Working Mumma

Returning to work after having a baby isn’t just about logistics, childcare, or flexible hours , a big part of it is about identity.

In this Reflect Summer Series episode, Carina revisits a powerful conversation with Laura Stewart, who shares her deeply honest experience of the identity shift that came with motherhood, and how it ultimately led her to redefine success, leadership, personal values, and meaningful work.

While on maternity leave, Laura made the bold decision not to return to her executive role. Not because she lacked ambition, but because the role no longer aligned with who she was becoming as a mother, a leader, and a human.

Together, Carina and Laura chat about:

The unexpected identity shift that happens after becoming a mum (matrescence)

Why returning to your “old self” at work can feel impossible

How values often change after motherhood and why that’s not a failure

Why feeling supported at work isn’t always enough if the work no longer feels meaningful

How embracing motherhood as part of your identity can make you a stronger, more confident leader

Episode links 

Connect with Laura Stewart on LinkedIn 

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn

The mental load is exhausting, and a big issue for many working mothers. 

In this Reflect summer series special episode, I speak with Professor Leah Ruppaner.

We delve into the complexities of the mental load for working mums, and explore strategies to help you manage it that works for you. Leah shares the emotional and cognitive aspects of the mental load, the societal expectations placed on mothers, and the importance of creating supportive systems for both parents.

If you liked this Reflect episode, listen to the full episode "Lighten Your Mental Load, Ditch the Mum Guilt, and Rethink Care with Professor Leah Ruppanner"

 

MORE LINKS

Connect with Leah via her website www.leahruppanner.com or on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ruppanner-1657a417/

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity and the website  www.workingmumma.com.au or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien/

You’ve proven you can do your job — and do it well — while working flexibly. But now that your employer wants more office time, how do you ask for what you need without feeling guilty or being seen as “less committed”?

In this episode Carina O’Brien speaks with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert and author of #WorkSchoolHours, about the art of negotiating flexibility at work. Together, they explore how working mums can confidently start the conversation, use data and outcomes to back up their case, and find a win-win that works for both you and your employer.

You’ll learn:

How to have a confident, fact-based conversation with your boss about working from home or hybrid work

The key phrases and language to use when asking for flexibility (without guilt or defensiveness)

How to show your productivity and value while working flexibly

Why hybrid work supports better wellbeing, mental load, and family balance

How to reframe flexibility as a business advantage, not a personal favour

If you’re a working mum who wants to keep your flexibility this episode gives you the tools, confidence, and mindset to do it.

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/

When a relationship ends, it’s not just the romantic partnership that dissolves - it’s the version of the life you imagined. For working mums, that loss can feel even heavier. You’re juggling career responsibilities, managing the daily needs of your children, and trying to make sense of an entirely new identity.

In this honest and practical conversation I chat with family lawyer, author, and co-parent Gabriella Pomare to talk about how working mums can navigate separation, divorce, and co-parenting with grace and clarity. Gabriella shares her personal story of rebuilding life after separation, whilst raising her son, managing a demanding career as a partner in a law firm, and finding a new identity.

We discuss:

The emotional reality of separation and identity loss

How to communicate with your ex without escalating conflict

Setting boundaries that protect your peace (and your children)

Strategies for reducing the mental load when co-parenting

The power of modeling respect and stability for your kids

When to seek professional help — and why mediation can work better than court

 

Resources & Links 

Follow Gariella @collaborativecoparent and see her website for free resources thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au and check out her new book "The Collaborative Coparent" 

Follow Carina and Working Mumma @workingmummacommunity on LinkedIn and sign up to receive the free newsletter.

Are you caught in a constant loop of “I should be doing more”? In this reflective episode, Carina unpacks why the word "should" has become the secret source of guilt for working mums and how to replace it with kinder, more empowering language.

Carina explores how should sneaks into our day through social expectations, “good girl” conditioning, and the mental load and shares a simple mindset strategies to help reframe and let go of guilt and reclaim control of your choices.

You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more compassionate toward yourself, and with a practical strategy to shift from guilt to growth.

You’ll Learn:

Why “should” fuels guilt and burnout for working mums

The link between “should” and the mental load

A simple mindset reframe to reduce pressure

How to replace guilt with agency and compassion

Follow @workingmummacommunity or @workingmummapodcast on Instagram and follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.