In this episode, I'm joined by Rowshonara Syeda, a civil servant in the UK Government, for a thoughtful conversation exploring the concept of work-life balance, focusing on personal routines, self-discipline, and career focus. It delves into the impact of living alone, motivation, and the role of upbringing in shaping an individual's approach to work-life balance.

The conversation delves into the influence of upbringing, cultural impact, career choices, habits, time management, individuality, and trying new things on work-life balance.

It emphasises the importance of intentionality, self-discipline, and exploring new interests as key factors in achieving a balanced lifestyle. The conversation covers the importance of social activities and group environments in contributing to a sense of balance and well-being, the significance of taking time off and avoiding burnout, and the cultural perspectives on work-life balance.

The conversation covers the themes of seizing the day, grief and loss, and memories and legacy. Each theme is explored through personal experiences and reflections, providing valuable insights into the impact of these themes on individuals' lives.

Takeaways

• Work-life balance is influenced by personal routines and the ability to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
• Self-discipline and a positive mindset play a crucial role in achieving work-life balance. Intentionality
• Self-discipline
• Exploring new interests, social activities and group environments contribute to a sense of balance and well-being.
• The importance of taking time off and avoiding burnout. Seizing the day
• Grief and loss
• Memories and legacy

Chapters

• 00:00 Quantifying Work-Life Ratio
• 03:00 Living Alone and Work-Life Balance
• 05:58 Motivation and Self-Discipline
• 08:52 Career Focus and Life Balance
• 33:05 Upbringing and Studiousness
• 34:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 35:31 Influence of Upbringing on Work-Life Balance
• 37:24 Cultural Impact on Work-Life Balance
• 40:08 Career Choices and Work-Life Balance
• 47:13 Habits and Time Management
• 53:31 Individuality and Fluidity in Balance
• 01:02:42 Trying New Things and Personality
• 01:03:03 Social Activities and Group Environments
• 01:06:13 Avoiding Burnout and Taking Time Off
• 01:23:02 Cultural Perspectives on Work-Life Balance
• 01:26:49 Seizing the Day
• 01:29:15 Grief and Loss
• 01:45:35 Memories and Legacy

Come and join the first live event of the Work-Life Balance Confessions Podcast! It's taking place in London on Tuesday 28th July 2026, 18.30-20.30.

All details and booking registration available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/work-life-balance-confessions-live-drinks-reception-workshop-tickets-1991775634540

We will be joined by a panel of former podcast guests:

Soli Lazarus: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cuPEwWW1YXvWBOqDo7oYH?si=XL3iQj28QFiIh2MpbPYUTA

Jhilmil Kishore: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IlYm5UCm27XadcVKOgsnN?si=9YqmRS4tRCaMGJrOmWVibg

Bettina Jacobs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4h3l1xPlM7dF4nqpnJ0Ddn?si=qJGG7D0ESW2KggQ5Be453A

Emma Livingstone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A98AP9zTkMzg9TYMDoC9J?si=uJ1OOic0QHCntPd0E-ClHA

If you're a fan of The Diary of a CEO podcast, then you won't want to miss this episode, which features Liza Berresford, the CEO of Thresholds, a provider of career support programmes.

Throughout our conversation, we cover:

The realities of juggling family and professional life as a CEO who is married with three children;

The impact that the responsibility of staff livelihoods has on work-life balance;

The high stakes of parenting older children and the challenge of finding your balance when your child is struggling;

How living abroad as an expat family can impact work-life balance;

How to release yourself from striving for perfection both in your personal and professional life.

Chapters

00:00 Quantifying Work-Life Ratios

09:12 The Impact of Responsibility

32:25 Struggle with Perfectionism

38:52 The Role of External Validation and Support

39:20 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Parenting Challenges

41:20 The Rewards and Challenges of Being a CEO

01:06:22 The Journey of Letting Go and Delegating Responsibilities

01:08:59 The CEO's Responsibility

01:10:18 Setting Clear Goals

01:11:15 Leading Through Uncertainty

01:13:12 Balancing Work and Family Life

01:27:25 Living and Working Abroad

01:29:43 The Pursuit of Balance

Come and join the first live event of the Work-Life Balance Confessions Podcast! It's taking place in London on Tuesday 28th July 2026, 18.30-20.30.

All details and booking registration available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/work-life-balance-confessions-live-drinks-reception-workshop-tickets-1991775634540

We will be joined by a panel of former podcast guests:

Soli Lazarus: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cuPEwWW1YXvWBOqDo7oYH?si=XL3iQj28QFiIh2MpbPYUTA

Jhilmil Kishore: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IlYm5UCm27XadcVKOgsnN?si=9YqmRS4tRCaMGJrOmWVibg

Bettina Jacobs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4h3l1xPlM7dF4nqpnJ0Ddn?si=qJGG7D0ESW2KggQ5Be453A

Emma Livingstone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A98AP9zTkMzg9TYMDoC9J?si=uJ1OOic0QHCntPd0E-ClHA

If you're a fan of The Diary of a CEO podcast, then you won't want to miss this episode, which features Liza Berresford, the CEO of Thresholds, a provider of career support programmes.

Throughout our conversation, we cover:

• The realities of juggling family and professional life as a CEO who is married with three children;
• The impact that the responsibility of staff livelihoods has on work-life balance;
• The high stakes of parenting older children and the challenge of finding your balance when your child is struggling;
• How living abroad as an expat family can impact work-life balance;
• How to release yourself from striving for perfection both in your personal and professional life.

Chapters

• 00:00 Quantifying Work-Life Ratios
• 09:12 The Impact of Responsibility
• 32:25 Struggle with Perfectionism
• 38:52 The Role of External Validation and Support
• 39:20 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Parenting Challenges
• 41:20 The Rewards and Challenges of Being a CEO
• 01:06:22 The Journey of Letting Go and Delegating Responsibilities
• 01:08:59 The CEO's Responsibility
• 01:10:18 Setting Clear Goals
• 01:11:15 Leading Through Uncertainty
• 01:13:12 Balancing Work and Family Life
• 01:27:25 Living and Working Abroad
• 01:29:43 The Pursuit of Balance

This episode features the menopause educator and coach, Jacqueline Rose.

Our conversation explores the challenges of work-life balance, career progression, and the impact of family responsibilities on professional life. It delves into the experiences of women navigating these complexities and the strategies they employ to achieve balance. The conversation explores the challenges of work-life balance, the impact of caring responsibilities, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. It delves into the themes of career transitions, ambition, and the changing priorities of midlife women.

Jacqueline shares her experience of pivoting from an established career path to pursuing new ventures and the internal conflicts that arise from such decisions. The conversation explores the themes of life transitions, work-life balance, and personal growth. It delves into the challenges of navigating life changes, finding purpose, and managing career and family responsibilities.

Jacqueline shares insights on self-discovery, legacy, and the impact of personal experiences on work-life balance. The conversation covers the themes of work-life balance, perimenopause, and the impact of food on health and wellness. It delves into the challenges of navigating career transitions, hormonal changes, and self-care strategies. The focus is on understanding and adapting to the changing needs of the body and mind during different life stages.

The conversation covers a range of topics related to work-life balance, personal growth, and the challenges of different life stages. It emphasizes the importance of being present, recognising life stages, and finding balance amidst uncertainty and change.

Takeaways:

• Work-life balance is a constant juggling act
• Family responsibilities impact career decisions Work-life balance is influenced by caring responsibilities and personal fulfillment.
• Midlife women experience career transitions and changing priorities.
• Pivoting from established career paths to pursue new ventures can lead to internal conflicts. Life transitions
• Work-life balance Work-life balance is essential for overall well-being.
• Perimenopause brings about significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.
• The relationship between food, health, and hormonal changes is crucial for managing overall wellness. Present Moment Awareness
• Recognizing Life Stages

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Career Challenges

10:08 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Caring Responsibilities

17:34 The Impact of Career Transitions and Changing Priorities

28:09 Visualizing Legacy and Purpose

44:22 Menopause and Food Connection

*THIS EPISODE, AND THE ACCOMPANYING SHOW NOTES, WERE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 2023 (SEASON 2: EPISODE 8). THE AUDIO HAS BEEN REMASTERED FOR ENHANCED SOUND QUALITY*

This episode features former blog guest Sam Franklin, a father of two who works part-time as Head of Innovation Consulting in a global tech corporation.

I published a write-up of my interview with Sam on International Men’s Day 2020, which felt fitting given that his take on work-life balance centred on empowering men to take ownership of how they choose to spend their time, both in and outside work.

A vital part of that, he argued, was championing the role that men play in creating true equality with their female counterparts – particularly those with caring responsibilities.
At the time of interviewing Sam, he had only recently become a father. Once he started navigating his company’s paternity leave policy, he realised that he was the first male employee in his organisation to challenge some of the rules and assumptions around working fathers taking an active childcare role at home.

His paternity leave arrangement set a precedent in his corporate employer and he later went on to be offered a promotion, which he accepted only on the condition that it be a part-time role – allowing him to commit to spending one full day a week looking after his daughter.
For Sam, this arrangement afforded him a true sense of balance.

Now here we are, three years later, and I’m delighted to be hosting Sam on the podcast. His situation has drastically changed since 2020, both in his work and home life. And we get to that during this podcast episode.

We also discover what a superpower it is not being a perfectionist, and how Sam's satisfaction with things being "good enough" has enabled him to pack in a remarkably busy career, volunteering commitments and home life.

Sam's perspective of balancing work with everything else in life has been brought sharply into focus most recently due to his cancer diagnosis. His experience affords him a perspective that is a sobering reminder of how precious our time is, and how choosing how you spend it really matters.
It is a great privilege to share this podcast episode as the final one of 2023, and indeed the final episode of Season 2 of my podcast.

With new year’s resolutions traditionally on the mind at this time of year, I hope my dear listeners will find Sam’s life-affirming story a thought provoking and uplifting accompaniment to 2023 drawing to a close, and welcoming in 2024.

To read more about this podcast episode and see the photo - as promised in the interview - of Sam sporting his batman onesie (and more), follow this link: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/12/18/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-8-out-now/
You can read the blog post I wrote about Sam's work-life balance story back in 2020 here: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/11/19/sams-story-fighting-the-good-fight-part-time-working-fatherhood-paternal-working-rights-and-living-with-cancer/

This episode features Jennifer Y Afriye - a business-owner and author of a book entitled Rest is the New Hustle.

Our conversation delves into the purpose of life and work-life balance, exploring the existential questions and the impact of time management on personal growth and legacy. It emphasises the importance of fluidity and intentionality in managing time and setting priorities, as well as the significance of identifying key drivers of purpose and living with no regrets.

We cover the themes of cultivating joy, recognising strengths and purpose, the impact of presence and intentionality, balancing peace, purpose, presence, and provision, and adapting to unexpected life changes.

Insights are shared on navigating work-life balance, personal growth, and the impact of caregiving responsibilities on maintaining balance. This includes the importance of transparency and connection with children, the challenges of balancing caregiving and self-care, and the process of developing a work-life balance.

Jennifer shares personal experiences and insights that highlight the significance of these themes in her life.

Takeaways

• Fluidity in work-life balance
• Intentionality in time management Cultivating joy
• Recognising strengths and purpose
• Impact of presence and intentionality
• Balancing peace, purpose, presence, and provision
• Adapting to unexpected life changes
• Transparency with children
• Balancing caregiving and self-care
• Developing a work-life balance

Chapters

• 00:00 Intentional Time Management
• 29:02 Purpose and Legacy
• 36:32 Work-Life Balance and Childhood Influence
• 42:28 Four P's of Life
• 47:31 Life Changes and Adaptation
• 59:38 Recalibrating After Burnout
• 01:09:21 Balancing Work and Life

My guest this episode is Dolly Jones - former editor of Vogue and author of Leaving the Ladder Down: How to Combine Career and Motherhood, from the Women Who've Done it, described as a funny, practical and crucial guide for women facing the life-changing prospect of returning to work after having children.

When Dolly agreed to come on the Work-Life Balance Confessions podcast, I expected we'd have plenty to talk about on the subject of navigating work-life balance as working mothers. And we did - a lot. But what I hadn't anticipated was that this episode would deliver some of the most hard-hitting, profound advice I've featured on this podcast, on a topic I haven't explored in nearly enough depth before: the transformative impact of therapy on work-life balance.

Dolly has navigated work-life balance in some of the most demanding contexts imaginable - the fashion industry, the relentless pace of global online media, and later the solitary discipline of being a writer.

Her insights are informed not only by her own experience of achieving work-life balance, but by interviews with dozens of women navigating the return to work after having children. She shares her insights on finding balance within a marriage, the impact of grief on work-life balance, the burnout that can follow traumatic life events, and the transformative role therapy played in regaining and maintaining work-life balance overall.

Takeaways

• Leaving the ladder down - actively empowering the women behind you as you climb - can be a powerful tool for achieving work-life balance as a working mother, both for others and for yourself
• Therapy is not just for crisis; used proactively, it is one of the most practical and transformative tools available to working parents seeking better work-life balance
• Guilt and judgment - internal as much as external - are among the biggest barriers to work-life balance for working parents, and naming them is the first step

RELATED EPISODES:

45: On Infertility Struggles, Undesired Childlessness, and How to Regain Balance and Find Your Purpose When You Find Yourself In Unexpected Circumstances: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39rxsuhudvR91mOFvMPv24?si=u-wdImeHRrWn_WAEuUTzvg

14: On Pride, Acceptance and Finding Balance by Parenting Equally While Working Full-Time: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YPLrhoJhTGHRVNfftAsKS?si=eqn3LoOaQIe5M9DDaN6F3Q

The podcast episode explores the concept of work-life balance and the role of sleep in achieving this balance. It features personal stories, insights, and lessons from various individuals, highlighting the individualised nature of work-life balance and the impact of sleep on overall well-being.

Takeaways

• Individualised approach to utilising sleep in pursuit of your work-life balance
• The impact of sleep on overall well-being

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Work-Life Balance
• 10:04 Personal Stories and Insights
• 20:33 Balancing Sleep and Other Priorities
• 42:22 Managing Passions and Sleep

LINKS TO REFERENCED BLOG POSTS AND PODCAST EPISODES:

Night Time, My Time: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/01/19/night-time-my-time/

31: Finding Balance When You’re Single and Looking for Love – Katie’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/09/02/finding-balance-when-youre-single-and-looking-for-love-katies-story-new-podcast-episode-out-today/

57: On Defining Success, Learning from Adversity & Regaining Balance by Asking Two Key Questions - Erika's Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2026/02/21/season-5-has-begun-kicking-off-with-episode-1-on-defining-success-learning-from-adversity-regaining-balance-by-asking-two-key-questions/

49: On Accountancy, Regaining Balance After Heartbreak, and the Power of a Good Night’s Sleep - Victoria's Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/06/09/on-accountancy-regaining-balance-after-heartbreak-and-the-power-of-a-good-nights-sleep-new-podcast-episode-out-now/

8: On Finding Balance in Retirement - Tom's Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2022/06/18/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-episode-8-out-now/

28: Tips on How to Create a Morning Routine That Enhances Your Work-Life Balance: Work, Life, Balance Lesson #5: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/06/30/tips-on-how-to-create-a-morning-routine-that-enhances-your-work-life-balance-work-life-balance-lesson-5-new-podcast-episode-out-now/

44: Time-Management Tips to Improve Your Work-Life Balance - https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/04/07/time-management-tips-to-improve-your-work-life-balance-new-podcast-episode-out-today/

My guest this episode is Urmi Hossain, who prides herself on balancing two distinct sides of her work-life balance equation: her 9-5 and her 5-9.

Our conversation explores the concept of work-life balance and Urmi's unique approach of balancing her corporate job with her creative pursuits.

It delves into the influence of culture, family, and personal values on work-life balance, as well as the importance of setting boundaries and time management. Urmi shares her journey of finding fulfilment and balance in her career and personal life. She discusses the influence of immigrant parents, the importance of enjoying life, and the realization that there's more to life than a 9 to 5 job. She emphasizes the value of learning, self-compassion, and finding joy in simplicity.

Takeaways

• Boundary Setting
• Cultural Influence Immigrant parents often invest in their children's education and success, hoping to fulfil dreams they were unable to achieve.
• Finding fulfilment in life involves more than just a profession and education; it's about enjoying oneself and finding value in personal growth and learning.
• Self-discipline, intention, and motivation are key factors in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

OTHER EPISODES OF INTEREST:

47: On Legacy, Purpose, and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/47-on-legacy-purpose-and-finding-work-life-balance/id1570430336?i=1000708486885

6:"Single & Childfree by Choice". On Boundary-Setting and Doing What Makes You Happy: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-single-childfree-by-choice-on-boundary-setting-doing/id1570430336?i=1000553872664

Chapters

• 00:00 Balancing Corporate Job and Creative Pursuits
• 10:25 Influence of Culture and Family on Work-Life Balance
• 18:11 Setting Boundaries and Managing Time Effectively
• 27:21 Freedom of Choice and Education
• 32:26 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 39:33 Discipline, Intention, and Motivation
• 49:11 Work-Life Ratio and Fulfillment

In this episode, featuring Erika Coleman, Erika shares insights from her mentor and personal experiences, highlighting the transformative power of adversity. The conversation delves into the importance of seeking balance in relationships, setting boundaries, experiencing burnout, managing panic attacks, and the role of religion, community, and well-being in achieving balance.

Key takeaways include:

• Valuing quality over quantity in relationships and recognizing the need for balance in various aspects of life;

• The exploration of work-life balance through the A Fine Balance 'Three Pillars of Balance' model;
• The impact of overachievement and burnout, grief and mental well-being;
• The role of sleep in balance;
• Confronting mortality and balance, and setting priorities and intention.
• The valuable lessons learned from difficult circumstances and the importance of self-reflection and self-compassion.

  Episodes Referenced:

• 10: On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome-Katie's Story

  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-on-finding-balance-in-grief-being-a-high/id1570430336?i=1000602674042

• 34: Work, Life, Balance Self-Assessment: a Tool for Reflecting on Your Personal Pursuit of Balance https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/34-work-life-balance-self-assessment-a-tool-for/id1570430336?i=1000678399441
• 47: On Legacy, Purpose, and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/47-on-legacy-purpose-and-finding-work-life-balance/id1570430336?i=1000708486885
• 48: The Pursuit of Balance When You're Grieving - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #13 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/48-the-pursuit-of-balance-when-youre-grieving-work/id1570430336?i=1000710242124

  
  
  
  

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Work-Life Balance
• 07:14 Grief and Mental Well-being
• 14:32 Confronting Mortality and Balance
• 24:21 Setting Priorities and Intention
• 54:39 Seeking Balance in Relationships
• 01:04:15 Managing Panic Attacks and Techniques for Coping
• 01:10:21 Religion, Community, and Well-Being