In this honest and inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Blundell, UK CEO at Grayling, and mum of two young boys.

Heather shares her personal journey of combining ambitious leadership with parenthood — from taking work calls during bath time to confidently blocking out school pick-ups in her diary. She reflects on the pivotal karate-class moment that shifted her approach to presence, and why setting boundaries has made her a more intentional, effective leader.

A working parent at the top of her game, Heather offers a refreshingly real perspective on leadership, family life, and the cultural responsibility CEOs hold to model balance.

Together, they explore:

✔️ The powerful realisation that changed Heather’s approach to presence as a parent and leader

✔️ Why she sets more boundaries now as a CEO than in previous roles

✔️ How becoming a parent made her a more decisive, compassionate, and time-efficient leader

✔️ The cultural ripple effect when senior leaders model balance at work

✔️ How to let go of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters

✔️ Navigating playground imposter syndrome as a senior leader

✔️ Why parenting can enrich, rather than hinder, leadership ambition

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🔹 How to set transparent boundaries at a senior level without losing credibility

🔹 Why presence, not perfection, creates impact at work and home

🔹 How parenting can sharpen your leadership clarity, efficiency, and empathy

🔹 Practical ways to lead by example and shape organisational culture

🔹 Why “having it all” is a myth — and how deliberate choices make the difference

Show Notes:

• Connect with Heather Blundell on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Grayling UK here
• Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
• Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
• Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
• Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

More BCSC episodes you might love:

Episode 209: {CEO Series} Dr Nara Daubeney - How To Let Go of Guilt and Redefine Success as a Working Parent

Episode 203: (C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms