Wisdom For Working Mums

Have you ever wondered why the parenting strategies that seem to work for everyone else just aren't working for your child? Perhaps you've noticed differences in how your child manages emotions, responds to change or navigates everyday situations. And even though you're capable and resourceful in so many areas of your life, parenting can leave you questioning yourself. Is my child neurodivergent, or am I getting parenting wrong? In this episode, I'm joined by psychologist and neurodivergence specialist Dr Jo Mueller for an honest, compassionate and practical conversation about understanding our children's unique needs. This conversation is particularly personal because I originally sought Jo's expertise for my own parenting challenges. Her insights completely changed how I understood my child's behaviour and how I responded. Together, we explore: - How to recognise potential signs of autism, ADHD and neurodivergence in children. - Why traditional parenting strategies don't always work and what to try instead. - How predictability, collaboration and curiosity can transform everyday parenting challenges. - Balancing compassion with healthy boundaries. - When and how to seek professional support. - The experience of being a neurodivergent parent yourself. We also explore the guilt, perfectionism and pressure that so many ambitious working mums carry into parenting. If you've ever questioned your parenting or wondered whether your child experiences the world differently, this episode will help you replace self-criticism with curiosity and gain practical insights to support your family. Because sometimes the biggest shift isn't changing our children, it's changing the lens through which we see them. Want to explore this conversation further? Head to the podcast page for additional insights, helpful resources and links to connect with Dr Jo Mueller: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/197

How much do you really know about surrogacy? And would you know how to support a friend, colleague or team member building their family this way? In this episode, I'm joined by Michael Johnson-Ellis, co-founder of My Surrogacy Journey and TwoDadsUK, to explore the realities of surrogacy, LGBTQ+ family building and the assumptions that can surround different paths to parenthood. We talk about Michael's own journey to fatherhood, the emotional realities people often don't see, what ethical surrogacy really looks like, and the simple things we can all do to offer better support. We also explore what this means in the workplace, from creating greater LGBTQ+ inclusion, having better conversations, to the gaps that can exist in traditional parental policies. I came to this conversation with curiosity rather than personal experience, and left with not just a deeper understanding of surrogacy and LGBTQ+ family building, but a greater awareness of how we can all show up as better friends, colleagues and leaders. If you want to better understand experiences different from your own, and support the people around you with greater empathy and awareness, this episode is for you.

Download our free Surrogacy At Work factsheet - A quick HR guide to inclusive family-building policies, conversations and support.

This month marks 20 years since Nicky started her business, and in this special anniversary episode, she shares the 20 biggest lessons those two decades have taught her about work, leadership and life. From betting on yourself and navigating burnout to evolving ambition, redefining success and learning not to postpone your life, these aren't simply lessons about business. They're about creating success that actually feels successful. If you're ambitious and trying to build a career you're proud of without losing sight of your health, relationships and the life you're building alongside it, this episode is for you. Twenty years, twenty lessons, and plenty of wisdom Nicky wishes she'd known sooner.

Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/194

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Adoption doesn't end with a child joining a family; it's the beginning of a lifelong journey, one that deserves greater understanding and support. In this episode, I'm joined by Emily Frith, CEO of Adoption UK, for a thoughtful conversation that challenges many of the assumptions we hold about adoption and shines a light on the realities adoptive families often navigate behind the scenes. We explore the emotional complexity of the adoption journey, the unique challenges adoptive parents and adopted people can face throughout their lives, and what employers, managers, colleagues, and friends can do to create more understanding and supportive environments. Whether you're a leader, a working parent, or simply someone who wants to better support the people around you, this conversation is an invitation to listen with curiosity, deepen your understanding, and lead with greater empathy. In this episode, we discuss: • Why adoption is the beginning of a lifelong journey • The realities of becoming an adoptive parent and building attachment • Common misconceptions about adoption and adopted families • How workplaces can better support adoptive parents and adopted colleagues • The importance of lifelong support and why it matters For the full show notes, key takeaways, resources mentioned in the episode and links to the organisations we discuss, visit the podcast page: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/193

Do you ever go on holiday promising yourself you'll switch off… only to find yourself checking emails, mentally planning September, or feeling guilty for doing nothing? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this episode, Nicky explores why rest feels so uncomfortable for ambitious women and why the struggle has far less to do with time than it does with identity. Drawing on psychology, leadership research and her own burnout recovery, she unpacks why so many high achievers tie their self-worth to productivity, why your nervous system resists slowing down, and how learning to rest might be one of the most important leadership skills you'll ever develop. If you're taking a break or simply longing to feel less exhausted, this conversation will help you see rest differently. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why rest feels uncomfortable, even when you desperately need it. - The hidden link between achievement and self-worth. - What burnout taught Nicky about redefining success. - How to rest, even when your mind is telling you to keep going. - Three practical ways to approach rest differently this summer. Because rest isn't something you earn once everything is finished. It's a leadership practice. For the full show notes, key takeaways, resources mentioned in the episode and links to the organisations we discuss, visit the podcast page: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/192/

We often hear that becoming a mother is supposed to be the happiest time of our lives. But what happens when your experience doesn't match the story you were expecting? In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Nikki Wilson, CEO of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, to talk about the realities of perinatal mental health, birth trauma, identity, and why so many women suffer in silence. For the full show notes, key takeaways, resources mentioned in the episode and links to the organisations we discuss, visit the podcast page: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/191/

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Where did my confidence go?" Whether you're returning from maternity leave, navigating a career setback, going through perimenopause, or simply feeling like you've lost a part of yourself, this episode is for you. In this evidence-based episode, Executive Coach Nicky Lowe explores why confidence isn't actually the problem, the hidden impact of identity transitions, and why the key to rebuilding confidence lies much deeper than you might think.

Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/190

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Why do so many loving couples start arguing after they become parents? If you've ever wondered, "Why am I carrying all the mental load?" or "Why don't they just see what needs doing?", this conversation is for you. I'm joined by couples coach, speaker and founder of Be A Happier Parent, Alex Trippier, to explore why good people in good relationships often struggle after children... and how we can rebuild connection without blame. In this episode we explore: Why the mental load so often falls to women Why many men genuinely don't see the invisible work happening around them The difference between mum guilt and dad guilt Alex's powerful concept of "borrowing your partner's brain" Practical ways couples can reduce resentment and build stronger partnerships This is an honest, compassionate conversation that will leave you feeling understood, hopeful and equipped with practical ideas to strengthen your relationship.

Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/189

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Pregnancy loss and baby loss affect far more families than many of us realise, yet these experiences are still often surrounded by silence, misunderstanding and stigma. In this episode, I'm joined by Sands, the UK's leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, to explore the realities of loss and the impact it can have on individuals, families and working lives. Together, we discuss why pregnancy and baby loss can feel so difficult to talk about, the hidden impact of grief in the workplace, and what managers, colleagues and organisations can do to provide meaningful support. In this episode, we explore: Why pregnancy loss and baby loss remain hidden experiences The emotional impact of loss and grief Returning to work whilst navigating loss How colleagues and managers can offer compassionate support Common responses that may unintentionally cause harm What a pregnancy-loss-aware workplace looks like Practical ways organisations can better support employees through loss Whether you're a leader, colleague, friend or family member, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can create more understanding and compassionate workplaces for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. Content note: This episode discusses miscarriage, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, baby loss and grief. Resources & Links Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/188

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Why are women so exhausted? Professor Leah Ruppanner explains the invisible mental load women carry every day - from planning and organising to worrying and responsibility-holding. We explore the eight types of mental load, why women become the default managers of family life, the impact of social judgment and gender expectations, and practical ways to reclaim energy for what matters most. A validating, research-backed conversation for every working mum who feels mentally and emotionally overloaded.

More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/187 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast?

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