Working Mumma

• Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Your First 90 Days Survival Guide

  Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence. In this episode, I share: How to prepare before your first day back The key conversations to have with your employer Managing work expectations and setting boundaries Dealing with mum guilt & adjusting to the emotional ups and downs Building a sustainable work-life routine without burnout Whether you're heading back to work soon or in the early days of your return, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate this transition with confidence.   Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with another working mum who needs support in her return-to-work journey!   Links and resources Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  

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• Return to Office Mandate - Why flexibility works for working mums with Dr. Ellen Ford

  Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit?  In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibility. We explore: Why companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates and what’s driving this push   The myth of increased productivity in the office vs. hybrid work models How forced office work impacts working parents—especially women The unintended consequences for businesses—from talent loss to employee disengagement How to have a conversation with your employer if you’re being forced back into the office full-time Tactics for negotiating a hybrid work arrangement that benefits both you and your employer If you're navigating a return-to-office mandate, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you advocate for flexibility and protect your work-life balance. Listen to Dr. Ellen Ford's previous episode on the Working Mumma podcast ep 116 - Removing Barriers to Help Working Mums Thrive   Episode Resources & Links Dr. Ellen Ford’s book: #WorkSchoolHours: A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces & the World #WorkSchoolHours eBook - 100% discount with code "workingmumma100" #WorkSchoolHours Online Courses 50% off with code "workingmumma50" check out Parents course or People manager course click here Dr. Ellen Ford’s Website ellenjoanford.com   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/  

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• Overcoming Mum Guilt: How to Let Go of the Pressure to ‘Do It All’

  Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career? In this episode, I'm tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family. I break down: Why we feel mum guilt (and why it’s not your fault) How guilt holds us back from thriving at work and at home 5 Practical tips to help you reflect and manage the guilt Why you need to focus on what really matters to you and your family - it's much simpler than you may think  Learn how to drop the guilt and reclaim your confidence as a working mum!    Links and resources Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

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• Job Search, Resume and Interview tips with Ash Battye

  Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change? In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career Pursuit. Ash has over a decade of experience in recruitment and HR and is passionate about helping businesses find the right talent while supporting job seekers—especially mums—on their return-to-work journey. We chat about: The biggest challenges working mums face when job hunting after maternity leave How to update your resume to stand out (and address career gaps) Practical strategies for nailing your job interview How to change careers and find flexible, family-friendly employers Whether you’re job hunting, considering a career change, or just want to feel more confident in your career after having children, this episode is packed with practical insights to support your journey. Listen now and take the next step in your career with confidence!   SHOW LINKS Connect with Ash on Instagram or her website careerpursuit.com.au   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/   Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

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• Making Work Work: How We Can Create a Better System for Working Parents with Louise Gilbert

  As a working parent, trying to navigate the career/parenting juggle is similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this episode, I chat with Louise Gilbert, leadership coach, change consultant, and author of Make Work Work for You. We dive into the reality of juggling work and family life and why the traditional concept of work-life balance sets working mums up to fail. Louise shares her journey as a corporate leader turned business owner, her passion for systemic change in the workplace, and why her experience as a neurodivergent mum to two children has shaped her advocacy for more inclusive workplaces. This conversation is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives that will empower you to rethink how you approach work, wellbeing, and family priorities. We cover: ✨ Why work-life balance is a myth and how to focus on work-life integration instead ✨ How systemic issues – like school hours and workplace policies – are failing working parents ✨ Simple strategies for aligning your values with your work and family life ✨ The power of flexible work and how to advocate for it in your workplace ✨ How to avoid burnout by focusing on community care and real support systems Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the mental load, struggling to make work work for you, or simply looking for fresh insights on how to thrive as a working mum, this episode is for you.   SHOW LINKS Check out Louise's new book louise-gilbert.com/book Connect with Louise on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/louise-gilbert   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/   Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!  

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