unresolved and gently move back into regulation. As someone who has worked with Adele personally, I can say her work is powerful, practical, and deeply transformative. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, or simply struggling to feel present in your own life, this conversation might be the nudge you've been waiting for. We also explore the subtle ways trauma can show up in motherhood, leadership, and relationships, and why learning to regulate your nervous system is a game-changer, not just for your wellbeing but for everyone around you. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.