Working Mumma
Working Mumma is the go-to podcast for women navigating the juggle of motherhood and career, especially during the return-to-work period after maternity leave. Whether you’re preparing to head back to work, already in the thick of the transition, or in the first few years of rediscovering your professional self, this podcast is your toolkit for clarity, confidence, and connection. Hosted by Carina O’Brien, mum of 2 boys, businesswoman, and founder of Working Mumma, each episode delivers relatable stories, expert interviews, and practical strategies to help you. You will hear from experts, leaders, and women like you who are juggling career and motherhood. You’re not alone in this. Tune in weekly to feel supported, empowered, and reminded that you’re doing a great job.
Episodes

Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
My guest today is Mikhaila Warbuton - the owner of Work It Mumma, a Career Coaching business specially focused on supporting mum’s in the workforce.
When you speak with a like-minded person who is just as passionate as you about supporting working mum's in career and motherhood, the energy is sure to go next level. That is exactly what happened when I spoke with Mikhaila. There is so much packed into this episode and you might need a pen & paper to take notes.
During the episode we chat about:
* Mikhaila's experience of being made redundant 2 days before Christmas and how this was the push she needed to start her own business
* Key lessons from being made redundant
* Why it is important to identify your values, priorities, long term goals, and what brings you joy
* Power of mindset and overcoming mindset blocks
* How to overcome imposter syndrome
* How her priorities changed after becoming a mum
* Sets to identifying and working towards your career goals
* Strategies to have a career pivot
* Job application & interview tips as a working mum
* Power of LinkedIn
It was great to chat with Mikhaila and we covered a lot during this episode.
Doors will open in a few weeks to the Working Mumma Village - be sure to put your name on the waitlist. Click here.
Connect with Mikhaila Warburton
Website: workitmumma.com.au
Instagram: @mikhaila.warburton
Linkedin: Mikhaila Warburton
Connect with me
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: www.workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Are you pregnant and soon to bring another child into your family? Do you want to hear a fresh voice that dispells many of the "perfect" parenting approaches and you can be the "good enough" parent? Today's episode is jam packed with so many hints & tips relating to parenting you are going to want to grab a pen & paper to take notes.
In this episode, I chat with Genevieve Muir, an Obstetric Social Worker and Parent Educator at the Mater hospital in Sydney, and also a mother to four beautiful boys. Genevieve is passionate about helping families adapt to the modern parenting world and all its challenges and not only survive but thrive.
During this episode we cover many different parenting topics to help you ditch the "perfect"parenting approach.
* Tips and advice on how to manage the transition from one to two children
* Setting boundaries with children - It’s ok to say no
* Strategies for managing mum guilt & why you only need to be around 30% of the time
* Benefit of defining your values with your partner and what you are trying to create as a family to do what is best for you & your family
* Why the biggest thing that gets in our way with parenting is ourselves
* How we can provide good foundations for our children so they can feel supported, resilient and confident
As a generation of parents, we are trying so hard and we're trying to be so perfect, we're pushing ourselves too hard. If anything we need to dial down that pressure and know that 30% is how much our children need us to be connecting and setting boundaries and being with their emotions. Our kids don't need perfect parents.
Doors will open in a few weeks to the Working Mumma Village - be sure to put your name on the waitlist. Click here.
Connect with Genevieve Muir
Website: connectedparenting.com.au
Instagram: @connectedparentingau
Connect with Working Mumma/Carina O'Brien
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: www.workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Thursday Sep 02, 2021
Thursday Sep 02, 2021
In today's episode, I am celebrating the 50th episode of the Working Mumma Podcast! Yes, crack the champagne mumma!
I little thought bubble I had almost 2 years ago turned into reality in January 2020! It’s been an amazing experience of learning, engaging, and growing through this platform. I have spoken to amazing people and enjoyed every single discussion I’ve had on the podcast.
Throughout all the episodes I've recorded there are 4 key themes that come up regularly. So, I thought for the 50th episode I’d share these 4 themes with you.
As a birthday present to you, I’ve created a new resource “3 steps to sharing the mental load”. Mums have taken on more of the load over the past 18 months with lockdowns, homeschooling & the rollercoaster of emotions. This resource includes an audit checklist for you & your partner to complete and review who is doing what, end may highlight the amount you are currently doing and things may need to be a little more balanced going forward. It’s available to download now.
Doors will open in a few weeks to the Working Mumma Village - be sure to put your name on the waitlist. Click here.
A big thank you again for your support, engagement & involvement with Working Mumma and the podcast. My dreams are big to support working mums be able to thrive in motherhood & career.
Connect with me
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: www.workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
During a recent discussion in the Working Mumma Community, the topic of Keeping in Touch days was raised. A number of people weren’t aware of them or found out about Keeping In Touch days after their maternity leave. These are not new and are something that has been around for a number of years.
So, I thought I’d put together this episode for you to give you more details and information on Keeping in Touch days.
During this episode I cover:
* What are Keeping in Touch days?
* Who is entitled to Keeping in Touch days
* How can they be used?
* Examples and ideas of how to use Keeping in Touch days
* Tips for setting up KIT with your employer
Keeping in Touch days is a great way to get a small top-up of funds whilst you are on maternity leave, allow you to have a smooth transition back to work after maternity leave, and remain connected with your employer.
Useful links for more information
Fairwork Australia and Service Australia
Connect with Working Mumma
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: www.workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien
* Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village - https://bit.ly/3C66Lrb

Monday Jul 26, 2021
Monday Jul 26, 2021
Do you feel you have lost some of your identity since becoming a mum? Mums often feel that they give 120% of themselves, and it can be hard to remember why you are doing what you are doing and maintain a sense of yourself.
In this episode, I speak with award-winning business coach for women, Angela Henderson. We talk about maintaining your identity as a working mum and doing what lights you up and brings you joy. Angela is the mum of 2, and has started two successful businesses from scratch all whilst maintaining true to herself on knowing her why.
In this episode we cover a lot:
* How you can be a mum AND run a successful business
* Hear why kids are not 100% of Angela's 'why'
* Learn about Angela's business journey and how she has built her businesses
* Importance of managing your mindset and overcoming imposter syndrome
* Why you should do what lights you up and brings you joy
* Helpful tips and advice if you are thinking of starting your own business
* Discover Angela's secrets for success
I like this quote from Angela during the chat "make choice, take responsibility, keep rocking and rolling”. This was a great and insightful chat with Angela, no wonder she has been so successful in business.
Connect with Angela Henderson
Angela Henderson is an international award-winning business coach for women who helps women in business get all the pieces in place to have consistent 5 figure months and then onto 6/7 figure years without burning out in the process, through her group business coaching or her Mastermind for women.
Website: www.angelahenderson.com.au
The Business and Life Conversations Podcast: Podcast
Facebook Page: @angelahendersonconsulting
Instagram: @angelahendersonconsulting
Linkedin: Angela Henderson Consulting
Connect with me
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: www.workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Friday Jul 16, 2021
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Do you look at your wardrobe looking for inspiration? Has your body changed after having kids? Are you wanting to feel more confident again both inside and out?
This week I chat with mum of 3 and personal stylist, Kamri Hill, owner of Kamri Hill Styling. As a fellow working mum, she understands how our body shape, confidence, and personal style change after children and has a passion to help women feel confident inside and out.
If you are looking for tips and advice on creating your "mum" wardrobe, this episode is for you.
During this episode we chat about:
* Role clothes play in our lives and relate to our confidence
* Why taking the time to plan your wardrobe is an element of self-care and saves you time each day
* How to identify your post-pregnancy/children wardrobe
* How to make the "mummy uniform" suit your lifestyle
* Why every wardrobe needs key basic items
* How to combine a work and mum life wardrobe
Kamri reminds us that our bodies change with children – it isn’t the same post children and that’s ok. “Your wardrobe and closet should be a place of happiness. Everyday we start the day in the wardrobe and it should be a place of joy”.
Kamri is running a 3 day Body Confident Style Challenge starting early August - join today.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could give the Working Mumma podcast a rating and leave a review.
Connect with Kamri
* Instagram: @kamrihillstyling
* Facebook: @kamrihillstyling
* Website: kamrihill.com
Connect with me
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Sadly the topic of pregnancy loss and infertility is something 1 in 4 women face. But, we don't openly talk about it, and it's our own secret that we feel ashamed to share with others.
My guest today is Dr. Monica Rajasagaram, a medical practitioner, writer, published author, and a life & growth coach for women and young girls.
Dr. Monica Rajasagaram talks openly about her experience of secondary infertility with 5 miscarriages in 3 years. She shares how she navigated pregnancy loss whilst being a mum, wife, and having a successful career. Monica is open and honest in recounting her experience and what she learned along the way that can help other women. As Monica comments, the delivery of bad news & information relating to pregnancy can shape how you manage and deal with the news. Being a doctor herself, receiving the news regarding her pregnancies didn't make it any easier.
We both talk about our experiences of pregnancy loss and reflect that loss needs to be more widely spoken about. This is especially so for women that are trying to fall pregnant and they need to be aware of how common it sadly is and there is help available.
As Monica explains “A loss is a loss, it doesn’t matter if it is your first or third baby. A pregnancy loss is still a pregnancy loss.”
If you have experienced pregnancy loss or know someone that has, this episode will remind you that you aren't alone. Everyone grieves differently has their own journey and that is ok.
If you need to speak with someone, please reach out to Bears of Hope, COPE, or Beyond Blue.
Connect with Monica
* Instagram: @monica.d.r
* Facebook: @drmonicadr
Connect with me
* Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
* Facebook: @workingmummaAU
* Website: workingmumma.com.au
* LinkedIn - Working Mumma or Carina O'Brien

Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
As working mums, we put so much pressure on ourselves and the mum guilt is real. We are trying to be everything to everyone, but often not achieving what we set out to do.
Good news – it doesn’t have to be this way.
It starts with defining what is important to you and setting boundaries around this and being confident with the boundaries you have set. As I discuss in the latest episode of the Working Mumma podcast, it is ok to say no.
What this episode covers:
* Why having boundaries are important
* What can we set boundaries for
* How can we define boundaries in our lives
* Importance of knowing your "why" in helping define boundaries
* Hints & tips to help create and implement boundaries in your life
I love this Brene Brown quote relating to boundaries “daring to set boundaries, is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others”
Having boundaries helps working mums manage the many different hats we need to wear.
There is also a special announcement within this episode - you have to listen to hear what exciting news we have coming up at Working Mumma.
Continue the conversation with join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. I'd love for you to leave a review and rating as well.

Thursday May 27, 2021
Thursday May 27, 2021
Relationships often take a back seat once we have children. Our time and priorities are focused on our kids, but as I discuss with Sheena Schuy in this week's episode, it is important to make time for "couple-care".
Sheena explains, there is so much focus on the birth plan, having a child, and preparing for a baby, many people forget about the person that helped you become a mum in the first place. The relationship between the partners came first and we can't forget this. It is what the family is built on, and a strong foundation between both parents is important to a happy and healthy family unit.
During this episode we discuss:
* How you can prepare your relationship to transition from a couple to parents (even if you already have children)
* Understanding each other's goals and the importance of supporting each other to achieve these
* Sharing the mental load in the relationship
* Discuss the concept of "United parenting"
* Tips and strategies on how to remain connected with your partner
* Knowing and understanding your partners "love language"
* Actionable steps to having a common approach to parenting with your partner
* How to improve your relationship with your partner
* Why you need more fun & rest in your relationship
I like this quote from Sheena during the episode “it’s so easy to lose yourself in parenting – both losing yourself and losing your relationship”.
We need to continuously focus on our relationship during the season of parenting to ensure we remain connected. Sheena gives great actionable tips and strategies that you can implement straight after listening with your partner.
Connect with Sheena on Instagram @savasanacollective or go to her website and access all the free resources as mentioned in the episode.
Continue the conversation with me and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. I'd love for you to leave a review and rating as well.

Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
Let's talk about breastfeeding and pumping at work.
At the end of 2020, I put out a survey to working mums seeking their experiences as working parents across the stages of going on maternity leave, returning to work, and managing the juggle. The results are very interesting and I'll release the report shortly.
One topic that regularly came up was the lack of support employers gave in regards to breastfeeding and expressing at work. Many women reported that they weren't supported or provided a reasonable space which is against the law.
The decision to express at work is an entirely personal decision.
During this episode I share with you:
* Personal experience of pumping after I returned to work
* Tips for pumping after you return to work from maternity leave
* Go through 5 facts to support you in conversations with your employer regarding your wish to pump
As a working mum, I know how stressful it can be returning to work both for you and your child. Remember fed is best.
Continue the conversation and join the free Working Mumma Community on Facebook, connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn.