The early years of motherhood aren’t just hard; they completely shake and in many ways change your identity.

In this real and raw conversation, Hatien Van shares her journey through pregnancy during a pandemic, losing her job, experiencing postnatal depression, rebuilding her life and career.

If you've ever wondered why the early years feel so overwhelming, or questioned if you’re doing enough, this episode will feel like a warm, honest conversation with a friend who truly gets it.

In this episode:

Please know, you are not alone in this journey. Every working mum has a story — and we’re here to share them.

Enjoyed this conversation and interested to share your story on the podcast, apply today to be a guest. Click here

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What does it really look like to juggle ADHD, two kids, and multiple businesses? Laetitia shares the messy, unfiltered reality of neurodivergent motherhood, and how she stays grounded.

Laetitia Andrac is a mother of two, former corporate strategist, business owner, and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. When her daughter Zoe began showing signs of being neurodivergent, Laetitia found herself navigating a complex, exhausting system while trying to hold down a senior management role in one of Australia's largest organisations. What followed was a personal journey of burnout, late ADHD diagnosis, and ultimately, a complete career shift.

Laetitia opens up about the emotional toll of parenting a child with high support needs, what it’s like discovering her own neurodivergence later in life, and how she’s now using her experience to help other families through her new business and platform, Understanding Zoe. This is a raw and powerful conversation about identity, motherhood, advocacy, and what happens when the systems we’re part of no longer work for us.

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Free resources

Everyone asks you what pram you’re buying, what hospital you’re going to, and if you’ve packed your bag.

But no one asks you the real questions before you become a mum, the ones that will shape your identity, your relationships, your career, and your mental health.

In this raw and reflective 150th episode, I’m sharing the real questions I wish I had asked before I became a mum. These are the conversations no one prepares you for, but every woman deserves to have.

If you're navigating the juggle, about to step into motherhood, or simply want to feel seen and heard, this episode is for you.

From career ambitions and the mental load to the myth of balance and the messy beauty of mum life, I reflect on what I have learned and unlearned in my evolution from a driven professional to a working mum with perspective.

Whether you're a mum-to-be, new mum, or seasoned in the juggle, this episode offers a comforting reminder that it’s okay to evolve — and that version 2.0 might just be stronger than you imagined.

Key Takeaways

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What if trying to be the “perfect mum” is actually what’s holding you back?

I’m joined by Fleur Chambers, a multi-award-winning meditation teacher, best-selling author, and creator of the free meditation app, The Happy Habit. Fleur understands firsthand the challenges working mums face and brings a wealth of knowledge on how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way we approach work, family, and personal well-being.

Fleur shares the raw truth behind her early motherhood experience: the unrealistic expectations, the constant guilt, and the turning point that helped her reconnect with herself. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough (even though you’re doing everything), this conversation will hit home.

During the chat we shared a lot including: 

Whether you're juggling drop-offs and deadlines or caught in the burnout cycle, Fleur’s story will remind you: you don’t need to do it all to be a good mum.

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Ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions trying to navigate motherhood and a career - between work, kids, home, family, relationships, and everything in between? You’re not alone. The pressure to "do it all" is real, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to.

In this episode, I dive into the myth of having it all, why it’s okay to let things go, and how redefining success on your own terms can help you navigating the juggle.

Join me as I share:

If you’ve ever asked yourself, 'Can I be a mum and still have a career?' this episode is for you.

Let me know your thoughts—DM me on Instagram or share your biggest takeaway!

Links and resources

When Porscia Lam received the news that her son Harry was autistic, her world shifted. She put her legal career on pause to become his full-time therapist, diving headfirst into the world of autism therapy and the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child, all during Melbourne’s long covid lockdowns.

Returning to work after a career break is challenging for any parent, but what happens when that break is dedicated to being a full-time carer for a child with autism? In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Carina speaks with Porscia Lam, former corporate lawyer, mother of two, and author of The Unlocking: An Autism Story, to discuss her journey of parenting an autistic child, navigating therapy for autism, and re-entering the workforce after a three-year career break.

In this episode, we chat about:

Whether you’re a working mum, a parent of a neurodivergent child, or someone navigating a career break, Porscia’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy. Her insights provide not only hope, but practical strategies for navigating work and family life.

Links & Resources

Connect with Porscia 

Buy Porscia’s book, The Unlocking: An Autism Story

Connect with Carina and Working Mumma 

Follow on @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn 

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

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Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence.

In this episode, I share:

Whether you're heading back to work soon or in the early days of your return, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate this transition with confidence.

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with another working mum who needs support in her return-to-work journey!

Links and resources

Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit? 

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibility. We explore:

If you're navigating a return-to-office mandate, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you advocate for flexibility and protect your work-life balance.

Listen to Dr. Ellen Ford's previous episode on the Working Mumma podcast ep 116 - Removing Barriers to Help Working Mums Thrive

Episode Resources & Links

Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career?

In this episode, I'm tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family.

I break down:

Learn how to drop the guilt and reclaim your confidence as a working mum! 

Links and resources

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change?

In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career Pursuit. Ash has over a decade of experience in recruitment and HR and is passionate about helping businesses find the right talent while supporting job seekers—especially mums—on their return-to-work journey.

We chat about:

Whether you’re job hunting, considering a career change, or just want to feel more confident in your career after having children, this episode is packed with practical insights to support your journey.

Listen now and take the next step in your career with confidence!

SHOW LINKS

Connect with Ash on Instagram or her website careerpursuit.com.au

Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

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