In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing).

Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers today.

We explored the term "good enough mother," and the social constructs that don't reflect women today, particularly as working mothers. Sophie shared the common myths and misconceptions that fuel the pursuit of perfection in motherhood, revealing the detrimental effects this mindset can have and debunking the 'perfect mother myth'.

Sophie shares practical advice and strategies and provides steps that you can take to begin letting go of the need to be perfect and embrace a more compassionate, "good enough" approach to parenting.

We also speak about social media's role in perpetuating the perfect mother myth and how setting realistic expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic motherhood experience.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and to hear Sophie's vision for what modern motherhood can truly be.

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Connect with Sophie via Instagram @drsophiebrock or her website drsophiebrock.com

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and Alicia, share their expert advice on overcoming the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome prevalent among working mothers as they return to work after maternity leave. They further question the default narratives about motherhood while stressing the need for understanding, support, and growth.

This engaging conversation challenges the stereotypes around working mothers and highlights how motherhood reveals and sharpens priorities, fostering an unapologetic, more rounded approach towards personal and professional commitments.

In this episode, we also debunk motherhood myths, including the "baby brain" concept, and highlight that motherhood only enhances a woman's capabilities at work, not reduces it. Far from reducing efficiency, parenthood strengthens women's multitasking ability and overall productivity. Kass and Alicia emphasize the need for women, especially mothers, to trust themselves, embrace their motherly lessons, and withstand societal biases.

Join us as we explore the nagging feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome - how they impact our daily lives and relationships. We shed light on how to navigate these emotions confidently and reclaim your place in the world of work.

SHOW LINKS:

- Connect with Kass and Alicia on Instagram @tend_women

- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 

- Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load

- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 

- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums.

Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout.

We discuss balancing career and motherhood challenges, including burnout and societal expectations. Megan emphasizes the importance of clarity, self-care, and understanding one's inner critic, providing practical advice and insights from her latest book, 'Women Rising.'

This episode is a must-listen for working mothers seeking to thrive both as a mum and in their career. 

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Connect with Megan via LinkedIn or her website womenrisingco.com

Check out Megan's latest book megandallacamina.com/womenrisingbook

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina shares her personal journey navigating the first year of her child starting prep/foundation year at school while juggling work and mum life. From the emotional rollercoaster of the first day to the realities of balancing school hours of 9-3:30 with business hours of 9-5 and a career, Carina discusses the challenges and triumphs that come with this major milestone.

She opens up about the emotional adjustments not just for her child, but for the entire family, and how she’s learned to manage the new set of notifications, school events, and after-school care. Carina also shares insights on how to stay organized with a busy calendar, support a child’s learning journey, and communicate effectively with teachers.

Whether you're a working mum navigating the same challenges or just looking for practical advice, this episode offers helpful tips on managing the complex balancing act of school and work. 

RESOURCES:

Previous episode - Smooth Transitions - Easing Your Child’s Journey into childcare, school and beyond 

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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

In this episode of the Working Mama podcast, I speak with Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of The Little Oak Company. We chat about Elke's inspiring journey of creating a global brand of natural baby formula driven by her own experience (also while a single mum!), the unique challenges and strengths that come with balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the systemic changes needed in workplaces to support working mums, including flexible work arrangements and pay equality.

We also discover what Elke means by the 'Power of Mum' and how women can harness the strength of motherhood to have a successful career. 

This chat is full of passion from both Elke and me for improving equality for working mums in the workplace. We are passionate about changing the perception to empower you to navigate your own career and motherhood successfully.

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Connect with Elke via LinkedIn or The LittleOak Company website thelittleoakcompany.com.au

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

Free resource: 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the inevitable "mum guilt." I opened up about the emotional highs and lows of traveling for work, missing my kids and husband, while leaning into the unique experiences and growth that came with the trip.

Key topics I chat about:

* Embrace Opportunities Without Guilt

* Managing Mum Guilt

* Building Emotional Balance

* The Power of Support and Your Village 

* Strengthening Family Bonds

Whether you’ve experienced work travel or are contemplating it, this episode provides a fresh perspective on navigating mum guilt and making the most of career opportunities.

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NEXT STEPS:

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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

The statistics don't like on gender equality, especially in male dominated industries such as mining, construction and transport. Change is happening and it is great to see the improvements, but it can still be challenging for women navigating male-dominated industries. 

In this episode, I speak with coach, facilitator, podcast host, and mother of 3 boys, Rebecca Bangura who shares strategies for maintaining career momentum, building supportive networks, and advocating for systemic changes within organizations. Rebecca and I also share our personal experiences of being the only females in meetings and being conscious of what we wore that day (hint - no skirts!). She shared her tips on the importance of career planning (think big), the value of loose connections, and the role of male allies in fostering inclusive workplaces. 

This conversation will help you navigate and succeed as a woman in a male-dominated industry. 

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Connect with Rebecca via LinkedIn or her website rebeccabangura.com

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

Free resource: 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums.

Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout.

We discuss the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, including burnout and societal expectations. Megan emphasizes the importance of clarity, self-care, and understanding one's inner critic, providing practical advice and insights from her latest book, 'Women Rising.'

This episode is a must-listen for working mothers seeking to thrive both personally and professionally.

Today you'll hear: 

* Meet Megan: A Journey from Arts to Corporate

* Burnout and the Path to Recovery

* The Science and Spirit of Thriving

* The Motherhood Paradox

* Male Allies and Gender Norms 

* Untangling the Knots of Women's Progress

* Overcoming the Inner Critic 

* Advice for Women to Thrive 

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Connect with Megan via LinkedIn or her website womenrisingco.com

Check out Megan's latest book megandallacamina.com/womenrisingbook

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing).

Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers today.

We explored the term "good enough mother," and the social constructs that don't reflect women today, particularly as working mothers. Sophie shared the common myths and misconceptions that fuel the pursuit of perfection in motherhood, revealing the detrimental effects this mindset can have and debunking the 'perfect mother myth'.

Sophie shares practical advice and strategies and provides steps that you can take to begin letting go of the need to be perfect and embrace a more compassionate, "good enough" approach to parenting.

We also speak about social media's role in perpetuating the perfect mother myth and how setting realistic expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic motherhood experience.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and to hear Sophie's vision for what modern motherhood can truly be.

*************************************************************************

Connect with Sophie via Instagram @drsophiebrock or her website drsophiebrock.com

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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

This week I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey.

Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and how societal expectations contribute to this unrealistic ideal for working mothers. We discuss the significant mental and physical health impacts of striving to be a Superwoman and how you can redefine this moving forward and break free from the cycle. 

Renee and I chat about the critical role employers play in a mother’s return to work after parental leave. Renee highlights strategies for businesses to create a supportive environment and retain valuable talent, helping to let go of Superwoman Syndrome in this critical time. She stresses the importance of employers being proactive in discussing entitlements, flexible work opportunities, and creating a supportive culture. 

This is an enlightening conversation with many tools, tips, and strategies to support you to let go of the notion of superwoman. 

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Connect with Renee via Instagram @found_learningmotherhood or her website The FOUND program

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

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