In this week’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Gifty Enright — global workplace wellbeing expert, diversity and leadership consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of the highly acclaimed book Octopus on a Treadmill.

This conversation is full of empowering insights for working women — especially mothers — navigating the pressures of career, motherhood, identity, and self-care.

💬 In this episode, we talk about:

• The story behind Octopus on a Treadmill and why it resonates with working women
• What burnout really feels like and how to recognise it before it hits crisis point
• Losing yourself in motherhood and how to reconnect with your identity
• The myth of “having it all” and redefining success on your own terms
• Wellness, perimenopause, and rebuilding life with intention
• Presence, boundaries, and the legacy we leave our children

💡 Key Takeaways:

Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic

Losing yourself in motherhood is common

Self-care is not selfish

You don’t need to ‘have it all’ to be worthy

Perimenopause and burnout can overlap

Boundaries are essential

🔥 Whether you're deep in the juggle of work and motherhood or feeling the early signs of burnout, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take your power back.

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Connect with Gifty here

Visit Gifty’s Website here

Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.

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This week on the Work It Like a Mum podcast, I’m joined by career coach Kim Holland, who specialises in helping parents navigate career transitions. We explore why becoming a parent often sparks the desire for a career change, how to approach that change with confidence, and the framework Kim uses to help people make meaningful, sustainable pivots.

From identity shifts and values realignment to creating a step-by-step plan, Kim shares expert advice for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current role. If you’re considering a new direction in your career, this one’s for you.

💬 We Chat About:

– What “starting again” actually feels like in real life
– The grief, uncertainty, and freedom that come with letting go
– The myth of the linear path — and why “sense-making” can hold us back
– Kim’s self-connection framework: how to pause, feel, and move with intention
– Why rest and release are often the most radical next steps

📌 Key Takeaways:

🔁 Starting again doesn’t mean starting from zero
🚪 You don’t need to “justify” leaving something that no longer fits
🧭 Clarity doesn’t come from forcing decisions —
🧶 Kim’s framework helps untangle truth from noise,
🌱 It’s not a failure to pivot — it’s a sign of deep self-trust

🎧 Why Listen:
If you’re navigating a transition — or feeling the nudge to begin again — this episode will remind you that you’re not broken, behind, or lost. You’re just in between. And there’s real power in that space.

Show Links:

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Connect with Kim here

Visit Kim’s Website here

Learn more about Kim’s career MOT here

Tune in for real talk, fresh perspective, and the reminder that you're not starting over — you're just getting started.

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

Surprise! We’re dropping a bonus episode this week — pulled from one of our recent LinkedIn Live conversations — and it’s a good one.

In this special edition, I’m joined by the ever-brilliant Rebecca Newenham, founder of Get Ahead, a business support agency that connects businesses with freelance experts on a flexible basis. With 14 years in business and zero cold calls, Rebecca has grown her company purely through the power of networking.

She also runs LinkedIn Local Guildford and is known by many (myself included) as the Queen of Networking. So if you've ever cringed at the idea of networking, or felt stuck trying to build connections in a new industry — this one's for you.

💬 What We Chat About:

• Why building a network matters — especially when pivoting careers or launching a business
• How Rebecca grew her business entirely through authentic connections
• Making networking feel less icky and more you
• Balancing online and offline networking (and why both matter)
• How to confidently approach people on LinkedIn
• Using tools like AI to find your voice when posting or reaching out
• Showing up consistently — and why that’s more important than being perfect
• Building visibility through thoughtful engagement (not just likes)

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• 80% of opportunities come through your network — not job boards
• You don’t need to be loud to be seen — just be yourself
• It’s not about pitching, it’s about connecting
• Commenting > lurking — thoughtful engagement builds your reputation
• You can grow your network before you need it — start now
• AI can help with ideas, but your voice is what matters most
• Being visible is a choice — and consistency is your friend

If you're job-hunting, career-shifting, or just trying to feel less awkward about networking — hit play on this bonus episode. It’s packed with real, practical advice and the kind of reassurance we all need.

Show Links:

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Connect with Rebecca here

Visit the Get Ahead Website here

Learn more about LinkedIn Local Guildford here

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week, I’m joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends — the incredibly grounded and wise Nikki Lodge-Frear. A former teacher, Nikki has built a beautiful, purpose-led business as a funeral celebrant.

This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly uplifting — an exploration of what it means to hold space for people at their most vulnerable, and how grief can quietly teach us about presence, humanity, and even joy.

💬 What We Cover:

• Nikki’s journey from the classroom to the crematorium — and why it felt like coming home
• The unique joy and depth she’s discovered through celebrancy work
• How to hold space for others without losing yourself
• Grief as a universal human experience, not something to be “fixed”
• Why traditional business rules don’t always apply — and what it looks like to grow slowly, intentionally, and sustainably
• What balance really means as a parent doing meaningful work

🔑 Key Takeaways:

🌱 It’s never too late to pivot — Your career path doesn’t need to be linear to be meaningful.

🖤 Grief is part of life — Learning how to support others through loss is a vital skill we all need.

🧠 Experience over qualifications — Nikki’s success came from mentorship, empathy, and lived experience.

🗣 Celebrancy is a people-first profession — It’s about listening, storytelling, and creating space for healing.

✨ You don’t need to follow the “normal” route — Nikki’s story proves that non-traditional paths can lead to incredibly fulfilling work.

👩‍👧‍👦 Balance is a priority — Choosing work that fits your life and values is key, especially as a parent.

A nourishing episode for anyone curious about working with heart, navigating change, or showing up for others with real presence.

Show Links:

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Connect with Nikki on Facebook

Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Nicola Stevenson, Branch Manager at Jewson Orkney. Her career path is anything but traditional — from banking, to whisky distilling, to running a builders’ merchant — all while raising a family in the remote but stunning Orkney Islands.

We chat about:

• What it’s really like to live and work on a remote Scottish island
• Nicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each one
• How she landed a management role with zero prior experience in the industry
• Island-life perks (and quirks): from Navy boat rides to surprise royal visits
• The truth about imposter syndrome, leading a 17-person team, and learning to switch off

It’s a refreshingly honest chat about figuring it out as you go, backing yourself, and saying “yes” — even when you're not 100% sure how it’ll pan out.

Key Takeaways:

🚀 You don’t need a plan — just the guts to say yes and figure it out.

🌴 Island life is magical and messy — close-knit, remote, and full of surprises.

💬 Imposter syndrome? Totally normal. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you.

🤝 Lead by doing. Get stuck in, stay hands-on, and back your team.

🌿 Switching off is a skill. Sometimes you need to physically leave to truly rest.

If you’ve ever thought about changing careers, chasing a slower pace of life, or wondered whether you’re just winging it — this one’s for you.

Show Links:

Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn here

Visit Jewson’s website here

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week on Work It Like a Mum, I’m reunited with the brilliant Amanda Henderson, founder of Thread HR 💼

You might remember Amanda from an earlier episode where she dropped pure gold on how to go freelance (seriously — tip after tip after tip!). If you’re dreaming of leaving corporate behind, that one’s a must-listen — and we’ve linked it in the show notes.

But today? We’re talking about what comes next — Amanda’s incredible leap from solo freelancer to agency founder 🙌

🎙 In this episode:

• What sparked the shift from freelancing to growing a team
• How motherhood (and the school run!) influenced her business strategy
• The emotional AND practical side of hiring your first employee
• Tips for recruiting (and managing) with empathy and intention
• Why being radically honest is Amanda’s secret sauce for building culture
• Real talk on capacity, growth, and those scary-but-exciting firsts 💡

✨ Key Takeaways:

💡Growth doesn’t have to mean hustle 24/7 — it’s about working smarter

💡 Hiring? Recruit slow, hire thoughtfully, and lead with your values

💡 Building a team means stepping out of the day-to-day sometimes

💡 Honesty and clear expectations are everything — especially in small teams

💡 Flexibility isn’t a perk — it’s powerful business strategy

Show Links:

Connect with Amanda here

Visit Thread HR’s Website Here

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Listen to Amanda’s previous episode about freelancing here

Whether you're a solo business owner, team leader, or dreaming about your next chapter — Amanda’s story is full of insight, humour, and heart.

Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week on Work It Like a Mum, we sit down with Susanna Gray Jones — founder of Chime Search, recruitment powerhouse, and expat entrepreneur — to chat all things life, work, and the bold move to Dubai. From her career in recruitment to launching her own business overseas, Susanna shares candidly about what inspired her to make a major life pivot after a personal health scare and how she's built a fulfilling life (and company) in the UAE.

In this episode:

• Why Susanna swapped corporate life for entrepreneurship
• The wake-up call that pushed her to leave the UK
• What moving to Dubai is actually like — emotionally and practically
• The realities of expat life (spoiler: not just brunch and beaches)
• Job-hunting in the UAE and how it really works
• Raising a family abroad: the good, the hard, and the unexpected
• How to find your people and build a support network
• Cultural shifts to know — especially for women and families
• Why Dubai’s booming… and Saudi might be next
  
  

Key Takeaways:

💡 A fresh start abroad takes guts, research, and resilience
💡 Dubai offers a luxe lifestyle, but it comes with trade-offs
💡 Job-hunting? You’ll likely need to be there in person
💡 Women in Dubai have more freedom than you might think
💡 Networking is your secret weapon
💡 Saudi Arabia is rising — keep it on your radar

Show Links:

Connect with Susanna here

Visit Susanna’s Website here

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Whether you're curious about expat life, want to work abroad, or are dreaming of starting your own business, this episode is packed with real talk and inspiration.

Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week on Work It Like a Mum, I'm joined by the brilliant Anna Allerton—former sports journalist turned executive coach—who shares her deeply personal and professional journey through perimenopause and how it led to a powerful career pivot.

Anna now specialises in coaching professional women, particularly those navigating the challenges of menopause while juggling high-pressure careers. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the debilitating symptoms that cost her a 20-year broadcasting career—and how those challenges now fuel her mission to help others thrive.

We Talk About:

• Anna’s transition from Sky Sports journalist to executive coach
• The impact of perimenopause on mental health and career
• Why workplaces need to become more menopause-friendly
• Logging symptoms, self-advocacy & navigating GPs
• Practical resources and tools (like the Balance App)
• Why creating safe, trusted spaces for women is essential

Key Takeaways:

✅ You’re not “just tired”—menopause can be disruptive and isolating, but help is out there
✅ Logging symptoms and asking the right questions can change everything
✅ Coaching creates space to be heard, challenged, and supported
✅ Women's health deserves to be taken seriously—in and out of the workplace

Why You Should Listen:

If you're a woman experiencing hormonal shifts or a leader wanting to better support women in your organisation, this episode is a must-listen. Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, you can turn a personal struggle into a professional strength.

Show Links:

Connect with Anna here

Visit Anna’s Website here

Listen to Danielle Howell’s Episode on Harnessing your Hormonal Cycle To Transform Your Work and Life Here

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!