What if the roadblock to your success was merely a lack of confidence, not your abilities? Today, we bring you a riveting conversation with Leanne Cooper, a career and confidence coach who turned around her life and now empowers others to do the same. Trapped in an unfulfilling role for a decade due to self-doubt, Leanne's life took a turn when she decided to confront her fear, prioritise herself, and embrace change.

In our candid exchange, we dissect the complexity of career transitions and rebuilding self-assurance. Leanne talks about the impact of the pandemic on her career and the paralysing effect fear can have on taking the first step towards change. Ever felt overwhelmed and under-confident? You'll relate as we delve into how Leanne converted her redundancy into an opportunity to follow her dreams.

Lastly, we touch upon Leanne's work with organisations to boost the confidence of their female talent, especially in industries where men dominate. We underline the necessity of increased support for people bouncing back from maternity leave and the power of simple actions like self-introduction. Journey with us as Leanne imparts wisdom on creating the life you covet and the significance of allocating space to prioritise yourself. No one else can do it better than you. Now's the time to embrace that.

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Connect with Leanne Cooper on LinkedIn

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You First Coaching Website

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Listen up as we join forces with Cheney Hamilton, the founder and CEO of the Find Your Flex group, to redefine the concept of work as we know it. What if we told you there's more to the traditional work structures that we've grown accustomed to? How about envisioning a future where work transcends conventional boundaries, allowing for a more flexible and balanced lifestyle? We're talking about outcome-based work, the potential of a shared workforce, and the future of work itself.

With her profound experiences and insights, Cheney helps us navigate this path, dissecting the concept of a four-day workweek, exploring the influence of automation on the workforce, and posing questions about the morality of zero-hours contracts. We discuss the exciting possibility of a financial model that allows individuals to retire yet continue working on their terms. And that's not all. We also delve into the power of creativity, the importance of incentivising it in the workplace, and its immense potential regarding the engagement and retention of talented employees.

As we envision the future, we can't ignore the role of networking and social media in finding flexible work opportunities. We underline the importance of industry connections, the far-reaching impact these can have on personal career growth, and the necessity of embracing new opportunities. All of this and much more as we embark on this journey to redefine how we work together. So why wait? Plug in, get inspired, and let's shift gears towards a more flexible work environment.

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Find Your Flex Group

Connect with Cheney Hamilton on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

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Ever considered leaving the corporate world behind to start your own freelance business? Join us as we chat with Amanda Henderson, a freelance HR specialist who took that leap of faith after the birth of her second child. Learn how she navigated the challenges of setting up her own business, used her network to land her first clients, and set boundaries to balance her work and family life.

Discover the ins and outs of growing a freelancing business through networking as Amanda shares her experience as an operator and area manager, her approach to crafting outreach messages on LinkedIn, and how she made a difference in her clients' businesses. We also delve into the world of IR35, pricing strategies, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Finally, Amanda talks about the non-traditional career path that led her to become a successful freelance HR specialist and shares her plans for her new venture, Thread HR Limited. Learn how to manage multiple clients, keep track of hours and billing, and set boundaries to ensure personal productivity and work-life balance. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable advice for anyone considering a freelance career.

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Connect with Amanda Henderson on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

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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.

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What if you could achieve career success, set boundaries, and maintain balance in your life? Join us for a captivating conversation with Kathryn Bell, Head of National Accounts with Artex, as she shares her remarkable journey of starting work as a 16-year-old at British Gypsum and climbing the ladder to sales success. Discover how the building construction industry has evolved to become less male-dominated and how she manages a team of people who all work flexibly.

As we dive into the importance of having the right attitude and behaviours when entering the workforce, we also explore the impact of AI and the pandemic on how work is done.

Learn about the benefits of offering flexible working policies and how employers can make it work, even when their business requires staff to be present at certain times.

Don't miss this insightful episode as we uncover the secrets to achieving a healthy work-life balance and making flexible working policies a reality.

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Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Artex Careers Site

Saint-Gobain Careers Site

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What if you could create a successful business that not only supports your family but also provides valuable services to your community? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Samantha Acton, founder of Domestic Angels, a cleaning and domestic services franchise business serving communities throughout the UK. Samantha shares her journey from working in financial services to taking the leap into entrepreneurship and how her business has evolved over the years to become a thriving franchise.

Discover how Samantha navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and raising a family while staying true to her values and instincts. We'll discuss how she overcame comparison, rejection, and the pressure to conform and how Domestic Angels is providing life-changing services to both younger and older customers alike. Plus, Samantha shares her top business tips to help you succeed in your own ventures.

Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that explores the world of entrepreneurship and the importance of balancing work and family life. Listen in as we discuss the benefits of franchising, navigating business growth after a pandemic, and the advantages of starting a franchise versus starting a business from scratch. Samantha's story is a testament to the power of trusting your instincts, staying true to your values, and the positive impact a business can have on the lives of its customers, employees, and franchisees.

Show Links:

Domestic Angels Website

Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

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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.

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As a working mum, I've often struggled to find the right balance between my career and family life, which is why I was thrilled to have Kelly Taylor join me for an insightful chat. Kelly is a content creator, media executive, and mum of two who's grown a following of over 50,000 on her Instagram account, Kids and the Commute. Tune in to hear her candid stories about empowering working mums, navigating the dark moments of motherhood, and the importance of humour.

In our conversation, Kelly and I explore the impact of the pandemic on re-evaluating our life priorities and the mental load many of us carry. We also touch on Kelly's experience as the most senior working mum in her department, the importance of normalising working parenthood, and how this affects both working parents and non-parents alike. As Kelly steps back from full-time employment to pursue her passion for content creation, we discuss the challenges and excitement of managing work, parenting, and an Instagram account.

Kelly emphasises the importance of authenticity and persistence in content creation, sharing her insights on cautious humour and the power of storytelling. We also dive into the beauty of female-led narratives, the rise of the "mumfluencer," and the changing media landscape. So grab a cup of coffee and join us for this enlightening and entertaining episode, perfect for fellow working mums or anyone needing a good chuckle.

Show Links:

Follow Kids and the Commute on Instagram

Follow Kids and the Commute on TikTok

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Find Your Unicorn Space Book

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Are you a mum with entrepreneurial dreams? In this inspiring episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're joined by the remarkable Anna Smith, founder of ALS Recruitment and co-founder of Middle Group. Anna is a beacon of inspiration as she navigates the world of running two thriving businesses, all while being a mum to three little ones.

Anna opens up about the realities of juggling self-employment and motherhood, especially when it comes to the complexities of maternity leave. With honesty and humility, she shares that while the work-family balance can be a tricky dance, she’s found that having limited time can actually sharpen your productivity. Crucial to her journey is the support of her partner and the necessity of setting firm boundaries to uphold a wholesome work-life balance.

Anna’s past life as a hairdresser endowed her with invaluable skills in relationship-building and client retention, which she seamlessly transferred to her recruitment business. She drives home the point that it's not just okay but essential for busy working mums to prioritise self-care and carve out moments of peace for themselves.

In the heart of our conversation, we delve into the shifting attitudes towards flexible working and the crucial role male allies play in championing gender equality in the workplace. Anna is an unyielding advocate for women pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, firmly asserting that no one should tell a woman what she can or can't achieve.

For all you mums nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations, Anna's story stands as solid evidence that you can indeed succeed in your professional pursuits without compromising on your family life. So, don your dream-chaser hat, create a life that beautifully aligns with you and your family's needs, and remember, you're absolutely capable of crafting your own success story.

Show Links:

Podcast Sponsor: Taylor and Francis

ALS Recruitment

Connect with Anna on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

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In our latest conversation on Work It Like a Mum, host Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Charlotte Speak, the brilliant mind behind Power of the Parent. Charlotte’s game-changing mission? To help organisations change gear and ensure parents don't just get by at work but genuinely flourish.

In this episode, Charlotte opens up about the rollercoaster ride of starting her own business, grappling with the idea of outsourcing and figuring out how to value tasks. Through her candid chat, she wants to reassure you that it's absolutely alright for everyone's journey to look different - and it’s more than okay to lean on others and embrace outsourcing to give your business a much-needed boost.

What Charlotte's story really hammers home is the magic of outsourcing. By passing the baton for tasks like scheduling and podcast editing to skilled people in her team, she's had the freedom to zero in on the bits of her business that need her most. She’s even found a great cleaner to tackle those pesky household chores that kept her from focusing on work at home.

Yes, outsourcing might feel costly, but it’s a smart move if you're looking to run your business smoothly or if you're juggling a jam-packed job while trying to keep a healthy work-life balance. By chucking out the idea of 'perfection' and easing up on the expectations, Charlotte has crafted her own version of success: being present, playing to her strengths and cherishing quality family time.

So, if you feel a tad swamped with the demands of your business or a bustling job, why not consider offloading a few tasks to experts who can help you streamline your day-to-day? Take a leaf out of Charlotte's book and remember it's alright to ask for help.

Finally, remember this gem from Charlotte: success doesn’t come in one shape or size. It's all about defining it in a way that works for you.

Fancy a bit more wisdom from inspiring women like Charlotte? Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to Work It Like a Mum, leave us a review if you're enjoying the show, and share it with another mum who might need a pick-me-up. Together, we can redefine success, one episode at a time. Tune in next time, and remember - you're doing a brilliant job!

Show Links:

Podcast Sponsor: Taylor and Francis

Power of the Parent

Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Work It Like A Mum podcast. Today, our host, Elizabeth Willetts, sits down with Rebecca Tully, the innovative Founder of Kids Kitchen, a dynamic social enterprise that's all about fostering health and community through family cooking.

In this insightful discussion, Rebecca reveals the journey that sparked the creation of Kids Kitchen. She details how her vision transformed from a community initiative into a thriving Community Interest Company. Her story is a testament to the power of community and the resilience of entrepreneurial spirit.

We also delve into the impressive growth of Kids Kitchen. With three vibrant hubs and a comprehensive training programme, Rebecca's vision has expanded into a platform for those wanting to host their own Kids Kitchen sessions. Rebecca underscores the crucial role community and connection play in the success of a business.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship and community involvement. Rebecca's story will inspire you to chase your dreams, build your community, and, most importantly, Work It Like a Mum!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Rebecca and you're keen to hear more inspiring stories like hers, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback not only helps us improve but also helps other mums find our podcast. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration today!

Also, why not connect with us on our social media platforms? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest updates, tips, and community discussions. Let's continue to redefine our working world together, one episode at a time.

Join us next week for another episode of Work It Like A Mum. Until then, remember to keep flourishing in your career while enjoying every precious moment with your kids.

Show Links:

Podcast Sponsor: Taylor and Francis

Kids Kitchen Website

Follow Kids Kitchen on Instagram

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In this engaging podcast episode, host Elizabeth Willetts chats with Heather Black, the innovative founder of Supermums, an organisation dedicated to helping parents and individuals make a career change into Salesforce professionals. During the conversation, Heather shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey and the origins of Supermums. She emphasises the significance of social entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of contributing to a charitable cause while earning a living.

Heather dives into the world of tech, making a passionate case for increased female representation and discussing why more women should consider a tech career. She highlights the numerous benefits of learning Salesforce and illustrates how Supermums can support individuals in retraining, ultimately paving the way to financial independence.

Throughout this lively episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into Heather's experiences in the work and entrepreneurial landscapes, as well as the driving mission and values that make Supermums so special.

Learn more about Supermums

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

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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.

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