Working Mumma
The Working Mumma podcast supports your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can feel confident & capable while juggling the demands of motherhood and a career I’m your host, Carina O’Brien, founder of Working Mumma and fellow working mum with 2 young boys. Join me as I explore life returning to work after maternity leave and as a working mum with a mix of solo episodes, amazing interviews with experts, and women sharing their experiences of juggling life and motherhood. Each episode is focused on supporting women to have the resources, mindset, tools, and confidence to support you in successfully managing the juggle.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
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
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
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
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
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
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 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
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
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
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
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
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
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!
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 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
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
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