Working Mumma

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

MUM STORY: Managing a chronic illness whilst juggling family and a career with Laura Campbell

Today I'm speaking with Laura Campbell who has over 20 years of corporate experience, founder of Hackerlily, is mum to two children, and suffers from a chronic illness. 
During this episode Laura shares:
* Why she and her husband decided to move back to Australia after living in the UK for 16 years and her experiences of the transition 
* The impact of having a chronic disease since childhood on her career and motherhood 
* Her experience of starting her own business and entrepreneurial journey 
* How motherhood has changed her career perspectives 
* How Laura now manages the work/life juggle 
* The value of community 
 
We had lots of fun recording this episode and we hope you enjoy listening. 
 
Connect with Laura on @_hackerlily, LinkedIn, or via the Hackerlily 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

Why community is so important as a working mum

Working mum life can be isolating. At work, people often don't understand the guilt, the mum/career juggle, or the mental load. Without a community, confidence, and normalizing the struggles, it can leave you questioning if you are really able to "have it all".
As working mums, we are breaking down some of the siloed and gender-stereotyped thinking. Women in the 1970s were forced to give up their careers when they got married because their role was seen in the home. So much has changed since then. As we all know, not all parts of society have kept up with the pace of change.
What is important is that we feel connected through a fundamental need to belong and find the communities that give us empowerment, confidence, and self-belief. This has a huge impact on our confidence and mindset. A positive community can have a huge impact both personally and professionally. 
In this episode, I share with you background on communities and the value of what they bring, the benefit of a community as a working mum, how to pick out which community you need and is best for you, and general tips and strategies for joining a community. 
Doors are open to the Working Mumma Village, a community to support, empower and educate working mums navigate the juggle of career and motherhood. Join today and use the code 'PODCAST' for 10% your membership.
 
 

Breaking Barries and Navigating Gender Equality in the workplace with Niti Nadarajah

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, we dive deep into topics relating to gender equality and the motherhood penalty. I speak with Niti Nadarajah and we have really insightful conversation across a range of different topics. No matter where you are on your parenting journey, there are great tips from Niti.
Niti is passionate about gender equality and we chat about shifting the mental models associated with working mothers so we can overcome the impacts of the motherhood penalty. 
Our chat included:
* Niti's career transition from corporate lawyer to coach 
* The value of creating change and empowering others, especially fathers in taking parental leave and sharing the mental load 
* Losing ourselves, rediscovering our values, and reminding ourselves of our skills when returning back to work after maternity leave 
* Embracing our skills and superpowers. Niti spoke about the skills we learn when on maternity leave and as we overcome the challenges of parenting, we continue to grow and develop as individuals, enhancing our skill sets along the way
* Shifting mindsets and avoiding settling. Niti urges a shift in mindset, emphasizing that we should not settle for less than we deserve. By knowing our self-worth and value, we can assert ourselves confidently and challenge systemic biases that hinder our professional growth.
 
Connect with Niti via her website coachingbyniti.com or LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/niti-nadarajah 
 
Connect with Working Mumma via Instagram @workingmummacommunity  LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/working-mumma or the website workingmumma.com.au
Doors for the Working Mumma Village will be opening for you to join next Monday 10  July workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village/ 

What I’ve learned from 100 episode of the Working Mumma podcast

This a big milestone episode as I celebrate with you 100 episodes of the Working Mumma podcast! 
I started the Working Mumma podcast when I was 18 months into my motherhood journey, I had been back at work for approximately 6 months before I had the idea for a podcast and 8 months when I launched the podcast. 
I will be honest and say that I was unsure how to recognise 100 episodes. But I needed to put one foot in front of the other and record the episode. Many people suggested my topic learnings from 99 episodes and so here we are. 
During this episode I share with you some of the behind-the-scenes of the podcast, pitching for guests, memories from different episodes, the hardest episode I recorded and why, and the background to how I choose the topics and guests. I also share with you my 10 learnings and observations from the 100 episodes and throughout my journey with Working Mumma. 
A huge thank you for listening if this is your first or 10th episode! I really appreciate it and all the DM's that I have received since I started the podcast.  
 
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the Working Mumma Village
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
 

How to navigate flexible work with Belinda Morgan

Flexible work is a key requirement for many families to help them manage the juggle of career and parenting. I speak with Belinda Morgan, a flexible work and leadership specialist this week on the Working Mumma podcast. Belinda shares her insights, experience, and practical advice on how part-time work can support women seeking work-life integration without compromising career aspirations.
As we discuss, there is a misconception that part-time work is just for working mum, but as Belinda explains anyone can benefit from flexible work arrangements for various reasons. One of the challenges working mothers face is being able to find suitable part-time roles that match their experience and skill set. Belinda talks about the hidden talent market of highly skilled people seeking part-time or job-share roles, with untapped potential that could benefit employees and organisation.
We also talk about:
The value of part-time work for both employees and employers
The challenges and opportunities of part-time roles
Why requesting part-time hours needs to be win/win for both employees and employers and she shares tips on how to have this conversation and if you get resistance the opportunity to ask for a trial period
Discuss the benefits of the 4-day week and the concept of the 100:80:100 model
The impact of the new flexible work laws coming into effect
Strategies and advice on how to navigate the recruitment process when looking for part-time positions
Why employers need to develop a clear and attractive proposition for flexible work, highlighting the importance of aligning their policies and strategies with employees' needs.
Belinda reminds listeners to advocate for flexible work, encouraging them to have open conversations with employers and explore the possibilities.
 
Connect with Belinda:
Connect with Belinda via her website www.belindamorgan.com, read her book 'Solving the Part-Time Puzzle' or LinkedIn 
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
Join the Working Mumma Village
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
Website: workingmumma.com.au
 

MUM STORY: Why becoming a mum made her more career-driven with Jordanne Collins

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Jordanne Collins, a working mum with her own web design company, and we explore the challenges, surprises, and joys of balancing motherhood and a career.
Jordanne shares how becoming a mother has changed her perceptions and priorities, making her more career-driven than ever before. She relishes the opportunity to show her children that they don't have to conform to societal expectations and can pursue their passions while making a positive impact on the world.
The conversation delves into the common guilt experienced by working moms, with Jordanne acknowledging that even though she loves her work, she still wrestles with the feeling of needing to give more to her children. She emphasizes the importance of defining one's own version of success and demonstrating to her kids that they can create their own paths in life.
Jordanne also discusses the benefits of finding a sustainable pace, taking time for self-care, and building relationships with other women entrepreneurs. She shares her strategies for slowing down and finding inspiration.
This episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the life of a working mum who has discovered her purpose, challenged societal norms, and found fulfillment by pursuing her career alongside motherhood. It serves as a reminder that being a working mum is a testament to the strength, efficiency, and the power to redefine success on your own terms.
 
Connect with Jordanne Website: jordanne.co
Instagram: @jordanne.co
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Free resource:  '3 steps to sharing the mental load' 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
Website: workingmumma.com.au

MUM STORY: Finding Identity and Purpose in Motherhood and Work with Leslie Carvitto

In this episode, I chat with Leslie Carvitto, a persona brand and lifestyle photographer, who became a mum in 2022 and currently navigating the juggle of being a business owner whilst raising a tiny human. 
Leslie shares her challenges and joys of motherhood and returning back to work in her own business after she became a mum. Work for Leslie was an anchor, providing a sense of purpose and identity amidst the changes of motherhood. The nature of her work meant that she was able to slowly ease her way back, but also allowed her to take on her first job 6-week postpartum. 
We also talk about a topic that isn't often spoken about and that's the conflicting and complicated emotions of motherhood. From feeling content and privileged, to longing for uninterrupted time and pre-baby life. The relentlessness of parenting, both physically and mentally, and the absence of a pause button are acknowledged. Leslie openly shares the identity shift that she has experienced and the impact on her both personally and professionally and the important role community plays.  
If you are a new mum or recently returned to work after maternity leave, this is a very relatable episode for you. 
 
Wanting to rebalance the mental load? Check out the free resource '3 steps to sharing the mental load'. 
 
Connect with Leslie
Follow Leslie on Instagram @lesliecarvitto.photography and her website www.lesliecarvitto.com
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
Working Mumma Village digital membership workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
Instagram: @workingmummacommunity
Website: workingmumma.com.au
 

How the mental load impacts working mums and gender equality

The mental load is an issue that affects many mothers and women, resulting in burnout, stress, and anxiety. It regularly comes up as a key challenge for working mothers. 
In this episode, I look at what exactly is the mental load and some of it's features. It is invisible and will look different for everyone; as I share, it changes daily. Rather than giving you clear strategies (i.e. outsourcing) for managing the mental load, I look at the impacts and influences of the mental load to bring a new perspective into the conversation. 
I also share the idea of a MVT - Minimum Viable Task - the minimum tasks you need to do for your household to function and what you and your partner need to do for this to be a reality. 
Women spend nine hours a week more than men on unpaid work and care than men. This has impacts on women's mental health, and wellbeing and it has a ripple effect on organisations and gender equality.
When we talk about the mental load, it’s often referred to as a female topic, but this just highlights the issue and influence it has on gender equality. I am of the view that a contributing factor to gender equality is how well people share the mental load at home.
Organisations also have a role to play in supporting the mental load for both working parents through flexible work and hybrid work approaches and I discuss the influence of this relating to gender equality.
I also share some key observations and tips regarding mental load and encourage you to download the free mental load checklist to help you review the mental load between you and your partner. 
Download the free resource '3 steps to sharing the mental load'. 
 
Connect with Carina at Working Mumma
If you are looking for community, resources, 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