You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," but what happens when that village is also juggling a career? 

Join me in a deep-dive conversation with Claire Holmes, founder of Mama Collaborative. Claire's journey from corporate consultant to entrepreneurial advocate for working moms is nothing short of inspiring. We learn about her own struggle to balance her career with motherhood and how this led her to create a platform to support and guide other working moms through the complex transition of maternity leave.

In this episode, we explore the present state of parental leave policies and the steps that can be taken to make these more supportive and sustainable. We discuss how employers can nurture a healthier work environment, prevent resentment, and help parents smoothly transition back to work. We also delve into the hard-hitting realities of motherhood and its reverberating effects on women's careers.

Claire also gives us a look into the services offered by Mama Collaborative. From one-on-one coaching to online courses, each resource is tailored to empower new moms in their journey back to the workplace. We discuss the importance of intentional planning and staying connected with other parents during this crucial phase. You'll gain practical insights and tangible advice whether you're a working parent on the brink of transition or an employer seeking ways to better support your employees. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

-  Candice

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at candice@fortressandflourish.com.

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Learn more about Candice and her work here.