Working Mumma

Improving Gender Equality: Challenging Mental Load Stereotypes with Maja Paleka

Have you considered about the nuances of the mental load and its impact on gender equality? I chat with Maja Paleka, a mum of 2 and consultant, speaker, and advisor and previously held leadership roles in engineering, sales and operations across three continents.
We delve into practical strategies for challenging stereotypes and improving communication within families to achieve a more balanced division of labor, while also discussing tips for managing flexible work arrangements.
Topics we spoke about included: 
* Defining the mental load and how it contributes to gender inequality, both at home and in the workplace, affecting women's careers and overall well-being.
* The importance of effective communication and the use of systems and habits to reduce decision points and streamline family responsibilities.
* Tips for managing flexible work arrangements, including setting boundaries, using technology to stay organized, and communicating with employers and colleagues.
* The need to redefine relationships as a balance of deep care and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of accountability within families.
* How to challenge societal stereotypes around motherhood and the mental load, advocating for a more balanced and equitable approach to family responsibilities.
* Maja reflects on her journey in challenging stereotypes, highlighting the discomfort and growth that come with shifting societal norms.
* The ripple effect of change within families and society, highlighting the importance of incremental progress and continuous communication.
 
This episode offers many great valuable insights and practical tips to help you as a working mother navigate the complexities of the mental load, manage flexible work arrangements, and advocate for gender equality within your family and community.
 
Connect with Maja via LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/majapaleka
Follow us 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 Working Mumma Village and find your community of support to help you navigate the juggle of work/mum life 

Keeping Your Relationship Strong After Baby: Tips with Laura Press

I sit down with Laura Press, a relationship counselor and mother of three, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby and managing the mental load of working motherhood.
Laura shares practical strategies for setting standards and expectations with your partner, effective communication techniques, and the importance of self-care.
Whether you're struggling with balancing work, family, and personal time or looking for ways to reconnect with your partner, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you navigate these challenges.
* Learn how to establish clear expectations within your family and with your partner to reduce stress* Discover the significance of regular and clear communication to ensure everyone’s needs are met* Understand why self-care is crucial for a healthy relationship and personal well-being* How to resolve conflict with your partner so you can move forward together * Find ways to reconnect with your partner, even when you both have a busy schedule
 
Connect with Laura via her website laurapresscounselling.com.au or via Instagram @laurapresscounselling
Follow us on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life. 
Join the Working Mumma Village 

MUM STORY: Brooke Hanson on Managing Infant Loss and Motherhood

Everyone has their own parenting journey and I had an inspiring conversation with Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson. She shares her journey from an elite athlete representing her country to a working mum. Brooke has 4 children, 3 earthside and one angel baby, Jack, after he passed away when he was 9 months old. 
She has faced my challenges in both her professional swimming career and throughout her motherhood journey, and Brooke shares how she often comes back to her "why" to help her determine what is best for her family at that time, and why we don't need to compare ourselves to others. 
[Trigger Warning] Brooke opens up about her experience with infant loss and how it has shaped her perspective on life and motherhood. She shares candidly about the challenges and emotions involved, providing insight and understanding for those who may have experienced similar losses. Brooke also shares how valuable the Starlight Children's Foundation is and the positive impact it has had on her life and family.
Listen to discover how Brooke's story can inspire you to navigate life's challenges with a positive mindset and find joy in the journey.
Brooke Hanson is a proud ambassador for Starlight Children’s Foundation. She is sharing her story in support of Starlight Day on May 21, which aims to raise $1 Million dollars by June 30 to help brighten the lives of 26,000 seriously ill children. To donate visit starlight.org.au
 
Connect with Brooke:
Instagram: @brookehanson_oly_oam
Website: brookehanson.com
Support Starlight Children's Foundation:
Visit starlight.org.au to learn more about their work and how you can get involved.
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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/

Creating a Plan to Juggle Motherhood and Career

Many women meticulously plan their childbirth, but what about planning for the long journey of being a working mum? Parenting and balancing work can last 18+ years, spanning various stages from childcare to high school. Each phase brings unique challenges and chances to reflect on your desires for yourself and your family.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of creating a 'working mum plan,' exploring how to uncover your true desires and navigate the complexities of working mum life. Tune in to define your path and envision the working mum life you truly want.
 
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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/

Redefining Success as a Working Mum with Jodi Geddes

In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of being a working mum. Jodi Geddes, the co-founder of Circle In, shares her personal journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks.
We also discuss strategies for managing the mental load of motherhood and the benefits of building a supportive workplace for working parents. Join us for an inspiring conversation that redefines success for working mums everywhere.
Jodi has built Circle In with her best friend and also received VC funding to help grow the business. During the episode, Jodi also shares her experiences of having a business with her best friend and the journey they are on. 
We chat about:
- Jodie's journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship
- The challenges of balancing work and motherhood
- Tips for managing the mental load of motherhood
- Building a supportive workplace for working parents
- Strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks
- Insights into redefining success as a working mum
 
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SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Jodi Geddes via LinkedIn 
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Let's connect on LinkedIn 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

MUM STORY: Stephanie-Kate Bratton on Career, Motherhood, and Primary Caregiving

In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of Stephanie-Kate Bratton, a mum, lawyer, and author, who shares her experiences navigating a successful career with motherhood and having her husband as the primary caregiver. From international career moves to redefining traditional gender roles, Stephanie's story offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life.
We chat about:
The role of her husband as a stay-at-home dad and the challenges they faced in reversing traditional roles
Society's perceptions of gender roles and the importance of supporting mothers in their careers
Stephanie's decision to transition to part-time work and its impact on her family dynamic
The challenges of juggling career aspirations with parenting responsibilities
The perception of working mothers and the importance of self-identity
The value of self-care, including the importance of sleep and family time, in maintaining balance
The inspiration behind Stephanie's series of children's books aimed at demystifying professions for kids
Stephanie's story is both relatable and inspiring, offering valuable insights for all working parents. Her story highlights the changing landscape of modern families and the importance of support and understanding in achieving work-life balance to do what is best for you and your family.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Stephanie-Kate Bratton via her website to purchase the "My mummy is" book or via LinkedIn 
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Let's connect on LinkedIn 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
 

How to navigate the journey as a working 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 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

Rebalancing the Mental Load with Your Partner: Practical Steps

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