Working Mumma

8 things I wish I knew before becoming a mum

In this episode, I delve into eight things I wish I had known before embarking on my journey as a mum. While pregnancy comes with its fair share of advice, there's often less guidance on navigating the complexities of balancing career and motherhood.
Join me as I share these personal insights to help you navigate your own journey:
- Understanding why each transition, whether it's returning to work, going on maternity leave, or managing multiple childcare needs, presents its unique challenges.
- Acknowledging the reality of mum guilt and learning to manage it while pursuing a fulfilling career.
- Realizing that achieving a perfect work-life balance is unrealistic and learning to take each day as it comes.
- Embracing the power of mindset in overcoming challenges and staying resilient.
- Increasing awareness of matrescence and its impact on personal identity and career.
No matter where you are on your journey—whether you're pregnant, on maternity leave, returning to work, or navigating the early years of motherhood—this episode is for you. Join me as we explore these insights and reflections on the complexities of being a working mum.
 
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NEXT STEPS:
Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get the free 'How to share the mental load' workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

How to raise a child and run a successful business in school hours with Kate Toon

I chat with Kate Toon, business mentor, digital marketing coach, author, and mother, and dive into the world of raising a child whilst running a six-figure business within school hours (tip - it's not as easy as it looks).
Kate shares her journey of business ownership over the past 15 years, from deciding to become a freelancer when she was 5 months pregnant, and a bumpy first few years trying to run a business whilst caring for a small child. She shares practical tips and inspiring insights for all the mums out there looking to start their own business, or navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
We chat about:
- Kat'e advice if she had to start her business today 
- How Kate has balanced motherhood and her business
- The challenges and advantages of running your business business 
- Tips for anyone looking to start their own business 
- Importance of self-care and having fun 
Enjoy Kate's honest insights into having your own business that provides valuable guidance for anyone seeking to balance the demands of motherhood with pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Kate Toon on Instagram @katetoon, her website or purchase her book Six Figures in School Hours
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Let's connect on LinkedIn 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Removing barriers to help working mums thrive with Dr. Ellen Ford

Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Ford, an advocate for working mothers, award-winning leader, military veteran, international speaker, facilitator, and mum! Ellen shares powerful insights on redefining success, finding harmony between work and parenting, and valuing the skills you have acquired during parental leave.
Hear practical strategies for having productive discussions with your employer about flexible work arrangements, with a strong focus on outcomes and results rather than counting hours. Ellen also opens up about her journey as a working mother, emphasizing the importance of self-care and finding activities that rejuvenate you
 
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Dr. Ellen Ford on LinkedIn, her website or purchase her book #workschoolhours
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Get the 5 Steps to sharing the Mental Load with your partner  workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

5 Steps to rebalance and share the mental load with your partner

Mothers often respond with "good" when asked how they are, but deep down, many are exhausted. This exhaustion is often due to the mental load they carry. Yet, comprehending this mental load could be an initial step towards managing it better.
My thoughts on how to improve gender equality? It starts in the home.
The more we can rebalance the caring and mental load in the home, it will have a flow on effect to organisations because fathers will need to share more of the caring responsibilities and understanding of female colleagues, especially those that are mothers.
In this episode, I share with you a five-step framework to assist you in rebalancing the mental load with your partner. A resource filled with actionable steps and strategies is available (link below) to begin your journey towards rebalancing the mental load.
I share with you tips for managing the mental load in a relationship, establishing a path towards a harmonious coexistence. It might seem challenging initially, but as the mental load gets rebalanced, it becomes smoother. A little patience can pave the way for an easier, more balanced lifestyle.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Free resource as referenced in the podcast "How to share the mental load with your partner" workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
 

The mental load of being a military spouse with Mia Fileman

In this episode, I chat with Mia Fileman, a successful businesswoman and military spouse, to discuss her experiences and insights into balancing her career with the challenges of military life. Mia shares her insights and strategies for finding balance and success in the face of constant change.During this episode, Mia and I chat about: 
Challenges of Military Life: Mia discusses the challenges faced by military spouses, including frequent moves, deployments, and the need for resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Maintaining Communication: Mia shares her tips for staying connected with her husband during deployments and managing the emotional toll of separation on herself and her children.
Career and Business: Mia talks about her journey as a campaign expert and how she has built a successful business while navigating the demands of military life.
Tips for Juggling: Mia offers practical advice for managing the juggle of career and family, including prioritizing self-care, staying active, and involving her children in her work.
Future Goals: Mia discusses her future goals for her business and family, including plans for a sabbatical year and her ambitions for the growth of her business.
You will gain valuable insights into the realities of military life and the unique challenges faced by military spouses. This will help you discover practical strategies for managing the demands of a career and family in the face of constant change and uncertainty. Mia's story is one of resilience, determination, and finding opportunity in adversity, inspiring listeners to find their own path to balance and success.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Mia on Instagram @campaign_del_mar and or her website campaigndelmar.com
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

The Juggle is Real - Career, Kids and Financial Wellbeing with Ana Kresina

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked aspects of motherhood—financial literacy and the mental load. Our guest, Ana Christina, author of "Kids Ain't Cheap," shares her insights on how to navigate the financial challenges of parenthood while balancing a career. She discusses the hidden costs of parenthood, the importance of financial planning, and strategies for setting your family up for long-term financial success.
 
WE CHAT ABOUT: 
The hidden costs of parenthood and how to prepare for them
The importance of understanding your values and financial goals as a family
Tips for setting up your children for financial success
The evolving role of women in financial literacy and investing
Strategies for managing financial stress and building resilience
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Ana on Instagram @anakresina and her book "Kid's Ain't Cheap"
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Dealing with imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and Alicia, share their expert advice on overcoming the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome prevalent among working mothers as they return to work after maternity leave. They further question the default narratives about motherhood while stressing the need for understanding, support, and growth.
This engaging conversation challenges the stereotypes around working mothers and highlights how motherhood reveals and sharpens priorities, fostering an unapologetic, more rounded approach towards personal and professional commitments.
In this episode, we also debunk motherhood myths, including the "baby brain" concept, and highlight that motherhood only enhances a woman's capabilities at work, not reduces it. Far from reducing efficiency, parenthood strengthens women's multitasking ability and overall productivity. Kass and Alicia emphasize the need for women, especially mothers, to trust themselves, embrace their motherly lessons, and withstand societal biases.
Join us as we explore the nagging feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome - how they impact our daily lives and relationships. We shed light on how to navigate these emotions confidently and reclaim your place in the world of work.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Kass and Alicia on Instagram @tend_women
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

How to manage the mum mindset to help you thrive in 2024

In this episode, I delve into a topic we all experience but seldom discuss - the Mum Mindset. Beyond the well-known growth vs fixed mindset paradigm, the unique challenges faced by mothers often go unexplored. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the pressure to do it all, and the mental chaos can be exhausting.
As we step into the new year, it's an opportune moment for reflection and resetting the narratives we tell ourselves about what we "should" be doing as mothers. This episode encourages you to set meaningful goals and objectives, shaping the way you think and feel in 2024.
Join us as we embark on the journey of working on our Mum Mindset. I share my personal insights on what I envision for working mums this year, exploring the ins and outs of our shared experiences. What would you add to the list? Your thoughts and perspectives are valuable as we collectively navigate the challenges and triumphs of being a working mother. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and practical tips to make 2024 a year of growth and fulfillment for all working mums.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Lets connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

THROWBACK: Navigating the job market and your career path with Dayna Stewart

Today, we dive into the dynamic world of career transitions, work-life integration, and the unique challenges faced by working mothers. Joining us is Dayna Stewart, the Executive Director of The Nudge Group, and a devoted mother to two children.
In this insightful conversation, Dayna shares her wealth of experience from over 20 years in recruitment, offering valuable advice on how to navigate your career journey successfully. Here are the highlights from our conversation:
Here are the highlights from our conversation:
Explore the trend of women changing jobs to align with their work/life integration priorities.
Discover strategies to cut through the competition and secure that coveted interview slot.
Gain insights into effective positioning in a competitive recruitment environment.
Receive expert tips on resume crafting, including addressing motherhood and parental leave breaks.
Understand what to look for in a potential workplace for a seamless integration of your professional and personal life.
Explore the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the job search process.
Understand the elements that make your LinkedIn profile stand out in a sea of candidates.
Learn how being a stand-out candidate can make a lasting impression on key stakeholders.
Connect with Dayna on LinkedIn and find out more about the Nudge Group on their website.  
 
If you are looking for community and support as a working mum, check out the Working Mumma Village digital membership workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
As always, I'd like to connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma  or Instagram @workingmummacommunity and check out the Working Mumma website workingmumma.com.au

THROWBACK: Smooth Transitions - Easing Your Child’s Journey into childcare, school and beyond

Embarking on a new chapter, whether it's the leap from home to childcare or kindergarten to school, can stir up a whirlwind of emotions for both children and parents. In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, we dive into the intricacies of transitions with Dr. Kathryn Hackman, MBBS PhD FRACP, a mother and the founder of Courageous Kids. Discover effective strategies to tackle separation anxiety and set your kids up for success in new environments.
Dr. Hackman, having faced the challenges of tricky drop-offs herself, unveils the realities of transitions and separation anxiety—one in nine children grapple with this. Our children's reactions to new surroundings are perfectly normal, and it's crucial for parents to acknowledge and address these emotions.
Drawing parallels between a child's transition and our first day at a new job, we recognize that anxiety is a shared experience. Like adults entering a new workplace, children too face uncertainties and anxieties during key transition phases. Understanding this analogy can guide parents in empathizing with their children's emotions.
We talk about:
Strategies to build familiarity and trust with your child's educators or caregivers.
The transformative power of storytelling and play in creating familiarity.
The importance of emotional preparation over physical preparation for transitions.
Practical tips on when and how to manage transitions effectively.
Recognizing that transitions extend beyond education and occur in various aspects of our lives.
Gain valuable insights as Dr. Kathryn shares practical strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of preparation in managing transitions. From building trust to incorporating play and storytelling, these tips are easily implementable, supporting parents in navigating their children through significant life changes.
Connect with Kathryn: For more information about Dr. Kathryn Hackman and the Courageous Kids app, visit the website www.courageouskidsapp.com or follow on Instagram @courageouskidsapp.
Community and Support: If you're a working mum seeking community and support, explore the Working Mumma Village digital membership at workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village.
Stay Connected: Connect with Working Mumma on LinkedIn and Instagram @workingmummacommunity. Visit the Working Mumma website at workingmumma.com.au.