The conversation around working mothers in the Middle East has evolved, but the reality often tells a different story.

In this episode of Out of Office, Lamisse Muhtaseb, Managing Director, People and Purpose at Deloitte Middle East, shares an honest look at what it means to return to work as a mother in today’s job market.

We reveal:

↳ The hidden challenges mothers face when re-entering the workforce and how companies can genuinely help them succeed.
↳ Why flexibility is not a favour but a business advantage.
↳ How inclusion must go beyond gender and translate into everyday action.

↳ The mindset every returning mother needs before stepping back in.

If you have ever wondered what it really takes to balance ambition, identity, and motherhood in a region that never slows down, this conversation is a must listen.

(00:00:00 ) Opening: The Hidden Bias Against Returning Mothers(00:01:08 ) The Middle East Job Market Reality Check(00:03:05 ) When Compromise Becomes Survival(00:05:36 ) Beyond the CV: Rethinking What Matters in Hiring(00:06:42 ) The Maternity Maze: Why New Mothers Struggle to Return(00:08:35 ) Government Support vs Corporate Reality(00:10:26 ) The Career Break Stigma(00:11:39 ) Going to the Source of the Problem(00:15:36 ) The Business Case for Inclusion(00:17:17 ) Tackling Unconscious Bias Head-On(00:18:13 ) The Five-Month Pregnant Candidate Dilemma(00:20:29 ) The Secret Sauce of Work-Life Balance(00:22:38 ) Advice for Returning Mothers: Own Your Story(00:25:29 ) The Success Story: Progress Is Possible

Listen on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lIDFHFRURyEmEVx5Ksdkw/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-your-career-more-important-than-family-working-mothers/id1781880969?i=1000736941219
Connect with Lamisse:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamisse-muhtaseb-2508522/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamisse_muhtaseb/
Follow Our Host:
Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/