From Stigma to Strength: Empowering Women to Thrive in Their 40s and Beyond

In this exciting Work It Like a Mum episode, we chat with Lucinda Reader, founder of Ravelo HR, about her unique journey through recruitment, career transitions, and motherhood. Lucinda shares how she balanced career growth with her personal life and offers insights from her vast experience in recruitment.Episode Highlights:Early Career: Lucinda began her career at 17 in a boutique recruitment agency, learning the ropes in the fast-paced recruitment world.Harrods & Luxury Brands: Lucinda transitioned to in-house recruitment at Harrods, where she built a successful recruitment model for luxury brands like Chanel and Gucci.Motherhood & Career Shifts: She opens up about how motherhood and overcoming a life-threatening illness reshaped her career goals.Founding Ravelo HR: Lucinda discusses creating her HR consultancy and how she helps organisations with talent mapping and succession planning.Tips for Job Seekers: Based on her years of recruitment experience, she shares advice on creating standout CVs and acing interviews.Key Takeaways:Focus on achievements in your CVBe prepared to share your accomplishments in interviews confidentlyStay flexible and open to new career opportunitiesBalancing work and family is possible with resilience and supportTune in for career tips, personal insights, and inspiring stories from Lucinda's journey!Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts, on LinkedInConnect with Lucinder Reader on LinkedInRavello HR Website 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.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 inspiring episode, we chat with career coach Denise Matthews, who shares her remarkable journey through multiple retirements and her passion for continuous learning. With a background in recruitment and coaching, Denise emphasises the importance of investing in yourself and embracing new opportunities.Key Highlights:Empowering Women:Denise shares her mission to support women who often prioritise family over career growth.Investing in Yourself: How to overcome fears around investing in personal development for greater career satisfaction.Career Journey:Reflections on her winding career path from retail to talent acquisition leader at ASOS.Overcoming Challenges:She opens up about navigating personal challenges, including her daughter’s health issues and their impact on her career.Value of Coaching: How working with coaches has shaped her personal and professional growth.Pandemic Shift:The pandemic led Denise to formalise her coaching services and embrace virtual connections.Community & Learning:Denise highlights the value of learning from masterminds and networking with like-minded people.Quotes:"You" have to go find it." — Denise Matthews on personal development."I think if you keep the mind moving, you live better and healthier." — Denise Matthews on lifelong learning.Takeaway: This episode encourages listeners to invest in their growth and seek opportunities for learning and connection. Denise's journey is a powerful reminder that embracing change can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.Listen Now!Tune in to the Work It Like a Mum podcast for an inspiring conversation with Denise Matthews. You won't want to miss her insights on career growth and the importance of self-investment.Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts, on LinkedInConnect with Denise Matthews on LinkedInBoost 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.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!

Have you ever wondered how to embrace the changes of menopause while finding joy and empowerment in this new chapter of life? Or sought advice on how to boost your confidence during pre-menopause, menopause, and beyond?In this episode, we sit down with Wilma MacDonald, a passionate nutritionist specialising in health and nutrition for women transitioning through menopause. Wilma offers insightful strategies to help women experience their 40s and 50s as some of the most fulfilling decades of their lives.What We Cover:- Changing the Narrative Around Menopause: Wilma discusses the prevalent negative perceptions of menopause and shares her mission to empower women to redefine their experience.- Navigating Your Health Journey: Learn how to tune into your body’s needs by tracking energy levels, sleep patterns, and dietary habits to manage menopause effectively.- Empowerment Through Nutrition: Wilma emphasises the importance of nutrition and lifestyle choices that can alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.- The Impact of Stress and Movement: Discover how managing stress and incorporating movement can significantly influence menopausal symptoms and energy levels.- Embracing Your Fabulous 40s and Beyond: Wilma shares her philosophy on how women can not only survive but thrive during and after menopause, unlocking newfound confidence and joy.Why You Should Listen:Whether you are approaching menopause, currently navigating it, or post-menopausal, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical advice. Wilma’s compassionate approach to discussing menopause aims to break the stigma and help women reclaim their vitality and confidence.Connect with Wilma MacDonald on LinkedInWebsite - Wilma Macdonald NutritionConnect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts, on LinkedIn Listen now for an empowering conversation on embracing menopause as a time for joy, self-discovery, and renewed confidence.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.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!

Have you ever felt unsure of how to regain control of your career while juggling the demands of family life? Or wondered how to boost your confidence in the workplace, especially after a significant life change like becoming a parent?In this episode, we sit down with Nicola Semple , a seasoned Career and Confidence Coach and author of The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential. Nicola has guided countless professionals in taking charge of their career paths and achieving fulfilment, all while balancing the demands of everyday life.What We Cover:From Big Four to Balance: Nicola shares her decision to leave corporate life after becoming a mother and transition into self-employment for better work-life harmony. Building Your Stay Plan: Nicola offers tips on how to make the most of your current job while preparing for future growth, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate.  -Boosting Career Confidence & Balance: Learn how Nicola helps clients set boundaries, avoid burnout, and find fulfilling work aligned with their values.  -The Journey from Consultant to Coach: Nicola reflects on her career shift and how she discovered her passion for coaching.  Empowering Growth: Discover Nicola’s coaching philosophy, which helps people take control of their careers and find satisfaction in their roles. Why You Should Listen:Whether you're navigating your return to work post-maternity leave, seeking to balance career goals with family life, or simply looking for practical tips to boost your career confidence, this episode is packed with insights. Nicola’s journey from corporate life to coaching is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and finding fulfilment both in and outside work.Book - Nicola Semple - Career and Confidence CoachThe Career Confidence Podcast Podcast Series – Apple PodcastsWebsite-Home - Nicola Semple - Career and Confidence CoachListen now for a candid and empowering conversation on taking control of your career and finding happiness in your work.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.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!

Ever feel like you’re living by someone else’s definition of success? Struggling to align who you genuinely are with society’s expectations? In this episode of ‘Work It Like a Mum’, we tackle these challenges with leadership coach Jen Smollet. Jen uncovers how to break free from external pressures, define success on your terms, and lead authentically. She offers practical advice on aligning your values with your actions, helping you create a life that genuinely reflects who you are.What we explore:Discovering Authenticity: Learn why understanding who you are is the foundation for resilience and fulfilment.Challenging Society’s Expectations: Redefine success by focusing on what truly matters to YOU!Values-Based Leadership: See how embodying your core values can transform your leadership and relationships.Reflect and Realign: Assess whether your life reflects your true passions and values.Why You Should Listen:This episode provides valuable insights into embracing your authentic self and redefining success in a way that feels true to you. Jen offers actionable advice to help you lead purposefully, make decisions that reflect your core values, and achieve a more satisfying and authentic life. Tune in to discover how to transform your approach to success and leadership!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.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!

Have you ever felt lost or unsure about how to regain your confidence after a significant life change, like maternity leave or a health challenge?If you're an HR professional or leader, how are you currently supporting the well-being of your employees beyond just enforcing policies?Meet Kali Crow, an HR Business Partner at Bates Wells. She shares her multifaceted journey through motherhood, career transitions, and personal health challenges.What We Explore:Transitioning Back to Work Post-Maternity: Kali shares the emotional and professional challenges of returning to work and rebuilding her confidence after maternity leave.Kali's Journey Navigating Health and Motherhood: Hear Kali's journey through Multiple Sclerosis (MS), IVF treatments, and the unexpected paths to motherhood.The Role of HR in Supporting Employee Well-being: Kali discusses HR's shift from policy enforcement to a compassionate, employee-focused function.Advocacy and Personal Growth: Learn how Kali champions better support systems in the workplace and helps others navigate their challenges.Regaining confidence - "Getting Your Pink Back": A metaphor for renewal and recovery post-maternity, inspired by how flamingos regain their colour after parenthood.Why You Should Listen:Whether you're managing the balance between your career and personal life or work in HR and are looking for ways to foster a more supportive workplace, this episode provides valuable insights. Kali's story is one of resilience, growth, and empowerment, offering personal inspiration and professional advice.Show Links:Connect with your host, Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedInConnect with Kali Crow on Linkedin 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.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!

Are you considering a career shift or want to return to the workforce after a break? Are you wondering how you can balance a rewarding career with family life? You’re not alone!Meet Kate Morris, a dynamic Salesforce Administrator who, like many of us, found herself at a crossroads in her career. After years of working in a preschool setting, she decided to make a change. Discover how Kate successfully navigated the challenges of retraining and found a flexible, well-paying job that fits brilliantly around her family life.What We’ll Explore:– Kate’s journey from preschool to tech.– The steps to retraining and upskilling effectively.– Insights into achieving a work-life balance with a tech career.– How Supermums helped pave the way for Kate’s new career path.This podcast episode is perfect for anyone looking to reignite their professional life without compromising on family time. Whether you’re returning to work after a break or seeking a more fulfilling career, join us to get inspired and learn practical, actionable tips to make it happen.Listen now and get ready to see how you can unlock YOUR career potential and start a whole new career chapter post-kids!Learn more about relaunching your career with Supermums 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.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!

Can becoming a mother actually enhance your career prospects? Dive into this eye-opening episode of "Work It Like a Mum”, where we talk to Pauline Brookes and Clara Emanuel, the sisters behind Moderna Media. They've launched workwelle, a platform dedicated to empowering working mothers by blending wellness, career development, and community support in innovative ways. Listen now to discover how you can redefine success and thrive at home and in your career.In This Episode:Inspiration Behind workwelle: Journey into the origins of workwelle and see how it’s transforming the professional landscape for mothers.Beyond Conventional Wellness: Explore the comprehensive support systems available to help the unique challenges working mothers face.Structures for Success: Learn what women need to excel in their roles as professionals and parents.Career Evolution Post-Motherhood: Hear Pauline and Clara discuss how motherhood reshaped their professional paths and led to enriching career transformations.Redefining Work-Life Integration: Shift your perspective on returning to work with insights on creating rewarding and flexible career paths after maternity leave.Corporate Cultural Shifts: Uncover workwelle’s impact on corporate practices to better accommodate working mothers.Key Quotes: "Reimagining your career post-motherhood isn’t just possible—it’s empowering." – Clara Emanuel"Let’s turn the challenge of motherhood into a career advantage." – Pauline BrookesWhy You Should Listen: If you’re pondering how motherhood will impact your career, or if your organisation wants to support working parents better, this episode is a must-listen. Discover practical strategies and inspirational stories that challenge the status quo and illustrate how integrating motherhood and career is not only possible but advantageous.Show Links:Follow workwelle on InstagramVisit the workwelle websiteBoost 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.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!

Ever wondered what it takes to break through barriers in a predominantly cis-male industry? Join us as we sit down with Thea Bardot, the innovative founder of Lightning Travel Recruitment. Thea shares their riveting journey from the high-stakes world of luxury travel to establishing a recruitment agency that prioritises diversity and mental health. Along the way, Thea reveals the personal transformation that came with navigating her identity as a trans, non-binary individual and how health challenges sparked a much-needed career shift.Discover the unique strategies that set Lightning Travel Recruitment apart. Thea talks about building a brand that genuinely cares for its candidates, and how initiatives like the Lightning Lounge provided essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn the crucial role LinkedIn plays in personal branding and community engagement and why authenticity and representation are more vital than ever in today's job market. Thea's insights offer a fresh perspective on creating welcoming spaces for all candidates, making this episode a must-listen for job seekers and employers alike.We also dive deep into workplace inclusivity and mental health implications. Thea speaks candidly about the challenges neurodivergent individuals face, especially those who are transgender, and the importance of flexible work environments. From leveraging LinkedIn for career success to advocating for trans inclusivity in the workplace, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Don't miss this powerful call to action to become proactive allies and champions of diversity in your own workplace.Show Links:Connect with Thea Bardot on LinkedInConnect with your host, Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedInFind your next job in luxury travel with Lightning Fast Recruitment hereBoost 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.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!

If you’re worried that having kids might spell the end of your career, then this episode of the Work It Like A Mum podcast is the wake-up call you need as we chat with dynamic HR powerhouse Kat Gilbert, who after 8 years as a stay-at-home mum launched a brand new HR career! In This Episode:From PA to HR Powerhouse: Hear Kat's pre-kids career journey, her fulfilling yet challenging life as a PA, and the serendipitous shift that led her to find her passion in HR.Embracing New Chapters: Discover how Kat reinvented her professional identity, using her break as a stay-at-home mum to realign her career aspirations and skills.Strategic Career Pivoting: Learn about Kat's strategic moves within her company, transitioning from a personal assistant role to a position in her dream HR role, fueled by her proactive approach and support from her forward-thinking boss.The Balancing Act: Kat shares how she balances her professional growth with her role as a mum, highlighting flexible work arrangements and the support systems that make it possible.Inspirational Takeaways: Kat discusses the importance of being a role model for her children, showing them that learning and personal development don’t stop at school but are lifelong processes.Why You Should Listen: If you're a parent worrying that having kids might stall your career or contemplating a significant career shift post-children, this episode is a must-listen. Kat's story is not just about career transformation; it's about personal resilience, strategic planning, and the joy of finding your true calling at any stage of life.Show Links:Connect with Kat Gilbert on LinkedInConnect with your host, Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedInVisit the Vestd websiteBoost 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.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!