S2, Ep8 - The Ex Minister of Pensions, Baroness Ros Altmann CBE - Deciding between your career and your family

That's a wrap for Season 2. Here are my 3 key takeaways - I would love to hear yours too. Thank you for all of your support for the podcast and coming on this journey with me. I want to hear from you on what you want to see or hear next and from who? Should there be a Season 3? We've only just scratched the surface! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many colleagues do you know that we’re open at work about when they were going to try for a/another baby? Why do you think that is? Fear of not being seen as committed? Fear of being treated differently? Missing out on the promotion or bonus? Judgement? What if the conception or pregnancy doesn’t go to plan? It’s such a huge life changing event that impacts every part of our being - mentally, physically, emotionally, financially. Any yet, at work, it’s business as usual. Incredible and inspirational leaders like Amber Coster, COO of Unmind, are bravely rewriting the rules, candidly speaking out about pregnancy, mental health and parenthood, and paving the way to normalise what is, well, NORMAL!Amber Coster, Chief Operating Officer at Unmind No stranger to scaling at pace, Amber’s held Vice President positions at hyper growth companies, ClickUp and AppDynamics. Amber leads Unmind’s business operations and people and talent functions with a focus on building a people-centric, high-performing business that delivers indisputable value to clients. Follow Amber on Linked InRead Amber's piece about Antenatal Depression for Happiful here--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get in touch to work together: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does success mean to you and would you consider yourself successful?I often ask my guests this and have received the most beautiful answers over the Seasons. Ones that have quite honestly changed my whole perspective, especially as a mother. Yet, I don't think anyone has articulated or embodied success as perfectly as Australian Sports Television presenter Em Freedman. She gives me hope it is possible to have it all, and I can't think of a better guest and message to leave this Season on. It's happiness, true contentment, at work and at home. It's when you stop thinking 'what's next'. It's not about having the most money, biggest following, highest status or best sounding title. It's doing something you love whilst carving out enough time with the people you love. However unconventional your setup might be, and whatever your situation, drown out the noise and determine success your way. You might be more successful than you ever thought possible.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Emma Freedman is an Australian television and radio presenter. Freedman formerly co-hosted The Grill Team on Triple M Sydney. Prior to this, she was a weather presenter on Weekend Today and host of Sports Sunday on the Nine Network.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get in touch to work together: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The power of a positive mindset. Your life will undoubtedly take turns you didn’t expect, that de-rail plans and dreams you had set. It’s easy to see the negative in these situations. ‘Why me!’ Have you ever stepped back to consider the positives? How can these turns enrich us, strengthen us, help us learn, create new experiences, bring new people into our lives or get us to places we never new were possible. Holly Curby is the queen of finding strength and positivity through some of life’s biggest personal challenges. Her perspective is enlightening, refreshing and amazingly relatable. Being a working mother was not part of the original plan, but it’s amazing what someone can do when life throws you lemons. Purchase Holly's Book: Face-Lift: Embracing Hope through your Heartaches Follow Holly: https://www.hollycurby.com/Get in touch to work together: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

STOP. Think about your week. How much ‘me’ time have you carved out for yourself? It’s so often that we put ourselves last. Kids, work, friends, family - they all need us. Never wanting to disappoint we show up for them all. Exhausted, ill, burned out - we still show up. Hungry, stressed, sad - we show up yet again. What version of ourselves are we truly presenting if we don’t practice self-car? I’m talking fed, watered, rested, relaxed, exercised and happy. Now that’s a version of me I would prefer to be around!As a single parent, and entrepreneur Chloe Pierre has to work harder than most to prioritise her self-care. But, imagine making time to do the things you love, and then not feeling like you fit in just because of what you look like?Then imagine taking matters into your own hands after this experience, creating a community of black women just like you, to practice self-care together, so you can make sure no-one else is made to feel like you did. Then write a book about it (Take Care - A Black Women’s guide to Wellness). It takes a certain type of amazing person right? --------------------------Follow Chloe:IG: @Chloepierreldn, @thy.selfOrder Chloe's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Take-Care-Black-Womens-Wellness/dp/1472286006Get in touch to work together: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where would you be in your career if you didn’t have kids?For many, (mainly women), kids meant missing out on the promotion they really wanted because they took time out and others got ahead, or foregoing a full salary or commission because they had to go part time to manage the childcare. It meant work relationships dwindled and networks were lost because they replaced after work dinner and drinks with bath and bedtime, or it meant having to leave or change their career entirely, because childcare costs, coupled with lack of flexibility and work pressures made it impossible to continue.For Ros Altmann after an incredible high-flying career in the city, she left it entirely after having her third child. To her, despite her success, ambition and opportunities ahead, her family needed her and took priority. It is a decision that so many women are forced to face. Do you pick your career or your family? Rest assured, Ros never regretted that decision. In her words ‘you can’t reverse the clock’.What’s amazing, is that the hard work she put into her career pre-kids, to build a name for herself, grow her knowledge, perfect her skills and nurture key relationships, paid off. Once the kids were at school, she well and truly went on to break the glass ceiling (even to her surprise), and achieved her biggest career accomplishments to date. If you are in the midst of making those choices, just know, your hard work can and will still pay off, and you have huge accomplishments to come, i'm sure of it.--------------------------Get in touch to work together: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you think you're funny? What would it take for you to stand up on stage and attempt to make a room full of people laugh?Comedians. Just imagine what has to go into the training, writing, and delivery of a successful set. The hustle to get booked, and then re-booked. The determination and consistency to build a following. The resilience to handle heckling, late nights and multi-day tours away from home. Comics are incredible. Now throw 2 young kids into the mix and my appreciation for any female comics who continue to follow their passion beyond motherhood is nothing short of amazing. Bravo Hatty Ashdown, my guest this week.Follow Hatty - @hattyashdown--------------------------Get in touch: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever considered starting again? A total career change. If you have, what's holding you back? Fear of the unknown? Lack of confidence in yourself? Financial pressures? Pride? This weeks episode with Alice Rickard is a must listen if this speaks to you. Not only has she had the bravery and conviction to start again an d build a successful and fulfilling career 3 times, but she now trains others in how to bridge the gap between where they are now vs the life they dream of, by totally rewriting their subconscious. The results are amazing, so is the story of how she got here.Follow and connect with Alice Rickard on IG @MotherofmindMore About Alice:'Hey there, meet Alice!  She's not just your average life and mindset coach—she's a personal trainer for your Mind!As a mom of twins, Alice knows firsthand the magic of multitasking and finding balance in the chaos. But her real passion lies in helping people like you bridge that pesky gap between their dream life and what's happening right now.Alice's secret sauce? She's armed with groundbreaking techniques that'll blow your mind!  Using her Jedi-like skills, she rewires your subconscious, zaps those limiting beliefs, and bids adieu to anxiety. Sayonara, self-doubt!When it comes to results, Alice is your go-to girl. She's all about efficiency and effectiveness and making personal development an enjoyable experience you look forward to doing. With her guidance, you'll be sprinting toward success in no time.But here's the best part: Alice makes the whole process FUN.  She's your cheerleader, confidante, and partner in crime. Together, you'll tackle obstacles, redefine your limits, and unleash your full potential.So, if you're ready to ditch the "I can't" mindset and break free from the chains holding you back, Alice is the superstar coach you need. Get ready to rewrite your story, embrace your inner badass, and create a life that's off-the-charts amazing.Join Alice's tribe of empowered women and let's slay those goals together! -------------------------------------Get in touch: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many underrepresented women work for your organisation?It's a known fact that diversity and equality in the workplace helps business to thrive, but it takes a conscious effort to ensure these women are seen, hired and supported. My incredible guest this week Larissa Holmes has dedicated her high powered career so far across two notable tech businesses, and now her own start up Coterie to help lead growth for women. Her passion and 'why' behind it all comes from a deeply personal place, and the result of her drive and dedication has some outstanding results.https://www.activecoterie.com/-------------------------------------Get in touch: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Choose yourself, I never waited for other people to choose me" - Viv GroskopHow often are our decisions and paths guided by the pressures or expectations of others vs ourselves, and why is that? Award winning writer, comedian, broadcaster and performance coach Viv Groskop is the antithesis. She chose the world of freelance over 20 years ago, embracing the benefits, flexibility and variety it brings her as a mother of 3, and boy has it paid off. Viv has been described as the most successful freelance journalist in the the UK, is the author of 6 books including the best selling 'How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking', hosts the biggest public speaking podcast in the world — with over 2 million downloads, and is now on a mission to help people be more effortlessly confident in their own way through her newest book 'Happy High Status'. This episode is not one to miss.Happy High Status, Viv's new book is our Now!-------------------------------------Get in touch: [email protected]: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.