In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Rebecca Brosnan, CEO and Founder of The Halo Planner, and Non-Executive Director across several listed and non-profit organisations.

Rebecca shares her remarkable journey from high-pressure executive roles in finance to building a flexible, international portfolio career, all while raising two young children without sacrificing ambition or family life.

She talks openly about the messy reality of balancing senior leadership and motherhood, the importance of intentional planning, and why it’s possible (and necessary) to redefine success on your own terms.

Together, they explore:

✔️ Why building a successful board career with young children is possible — but messy.

✔️ The practical systems and mindsets that helped Rebecca balance senior leadership and parenthood.

✔️ How to plan your way to a thriving career without sacrificing presence at home.

✔️ Why NGO boards can be just as rewarding and impactful as corporate boards.

✔️ How to set boundaries without guilt and stay intentional with your time.

✔️ The role of support networks, planning tools, and saying no (without fear).

✔️ Practical steps for anyone wanting to start a portfolio career.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to create a portfolio career that aligns with your family priorities.
• The power of meticulous long-term and short-term planning for working parents.
• Why messy does not mean unsuccessful — and how to embrace it.
• How to balance ambition, purpose, and parenting without guilt.
• Why saying no is a leadership skill (and how to do it without burning bridges).

Show Notes:

• Connect with Rebecca Brosnan on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Halo Planner at thehaloplanner.com
• Follow Halo Planner on Instagram: @thehaloplanner
• Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
• Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
• Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
• Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

More BCSC episodes you might love:

Episode 209: {CEO Series} Dr Nara Daubeney - How To Let Go of Guilt and Redefine Success as a Working Parent

Episode 203: (C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms