Working Mumma

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.

THROWBACK: Unlocking the Potential of Part-Time Work with Belinda Morgan

Today, we delve into the world of flexible work with a true expert, Belinda Morgan, a dedicated flexible work and leadership specialist. In this episode, Belinda shares her profound insights, rich experiences, and actionable advice on how part-time work can be a game-changer in achieving work-life integration without compromising career aspirations.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Working Mumma podcast. We hope you feel inspired and equipped to embrace the possibilities of part-time work for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Connect with Belinda: Website www.belindamorgan.com Check out her book, 'Solving the Part-Time Puzzle,'
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Connect with Carina at Working Mumma:
Free resource: '3 steps to sharing the mental load'
LinkedIn: Working Mumma LinkedIn
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
Website: workingmumma.com.au

THROWBACK: Strategies for setting Boundaries for Work/Life Integration

On this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with working mothers everywhere: the elusive work/life balance. Many of us find ourselves caught in the perpetual cycle of the "hamster wheel of life," struggling to define and maintain boundaries. In this insightful episode, we explore a four-step process to help you establish and uphold boundaries, ensuring happiness both at home and in the workplace.
Key Takeaways:
Reflective Questions:
Start the journey by pondering two key questions designed for working mums. These will set the foundation for understanding your unique challenges and aspirations.
Building Boundaries:
Discover a practical four-step process to create effective boundaries. Learn how to implement them seamlessly into your daily routine, addressing the common struggle of finding a sense of normalcy amidst life's chaos.
Strategies for Boundary Management:
Life can get hectic, and boundaries may blur. Gain valuable insights into strategies for managing boundaries during challenging times. This episode provides a roadmap to get back on track when things seem overwhelming.
Mindset Matters:
Recognize the importance and value of mindset in the boundary-setting process. Understand how cultivating a positive mindset can empower you to create and maintain boundaries effectively.
Celebrating Success:
Take a moment to celebrate your wins. Acknowledge and appreciate the boundaries that are working for you. In the pursuit of balance, recognizing successes is as crucial as addressing challenges.
As you embark on setting boundaries for 2024, remember that work/life integration is within your reach. May this episode inspire and guide you towards the balance you desire. Best of luck on your journey!
Community and Support:
If you're seeking a supportive community of fellow working mums, explore the Working Mumma Village digital membership at workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village.
Connect with Us:
Connect with the Working Mumma community on LinkedIn and Instagram. For additional resources, visit the Working Mumma website at workingmumma.com.au.
Enjoy the episode, and here's to a successful 2024 filled with well-defined boundaries and harmonious work/life integration!

Navigating Growth and Embracing Opportunities - My reflection of 2023

In this empowering episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I take you on a journey into my year that has been personally & professionally transformative, marked by milestones, challenges, and unexpected triumphs. 
Mid year I was experiencing imposter syndrome and personal doubt that was having a big impact. But, as I explain in the episode, I got support and came out much better on the other side. 
During the episode, I share how I navigated applying for a new position, along with the associated internal struggles, and the crucial importance of acknowledging personal achievements, but highlighting the positives that can come from job interviews. 
I'm very honest with my journey and I hope this gives you some questions to also reflect on for yourself to acknowledge and celebrate the journey you have been on. 
I also talk about:
Turning 40 and Reflecting: Milestone birthdays serve as powerful moments of reflection, reshaping perspectives on personal and professional growth.
Navigating Corporate Crossroads: Why applying for a corporate role unveils internal struggles, leading to a profound reflection on resilience and personal achievements.
Saying Yes to the Unknown: I share the journey of embracing uncertainty, saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities, and the empowering experience of appearing on TV.
Lessons and Takeaways: The episode includes three questions you can ask yourself to reflect on 2023 
Enjoy this episode and have a great day. 
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity

Navigating the juggle as a solo mum by choice with Alexandra Collier

Alexandra is a solo mum by choice who has recently released a memoir called Inconceivable: Heartbreak, Bad Dates and Finding Solo Motherhood. During this episode, we chat about how Alexandra wrestled with her desire for a baby along with her creative and career ambitions at the same time.
Alexandra has an inspiring story of following your dreams and taking hold of your own future, no matter what that might look like. She shares very opening some of her challenges and struggles throughout her motherhood journey, but also how she navigates her career and parenting as a solo mum. 
 
About Alexandra
Alexandra Collier is an award-winning writer for screen, print, and theatre. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, SMH/The Age, Harper's Bazaar, and Mama Mia. She worked in NYC for ten years as a playwright before returning to have a baby solo via donor sperm - which is the subject of her memoir, Inconceivable.
Connect on Instagram @alexandracollierwrites or her website alexandracollier.com
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Download free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village
Follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn or connect with Carina on LinkedIn
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
 

Navigating burnout, mental load and career ambitions with Angela Priestley

Every two years, Women's Agenda publish the "Women's Ambition Report". For this episode, I speak with Angela Priestley, publisher and co-founder of Women's Agenda (a publication for career-minded, time-poor women who want to stay ahead of the conversation). 
During this chat, we discuss the report's key findings, trends on the future of work, and the opportunities for change to support female workforce participation and improve the experiences of women in the workplace. 
Some statistics from the report include:
* 77% of women are experiencing burnout, and a leading factor is overwhelm in balancing career and home responsibilities
* 42% said that burnout could hold them back from reaching their career ambitions over the next two years
* Although self-confidence has reduced from 50% to 41% it is still a barrier for success amongst women
It is an interesting report and validating for many of the results are feelings and experiences working mothers have felt, especially over the past 3 years. 
 
Read the full Women's Ambition 2023 report on the Women's Agenda website here
Connect with Angela & Women's Agenda 
Website: womensagenda.com.au
LinkedIn: Angela Priestley 
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village
Follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn or connect with Carina on LinkedIn
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity

Understanding the impact kids have on a woman’s career with Jessica Heagren

Anecdotally we know what commonly happens to a woman's career after she has a child. But, what are the facts? That question is what this week's guest, Jessica Heagren asked herself and decided to find out. Jessica is based in the UK, and early this year released the 'Careers after Babies' report on what happens to a woman's career after she has a child.
This is a really interesting and insightful conversation talking about the key findings of report, the impact on working mothers, and the role organisations play in supporting and retaining women. 
We talk about: 
* What was the inspiration and motivation for the report
* Key findings of the report
* Advice for women to minimise the impact of up to 10 years for a mother's career to recover after having children 
* How organisations can better support female workforce participation and close the gender pay gap 
* What Jessica sees as the future of work for parents 
and sooo much more. The report has sooo much in it and it was great to unpack this with Jessica. 
 
Connect with Jessica 
Download 'Careers after Babies' report and connect with her on LinkedIn 
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village
Follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn or connect with Carina on LinkedIn
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity

How to set boundaries to manage work-life harmony

In this episode of Working Mumma, we delve deep into a topic that's close to the heart of every working mum: boundaries. Join me as I explore the misconceptions, challenges, and strategies surrounding the art of setting healthy boundaries while juggling the demands of a career and family life.
 
During this episode, I chat about: 
Understanding boundaries and the common misconceptions 
The work/life challenges we face and the value of knowing your why and core values 
The different types of boundaries 
Strategies for setting boundaries at work 
Strategies for setting boundaries at home 
The critical connection between boundaries and your mental well-being
Useful tips to help you along the way 
Boundaries are also linked with mindset so please remember you are doing great mumma. Cut out the noise and do what is best for you and your family. 
Best of luck in review your boundaries. I'm always here to help if you need. 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the waitlist for the Working Mumma Village
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
 

Improving gender equality and fathers sharing the load with Coleen MacKinnon and Rob Sturrock

This week on the podcast I speak with two amazing people who are advocates for gender equality, Coleen Mackinnon and Rob Sturrock. We all spoke very passionately about improving gender equality, and how fathers can play an active role and share the load, their own experiences of parenting and having a career. 
Topics we covered include: 
* The systemic barriers that are impacting gender diversity 
* The gender norms that have contributed to gender inequality both at home and in the workplace 
* How parents can overcome some of the biases they experience 
* What support is needed for working parents 
* Why we should be supporting and encouraging fathers to take parental leave 
* How to challenge and change traditional thinking on the roles of a mother and father within the family unit 
*  Rob's experience as an advocate for gender equality 
* And so much more 
I loved this chat and felt so inspired after and I hope that this episode resonates with you. We all have our part to play to help change the narrative and Rob is a great example of how fathers can change the story and traditional gender norms. 
 
About Coleen MacKinnon
Coleen MacKinnon is a DEI specialist passionate about accelerating progressive social change. She is the Founder of Sydney-based Inclusivity Quotient (InQ), a boutique consultancy specialised in authentically engaging men in co-creating safe, respectful and high-performing workplaces. 
Contact Coleen via LinkedIn or her website inclusivityq.com.au
About Rob Sturrock
Rob Sturrock is an author and working father. He has written widely about his experiences of being a working dad and juggling the responsibilities of home and work. Contact Rob via LinkedIn and check out his book 'Man Raises Boy'.
 
Connect with Carina & Working Mumma
I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn Carina O'Brien and Working Mumma. 
Download the Free '3 steps to sharing the mental load' checklist

It takes a village to raise a mother - postpartum planning with Dr. Renee White

When we discover that we are pregnant, so much of the focus goes toward the child's birth. Once this life-changing event has happened, that is when we most need our village to surround us with support. Learning how to care for a newborn, recovering ourselves, and navigating this new world is challenging; it's when we most need the village around us. Planning for postpartum is crucial as I chat with Dr. Renee White, founder of Fill Your Cup, Australia's first biochemist-led Doula Village. 
We chat about:
* Why postpartum planning is important and share our own experiences 
* The key challenges and common misconceptions 
* How you can prepare for postpartum planning 
* Why we need a village to help raise a mum 
* The role of self-care in postpartum planning 
And so much more. Renee and I share our own experiences and challenges becoming a mum and how we navigated this period. 
 
Connect with Renee White and Fill Your Cup via Instagram @fillyourcup_ and website
 
I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn Carina O'Brien and Working Mumma. 
Download the Free '3 steps to sharing the mental load' checklist