Courage Over Confidence: How to Speak Up and Step Into the Career You Want

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, I chat with the inspiring Jennifer Spurr, an ICF-accredited career and leadership coach who helps women in leadership accelerate their careers and amplify their impact. With nearly 20 years in marketing leading brands like Cadbury, Jennifer brings deep expertise and a passion for empowering women to speak up. We explore what it really means to be courageous at work and why leaning in is not the full story. Jennifer explains why courage, not confidence, is the starting point for growth and how women can find their voice at decision-making tables that too often look the same. You’ll hear us unpack:Why “Lean In” missed a key piece of the puzzleCourage vs confidence — and why courage comes firstHow to act despite fear, not just “feel it and do it anyway”Small, consistent actions that build your courage muscleWhat to do if you’ve been “dry promoted” and how to ask for what you’re worthHow knowing your strengths makes it easier to speak upKey takeaways:Courage comes before confidence: confidence grows through actionFear is normal: the aim is to act despite itSmall steps matter: they build lasting courageAdvocate for yourself: step up and make your caseBuild your support system: courage is stronger with alliesWhy You Should Listen: If you’ve ever felt stuck or overlooked at work, this episode offers a fresh perspective on approaching your career with bravery. Jennifer shares practical steps to turn fear into opportunity and help you speak up and step into the career you want. Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Jennifer on LinkedIn Here Visit Jennifer’s Website HereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

We went live with Rebecca Newenham — founder of Get Ahead, franchise consultant, mentor, and passionate advocate for flexible working — to talk honestly about what it really takes to make the leap from employee to entrepreneur.Rebecca shared her journey from being a corporate retail buyer to running a thriving outsourcing agency, giving practical advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business.We discussed:Why there’s still a stigma around entrepreneurship — and how to reframe selling.How to test an idea and take small steps before leaving corporate life.The importance of systems, accountability, and structure when you’re your own boss.Thinking about money, pricing, and financial risk in those early stages.Options for scaling — from freelancers and associates to franchising.Why does success look different for everyone, and how do you define your version?Key Takeaways:- You don’t have to quit overnight — ease into entrepreneurship step by step.- Selling gets simple when you know your value and own it.- Strong systems + strong community = entrepreneurship without loneliness.- Growth starts with you — invest in yourself as much as your business.👉 Whether you’re dreaming of leaving corporate, already running a side hustle, or looking to scale, this Live is full of honest insights and practical tools to help you move forward.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Rebecca on LinkedIn Here Visit Rebecca’s Website HereVisit the Get Ahead Website HereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this moving episode of Work It Like a Mum, I speak with Beth Baldwin — empowerment coach, leadership trainer, and founder of The Fabulous Facilitator. Beth shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 13-year-old son, Peter, to type 1 diabetes, and how she has since transformed her grief into a mission to save lives and support other families. Alongside her advocacy, Beth is passionate about empowering women to thrive, and we also dive into the challenges of motherhood, work, and the importance of self-care.What We Cover:Peter’s sudden diagnosis and the critical warning signs of type 1 diabetes.The impact of child bereavement and how Beth found ways to keep going for her daughter.The lifesaving work of charities like 2Wish (bereavement support) and Believe (organ donation awareness).Beth’s career journey — from redundancy to building her own consultancy, The Fabulous Facilitator.The invisible workload mothers carry and why equality at home and work still needs progress.Practical strategies for women to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and refill their cup.Key Takeaways:Know the “4 Ts” of type 1 diabetes: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner - early detection saves lives. Grief can be channelled into purpose: Community, campaigning, and support networks make a difference. Self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s essential: Protect time for yourself with the same commitment you give others. Women need both external support: Childcare, workplace flexibility and internal permission to prioritise their ambitions. Talking openly about loss, health, and the pressures of motherhood: This creates space for others to feel less alone. Why You Should Listen:This episode will stay with you. Parents will learn the vital signs of type 1 diabetes that could save a child’s life. Those who’ve faced grief will hear Beth’s inspiring story of resilience and community. Busy working mums will walk away with practical tips on boundaries, balance, and why self-care isn’t optional. Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereFollow The Fabulous Facilitator on Facebook HereFollow Beth on LinkedIn HereVisit Beth’s Website ‘The Fabulous Facilitator’ Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

On this weeks' episode of The Work It Like a Mum Podcast, we sit down with Kate Rippon, Corporate Affairs Director at idverde. Kate joins me for an open conversation about career transitions, authentic leadership, and how coaching can shape your professional journey.Since our coaching sessions last year, Kate has taken bold steps to secure her role at idverde — a journey filled with valuable lessons and personal growth. Together, we explore:How coaching can open new doors in your career.Navigating the challenges and rewards of stepping into a new leadership role.Aligning your career path with your core values.Bringing empathy and authenticity to corporate affairs.Lessons in resilience, adaptability, and embracing change.Key Takeaways:Coaching is not just about solving problems — it’s about creating possibilities.Leadership flourishes when rooted in authenticity and values.Change can be a powerful driver of growth.Genuine connection is key to lasting success.Tune in for an inspiring, insightful conversation blending personal growth with professional leadership. Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereFind out more about Investing in Women’s Career Coaching Services Here Connect With Kate on LinkedIn Here Visit idverde’s Website HereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this week’s episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Lauren Currie, founder of UPFRONT, a pioneering platform on a mission to upskill 10 million women. Lauren shares her journey from starting her first business straight out of university to creating the Bond, UPFRONT'S flagship program that transforms women’s confidence and leadership potential.We explore:The real meaning of confidence and why society often penalises women for showing it.How internalised misogyny and societal messaging shape women’s self-perception from a young age.The ripple effect of confident women on teams, businesses, families, and society.Lauren’s entrepreneurial journey includes six businesses, bootstrapping, and creating scalable impact.Insights into her upcoming book, Be Upfront, and how it challenges outdated rules about confidence.A sneak peek into her children’s book, Taylor Meets the Trick, designed to teach kids (and grown-ups) about breaking gender stereotypes early.Whether you’re a working mum, aspiring entrepreneur, or want to understand the power of confidence in action, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and actionable insights.Key Takeaways:Confidence is a muscle—it can be learned, practised, and strengthened at any stage of life.The barriers women face are often systemic, not personal; the world is not rewarding women’s confidence.Small, consistent practices—like noticing subtle internalised biases—can create meaningful change over time.Community is powerful: joining a supportive network of women (like a Bond) amplifies learning, confidence, and impact. It’s an inspiring, practical conversation that will leave you thinking differently about confidence and how to build it. Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Lauren on LinkedIn Here Visit Lauren’s Website HereBuy Lauren’s Book Here Join UPFRONT's Mailing List Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, we chat with Olivia Shipstone, a Chartered Financial Planner and founder of OCS Financial Planning. Olivia shares her expert insights on financial planning, saving, investing, and how mums (and everyone!) can take control of their money to achieve financial freedom.What We Cover:Olivia’s journey from big banks to running her own financial planning businessCommon financial mistakes and why starting early mattersHow to set meaningful financial and life goalsSaving vs. investing: what you need to knowTax-free childcare, funded hours, and child benefit tipsSupporting your child through education, from nursery to universityHow financial planning is for everyone, not just the “rich”Key Takeaways:Start early: Even small steps matter—know where you are now.Set goals with purpose: Focus on lifestyle outcomes, not just numbers.Automate savings: Make it out of sight, out of mind.Plan around life stages: Childcare, career changes, and family needs shift over time.Financial advice is for everyone: Tailored planning helps anyone achieve their version of financial security.Why Listen: Whether juggling kids, a career, or both, this episode gives practical strategies for building wealth, reducing financial stress, and making your money work for your life, no matter your starting point.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Olivia on LinkedIn Here Visit Olivia's Website Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this week’s episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Jo Langley. She opens up about her experience of joining Utility Warehouse (UW) as a partner and how she’s built it alongside family life and her existing marketing business.Jo talks about the reality of starting something new, from hitting her Fast Start bonus in her first month to juggling priorities as a mum, and how UW has given her an extra income stream, peace of mind, and new opportunities.We also chat about the bigger shift in how people work today, with more than 20 million people in the UK running side hustles — and why multiple income streams are fast becoming the norm.What you’ll hear in this episode:The moment Jo realised she needed another income streamHow rising costs (mortgage, car, kids!) pushed her to look for solutionsWhy UW felt like a natural fit and how she got startedThe training, support and mentoring that helped her succeed quicklyIncentives big and small – from family holidays to pizza nightsThe diversity and support within the UW partner communityKey Takeaways:Flexibility is everything: UW allows you to work around family life and existing commitments.Fast results are possible: Jo earned £2,300 in her first month with just 15 hours of work.Training and support make the difference: Mentoring and structured guidance help you start confidently.Side hustles aren’t just about money: They give your family peace of mind, security, and opportunities.Anyone can do this: With the right tools and mindset, UW can work for a wide variety of people and backgrounds.Diversity and community matter: The supportive team and diverse partner network are key to ongoing motivation and success.Incentives make it fun: The rewards keep you focused and motivated, from family holidays to small treats.Why Listen:Whether you’re curious about UW, exploring a side hustle, or want to hear a real and honest story of balancing family and business, this episode is for you.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Joanna on LinkedIn Here Learn More About Joining UW HereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week on the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Maria Hvorostovsky — leadership coach, host of The Anatomy of a Leader, and one of Europe’s top executive search consultants. With 20+ years of placing senior leaders (including the first CEO of JW Anderson), Maria knows what makes leaders thrive and where founders stumble.She shares her journey from a family of musicians in Russia to running her own business, launching a podcast, and building a leadership ecosystem. We dive into reinvention, the messy middle of motherhood and business, and why creating space for yourself, even a solo night away, is non-negotiable.💡 What We CoverMaria’s journey from psychology student to top headhunter & entrepreneurWhy she founded Anatomy of a Leader and her mission to inspire changeWhat founders often get wrong when hiring (and how to get it right)How to make your CV & LinkedIn stand out to recruitersThe three emotional skills every great leader needsWhy creating space, from meditation to “joy creators”, is vital for womenHow saying no, outsourcing, and boundaries protect your energy✨ Key TakeawaysLeadership starts with self-leadership: regulate, name & channel your emotions.Hire for tomorrow: great founders recruit teams, not just one “fix-it” hire.Your CV is just the start: your reputation and relationships carry the most weight.Creating space isn’t selfish: even 10 minutes of stillness can fuel clarity & confidence.Redefine success: joy, boundaries, and purpose matter as much as career titles.🎧 Why ListenThis episode is a masterclass in reinvention, leadership, and permission to put yourself first — while still chasing big ambitions.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Maria on LinkedIn Here Visit Maria's Website Here Follow Maria on Instagram HereListen to Her Podcast Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

On this week's Work it Like a Mum Podcast episode, we’re joined by Emma Thomas, executive coach, consultant, and podcast host, who helps people unlock potential and navigate big life transitions. After 30 years in academic publishing, Emma was made redundant in 2022. Instead of returning to corporate life, she reinvented herself. Now she coaches clients, runs her own podcast, and leads Managing the Menopause, helping employers create menopause-supportive workplaces.We discuss the messy middle of midlife — when work, parenting, ageing parents, and health collide. Emma shares her redundancy story, why she turned to podcasting during the pandemic, and how menopause can be a catalyst for growth rather than decline.💡 What We CoverHow redundancy sparked reinvention.Why podcasting is easier than you think.The juggle of work, kids, and ageing parents.Menopause vs. “everything else” stress — and how to tell the difference.Stopping people-pleasing and embracing boundaries.Why letting go of perfection matters.✨ Key TakeawaysMidlife is a turning point — overwhelming, but also a chance to reset.Redundancy can be the start of something better.You don’t need perfect plans to begin — progress beats perfection.Boundaries create space for what matters most.Let go of impossible standards — you’ll gain energy and freedom.🎧 Why ListenIf you’ve ever felt like life is “lifing” too hard, or wondered whether it’s too late to pivot, this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to start again. Emma’s story is proof that reinvention is possible, podcasting is accessible, and midlife can be a time of joy, boundaries, and brave new beginnings.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Emma on LinkedIn Here Visit Emma’s Website, The Triple Shift Here  Visit the Managing the Menopause Website HereListen to The Middling Along Podcast Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week, we're joined by Carmen Powell, CEO of ISC Group — the global network advancing women in the insurance sector and beyond. With over 20 years’ experience across industries and continents, Carmen knows what it takes to reach the top and bring others with you.We talk candidly about the “silent sacrifice” so many women make, why guilt still shadows working mums in 2025, and how to rewrite the script so your career and wellbeing thrive side-by-side. Carmen also lifts the lid on the exciting side of insurance, the power of community, and why it’s time we rebranded working motherhood.What You’ll Learn:How to grow a global career without losing yourselfThe truth about networking, mentorship, and asking for what you needWhy working motherhood deserves a positive rebrandPractical ways to share the load and drop the guiltWhy self-care is a career investment, not a luxury✨ Key TakeawaysCommunity is a game-changer – Surround yourself with people who understand your challenges.Guilt isn’t a given – You can rewire your thinking and set boundaries that work for you.Work needs a rebrand – A career can bring confidence, independence, and fulfilment, not just stress.Partnership is teamwork – Share responsibilities like co-founders running a business.Self-care fuels success – Making time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s strategic.🎧 Why ListenIf you’ve ever felt stretched thin by the demands of work, family, and everything in between, this episode will leave you feeling seen and armed with strategies to change the narrative. Carmen shares real-world insight from leading a 10,000-strong global women’s network and practical ways to protect your ambition and wellbeing.Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Carmen here Visit the ISC Group website here  Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. 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. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!