Working Mumma

How to navigate the first year of school and working mum life

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina shares her personal journey navigating the first year of her child starting prep/foundation year at school while juggling work and mum life. From the emotional rollercoaster of the first day to the realities of balancing school hours of 9-3:30 with business hours of 9-5 and a career, Carina discusses the challenges and triumphs that come with this major milestone.
She opens up about the emotional adjustments not just for her child, but for the entire family, and how she’s learned to manage the new set of notifications, school events, and after-school care. Carina also shares insights on how to stay organized with a busy calendar, support a child’s learning journey, and communicate effectively with teachers.
Whether you're a working mum navigating the same challenges or just looking for practical advice, this episode offers helpful tips on managing the complex balancing act of school and work. 
 
RESOURCES:
Previous episode - Smooth Transitions - Easing Your Child’s Journey into childcare, school and beyond 
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Why motherhood and career are not mutually exclusive with Elke Pascoe

In this episode of the Working Mama podcast, I speak with Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of The Little Oak Company. We chat about Elke's inspiring journey of creating a global brand of natural baby formula driven by her own experience (also while a single mum!), the unique challenges and strengths that come with balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the systemic changes needed in workplaces to support working mums, including flexible work arrangements and pay equality.
We also discover what Elke means by the 'Power of Mum' and how women can harness the strength of motherhood to have a successful career. 
This chat is full of passion from both Elke and me for improving equality for working mums in the workplace. We are passionate about changing the perception to empower you to navigate your own career and motherhood successfully.
 
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Connect with Elke via LinkedIn or The LittleOak Company website thelittleoakcompany.com.au
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Free resource: 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Balancing Work Travel and Family without the Guilt

In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the inevitable "mum guilt." I opened up about the emotional highs and lows of traveling for work, missing my kids and husband, while leaning into the unique experiences and growth that came with the trip.
 
Key topics I chat about:
* Embrace Opportunities Without Guilt
* Managing Mum Guilt
* Building Emotional Balance
* The Power of Support and Your Village 
* Strengthening Family Bonds
 
Whether you’ve experienced work travel or are contemplating it, this episode provides a fresh perspective on navigating mum guilt and making the most of career opportunities.
 
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NEXT STEPS:
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

How to succeed as a woman in a male-dominated industry with Rebecca Bangura

The statistics don't like on gender equality, especially in male dominated industries such as mining, construction and transport. Change is happening and it is great to see the improvements, but it can still be challenging for women navigating male-dominated industries. 
In this episode, I speak with coach, facilitator, podcast host, and mother of 3 boys, Rebecca Bangura who shares strategies for maintaining career momentum, building supportive networks, and advocating for systemic changes within organizations. Rebecca and I also share our personal experiences of being the only females in meetings and being conscious of what we wore that day (hint - no skirts!). She shared her tips on the importance of career planning (think big), the value of loose connections, and the role of male allies in fostering inclusive workplaces. 
This conversation will help you navigate and succeed as a woman in a male-dominated industry. 
 
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Connect with Rebecca via LinkedIn or her website rebeccabangura.com
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Free resource: 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Empowerment Unleashed: Megan Dalla-Camina on Redefining Success for Working Mums

This week I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising.
Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout.
We discuss the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, including burnout and societal expectations. Megan emphasizes the importance of clarity, self-care, and understanding one's inner critic, providing practical advice and insights from her latest book, 'Women Rising.'
This episode is a must-listen for working mothers seeking to thrive both personally and professionally.
Today you'll hear: 
* Meet Megan: A Journey from Arts to Corporate
* Burnout and the Path to Recovery
* The Science and Spirit of Thriving
* The Motherhood Paradox
* Male Allies and Gender Norms 
* Untangling the Knots of Women's Progress
* Overcoming the Inner Critic 
* Advice for Women to Thrive 
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Connect with Megan via LinkedIn or her website womenrisingco.com
Check out Megan's latest book megandallacamina.com/womenrisingbook
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Embracing Imperfection in motherhood - Dr Sophie Brock on the ‘Good Enough’ Mother

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing).
Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers today.
We explored the term "good enough mother," and the social constructs that don't reflect women today, particularly as working mothers. Sophie shared the common myths and misconceptions that fuel the pursuit of perfection in motherhood, revealing the detrimental effects this mindset can have and debunking the 'perfect mother myth'.
Sophie shares practical advice and strategies and provides steps that you can take to begin letting go of the need to be perfect and embrace a more compassionate, "good enough" approach to parenting.
We also speak about social media's role in perpetuating the perfect mother myth and how setting realistic expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic motherhood experience.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and to hear Sophie's vision for what modern motherhood can truly be.
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Connect with Sophie via Instagram @drsophiebrock or her website drsophiebrock.com
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Why it's time to let go of Superwoman Syndrome with Renee Barnes

This week I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey.
Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and how societal expectations contribute to this unrealistic ideal for working mothers. We discuss the significant mental and physical health impacts of striving to be a Superwoman and how you can redefine this moving forward and break free from the cycle. 
Renee and I chat about the critical role employers play in a mother’s return to work after parental leave. Renee highlights strategies for businesses to create a supportive environment and retain valuable talent, helping to let go of Superwoman Syndrome in this critical time. She stresses the importance of employers being proactive in discussing entitlements, flexible work opportunities, and creating a supportive culture. 
This is an enlightening conversation with many tools, tips, and strategies to support you to let go of the notion of superwoman. 
 
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Connect with Renee via Instagram @found_learningmotherhood or her website The FOUND program
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 

From Overwhelmed to Triumph: You Are a Great Mum

When was the last time you had a moment on your own to acknowledge what a great mum you are? No doubt, it has been a while.
In this episode, I want to remind you that you are amazing and not alone in navigating the juggle of motherhood and career. It's not easy, and there are good days and average days, but remember, doing something is better than doing nothing.
It’s okay to focus on what’s best for you and your family without comparing yourself to others.
I discuss the power of community and how connecting with other mums can provide encouragement and practical support. The importance of self-care is highlighted, emphasizing how taking time for yourself benefits both you and your family.
Additionally, I delve into embracing flexibility and setting boundaries to balance work and motherhood, showing how being adaptable and knowing your limits can help manage daily challenges.
As a takeaway exercise, I encourage you to reflect on 10 things you are doing well in motherhood and your career. Keep these visible, especially on those bad days, as a reminder of your strengths and achievements.
 
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NEXT STEPS:
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 

Conquering Mum Guilt: Practical Strategies with Sarah Purins

If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt.
Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares tips and strategies on how to navigate mum guilt when it appears using her GUILT method. 
Sarah shares practical tips for working mums to balance their careers and family life without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Sarah's insights highlight the significance of reframing one's mindset to foster a more positive outlook on their dual roles.
This is a great episode that you might want to bookmark and come back to when you experience mum guilt to help you work through the mindset and emotions. 
 
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Connect with Sarah via Instagram @sarahkate.coaching
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Navigating Mum Guilt at Childcare Drop-Off

In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I dive into the often overwhelming feeling of mum guilt that accompanies childcare drop-offs.
I explore why these emotions arise and share practical strategies to manage and alleviate guilt. During the episode, I share practical strategies and tips to help you to reframe the drop-off experience, acknowledge the benefits of childcare for both your child and you, and implement self-care practices.
Please know that if you experience mum guilt, you are not alone - every mum experiences it. But, you can work through the guilt and see all the positives for you both. 
 
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NEXT STEPS:
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/