Gaining Career Clarity: How to Define What You Really Want Next

In this week’s Work It Like a Mum podcast, we’re sharing the fifth session from our Momentum Career Summer Series, designed to help women overcome self-doubt, build confidence and stop letting imposter syndrome hold them back.Hosted by Gifty Enright, this honest and empowering panel discussion brings together a group of women to explore how imposter syndrome can show up at every stage of your career – even when you’re experienced, successful and more than capable. Together, they share their own experiences of questioning whether they belong, the internal and external factors that can fuel self-doubt, and practical strategies for pushing through fear and backing yourself anyway.What we cover:Why imposter syndrome can affect you regardless of how successful or experienced you are. How imposter syndrome shows up – from second-guessing yourself and staying quiet to procrastinating and avoiding opportunities. Why self-doubt isn’t always just internal and how workplace culture, bias and other people’s behaviour can affect confidence. How imposter syndrome can stop you from applying for roles and promotions you’re more than capable of doing. Practical strategies for challenging self-doubt, including starting before you feel ready, preparing without over-preparing and reminding yourself of previous successes.  Confidence is something you can build through action rather than something you need to have before you begin.  How to recognise your strengths, transferable skills and achievements – and give yourself permission to put yourself forward. Key takeaways:You don’t need to feel 100% ready before applying for the job, promotion or opportunity. Confidence is a muscle – the more you challenge yourself and take action, the stronger it becomes. Stop waiting for perfection. Sometimes getting started and allowing yourself to learn along the way is exactly what you need. Surround yourself with people who can remind you of your strengths when self-doubt starts creeping in. If you’re doubting yourself, ask why. Understanding where that doubt is coming from can help you challenge it and move forward. You have to put yourself in the running. If you don’t apply, ask or put yourself forward, you’ve already made the decision for them. Why listen:If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re qualified enough, questioned your success or waited to feel more confident before taking your next step, this episode will help you challenge imposter syndrome and start backing yourself.Show links:Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Gifty on LinkedIn hereVisit Gifty’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 Work It Like a Mum podcast, we're sharing the fourth session from our Momentum Career Summer Series, designed to help women create stronger applications, stand out to employers and secure more interviews.Elizabeth Willetts draws on nearly 20 years of recruitment experience to share insider advice on writing a compelling CV, optimising your LinkedIn profile and preparing for interviews with confidence.From tailoring your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to demonstrating your value, building your professional brand and acing interview questions, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you get hired. What we cover: Why your CV is a marketing document and how to structure it for maximum impact.  How to tailor every application using keywords and demonstrate the value you bring to employers.  The common CV mistakes that could cost you an interview and how to avoid them.  How to optimise your LinkedIn profile so recruiters can find you and why networking matters more than ever.  Practical interview preparation tips, including using the STAR technique and researching employers effectively.  How small details, preparation and follow-up can help you stand out from other candidates. Key takeaways: Tailor your CV for every application and always demonstrate the impact you've made.  Employers want to understand how you'll save time, save money or make money for their business.  LinkedIn is far more than an online CV—it's one of the most powerful career and networking tools available.  Preparation builds confidence. Research, practise and use the STAR technique to communicate your experience effectively.  Small actions—whether proofreading your CV, following up after an interview or growing your network consistently—can make a big difference to your career success. Why listen:If you're applying for jobs, refreshing your CV, updating LinkedIn or preparing for interviews, this episode shares practical recruiter insights to help you stand out, showcase your value and approach your job search with confidence. Show links:Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereFind out more about our career coaching services here Buy my book ‘FLEX’ 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 Work It Like a Mum podcast, we’re sharing the third session from our Momentum Career Summer Series, designed to help women build their confidence, increase their visibility and unlock new career opportunities.Elizabeth Willetts is joined by career advancement coach Leanne Cooper, founder of You First Coaching, to explore how LinkedIn, networking and personal branding can help you access the hidden job market and create opportunities that never make it onto job boards. Together, they share practical strategies to help you overcome visibility fears, strengthen your personal brand and use LinkedIn with confidence to attract promotions, new roles and meaningful professional connections. What we cover: Why around 80% of jobs are never advertised, and how networking helps you uncover hidden opportunities.  How limiting beliefs and mindset can stop you from becoming visible in your career.  Why your personal brand matters and how to define what you want to be known for.  Practical ways to optimise your LinkedIn profile so recruiters and hiring managers can find you.  The four key habits that build visibility: Comments, Content, Conversations and Connections. How small, consistent actions can lead to promotions, new opportunities and stronger professional relationships. Key takeaways: Opportunities often come through people and conversations, not job adverts.  Your thoughts shape your actions—and your actions create your career results.  A strong personal brand helps others understand your value before you even meet them.  LinkedIn is more than an online CV—it's a powerful tool for building visibility and credibility.  Confidence grows by taking action, showing up consistently and putting yourself out there—even when it feels uncomfortable. Why listen:If you've ever wondered how to make LinkedIn work for you, felt uncomfortable talking about yourself or struggled to build professional connections, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow your visibility, build meaningful relationships and unlock career opportunities you may never have known existed. Show links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Leanne on LinkedIn hereVisit Leanne’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 Work It Like a Mum podcast, we’re sharing the second session from our Momentum Career Summer Series, designed to help women build confidence, take action and keep moving forward in their careers. Elizabeth Willetts is joined by confidence and career coach Lindsey Roberts, founder of Gold Digger Coaching, to explore why confidence isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you build through action. Together, they share practical tools to help you overcome self-doubt, challenge limiting beliefs and step into your full career potential. What we cover: Why confidence isn't a personality trait – it's a skill you can build.  How fear of disappointing others keeps many women stuck.  Practical techniques to challenge self-doubt and reframe negative thinking.  Why waiting until you feel "ready" could be holding you back.  Three simple confidence-building tools you can start using today.  How taking small, consistent actions creates lasting confidence.  Why your future confident self is built one step at a time. Key takeaways: Confidence grows through action, not before it.  Your feelings aren't facts – challenge the stories you're telling yourself.  Small, consistent steps build momentum and lasting confidence.  Stop spending your confidence making everyone else comfortable.  You already have more confidence than you realise – it's time to use it differently. Why listen:If you've ever doubted yourself, struggled to speak up, or felt like you're waiting until you're "confident enough" before making your next career move, this episode will give you practical tools to break the cycle, build confidence and take the next step with purpose.Show links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Lindsey on LinkedIn hereVisit Lindey’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, we’re sharing the first session from our Momentum Career Summer Series, designed to help women build clarity, confidence, and keep their careers moving forward. Elizabeth is joined by Kim Holland, a career pivot coach with 12 years’ experience, to explore how to get unstuck, understand what you really want from your career and start figuring out what comes next. What we cover: Why jumping straight onto job boards could be keeping you stuck.  The biggest barriers to career change – fear, confidence, finances and flexibility.  How to uncover your professional DNA and what really matters to you.  Why a career change does not mean starting again.  Practical exercises to help you get clear on what you want next.  How to focus on what you’re moving towards, not just what you want to leave behind. Key takeaways:Clarity comes before applications – know what you’re looking for first.  You have more transferable skills and experience than you might realise.  Your next move doesn’t need to solve your entire career.  Think about the work that will fulfil you, then explore how flexibility can fit around it.  A good next step simply moves you further from what you don’t want and closer to what you do want. Why listen:If you know something needs to change but have no idea what you want next, this episode will help you cut through the noise, recognise the value you already bring and start moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Kim on LinkedIn hereVisit Kim’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!

The summer holidays can feel like a juggling act. You're balancing work, childcare, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to make every day magical... all while trying not to feel guilty.In this week's episode of Work It Like a Mum, Elizabeth is joined by parental coach Giulia Galli for a reassuring and practical conversation about navigating the summer holidays with more confidence and less pressure. Together, they explore why so many parents feel overwhelmed, how to let go of perfection, and the small mindset shifts that can make family life feel calmer and more enjoyable. What We Cover:Why the school holidays feel so overwhelming for working parentsHow your mindset can shape your experience of the summerThe difference between helpful guilt and harmful guiltWhy understanding your parenting values changes everythingHow to stop comparing your family to what you see on social mediaSharing the invisible mental load and communicating better with your partnerPractical tips for surviving—and even enjoying—the summer holidaysHow to prepare for returning to work after the holidays or a career breakKey Takeaways:You don't need to be a perfect parent—just an intentional one.Guilt often comes from acting in ways that don't align with your values.Children don't need perfection; they need connection, consistency and presence.Taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential.Preparing for the unexpected is often more valuable than trying to control everything.Comparison steals joy. Focus on what works for your family.Why You Should Listen:If you've ever felt like you're juggling work, family and the pressure to do it all, this episode is for you.Packed with practical advice and reassuring insights, Giulia shares simple mindset shifts to help you let go of guilt, embrace imperfection and enjoy the school holidays with greater confidence and calm. It's an uplifting conversation that every working parent can relate to.Show Notes:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Giulia on LinkedIn hereBook a session with Giulia 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 the Work It Like a Mum podcast, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Rebecca Newenham, founder of Get Ahead, to explore what it really takes to go from employee to business owner.Together, they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, the benefits of franchising, and how women can build a flexible business without starting from scratch. Whether you're dreaming of running your own business or simply curious about your options, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest insights and encouragement. What We Cover: The journey from employee to entrepreneur  Starting a business without building everything yourself  Franchising vs starting a business from scratch  The mindset shifts needed for business ownership  Why flexibility means different things to different people  Balancing business growth with family life  Common misconceptions about franchising  The importance of networking, coaching and community  Managing fear, uncertainty and financial risk  How to know if business ownership is right for you Key Takeaways: Business ownership doesn't have to mean doing everything alone.  Franchising can offer freedom with the support of a proven model.  Flexibility is one of the biggest motivations for starting a business.  Building a strong network is essential for long-term success.  Coaching and mentoring can accelerate business growth.  Fear of failure shouldn't stop you from exploring new opportunities.  Focus on your strengths and outsource the rest where possible.  Community and collaboration are powerful tools for entrepreneurs.  There isn't one right way to build a successful business.  Small, consistent steps often lead to the biggest career changes. Why Listen:If you've ever wondered whether running your own business could give you the flexibility and fulfilment you're looking for, this episode is for you.Whether you're considering a franchise, exploring self-employment, or simply looking for a career that fits around your life, you'll come away with practical advice, honest reflections and the confidence to explore what's possible.Show Notes: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Rebecca on LinkedIn hereVisit the Get Ahead website here 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, we sit down with HR leader, accredited coach and fertility specialist Kali Crow to discuss one of the most overlooked workplace challenges: navigating fertility treatment whilst building a career.Drawing on both her professional expertise and personal experience of IVF, Kali shares practical advice, honest reflections and compassionate guidance for anyone experiencing fertility challenges, pregnancy loss or reproductive health issues. What we cover: Kali's journey into fertility coaching  The impact of fertility treatment on careers, confidence and mental wellbeing  Practical ways to manage work alongside IVF and treatment  Setting boundaries and building the right support network  Coaching vs counselling  How employers can better support employees experiencing fertility challenges  The Fertility Workplace Pledge and why it matters. Key takeaways:💜 You're not alone, and you don't have to navigate fertility treatment alone.💜 The right support can make a huge difference to your wellbeing and career.💜 Employers can create more inclusive workplaces through greater awareness, empathy and practical support.Why listen:Whether you're going through fertility treatment, supporting someone who is, or want to become a more compassionate leader, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest conversation and valuable insights that every workplace should hear.Show Notes:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Kali on LinkedIn hereVisit Kali’s coaching website here Visit Bateswell’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, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by employment lawyer and founder of Thrive Law,  Jodie Hill, to unpack the biggest changes coming to UK employment law and what they mean for both employees and employers.From day one rights and flexible working reforms to maternity protections, statutory sick pay and emerging workplace responsibilities around menopause and family leave, this episode provides practical guidance on how the new Employment Rights Act could reshape the future of work.Whether you're an employee wanting to understand your rights or an employer preparing for upcoming legislation, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable advice. What We Cover:The biggest employment law changes coming to the UK New rights around unfair dismissal claims Changes to sick pay and zero-hours contracts How employers can prepare for new legislation Why manager training matters more than ever The truth about flexible working rights What employers can and can't refuse New protections for parents returning to work Understanding KIT days and maternity rights Miscarriage leave and workplace support Menopause action plans and best practice When and how to seek legal adviceKey Takeaways:Employment rights are expanding significantly Proactive employers will be better prepared Flexible working needs collaboration and trust Policies matter, but managers matter more Better support creates better workplaces Know your rights and seek advice early Good employment practices improve retention Inclusion and well-being go hand in hand Legal support is often more accessible than you think Small changes can make a big difference at workWhy Listen:Whether you're navigating flexible working, returning from parental leave or simply want to understand your rights at work, this episode is packed with practical advice.For employers and people leaders, it's a useful guide to preparing for upcoming legal changes and building more supportive workplaces.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Jodie on LinkedIn hereVisit Thrive Law’s website here From Compliance to Culture: Responding to Employment Law ChangesEmployment Figure Changes 2026Is Your Organisation Ready for Unfair Dismissal Rights? 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 special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the eighth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Lucinda Hewitt Coleman, Senior Talent Operations Manager at Oxera, to explore what employers really gain when they invest in women at work.Drawing on her extensive experience in talent operations and people strategy, Lucinda shares why flexibility, inclusion and career development are not just the right thing to do, but a powerful business advantage. Together, they discuss the realities women continue to navigate at work, the importance of values-led leadership, and how organisations can create environments where everyone can thrive.What We Cover: Why conversations around equity and inclusion still matter  The confidence gap and hidden challenges women face at work  The impact of mental load and caregiving responsibilities  Making flexibility work for both employers and employees  Building trust, transparency and inclusive workplace cultures  The business benefits of investing in women  What organisations risk losing when inclusion isn't prioritised  The role of fair recruitment and values-led leadership  Understanding the realities of modern working lives  Reasons to feel optimistic about the future of work Key Takeaways: Equity requires ongoing commitment and action  Confidence and mental load continue to affect women's careers  Flexibility works best when built on trust and communication  Investing in women improves talent attraction, retention and engagement  Diverse teams drive stronger business performance  Culture and leadership matter as much as policies  Fair and inclusive practices create better outcomes for everyone  Understanding employees' experiences supports wellbeing and success  Values-led organisations are better equipped to attract top talent  Future generations are helping drive positive workplace changeWhy Listen:If you're an employer, people leader or professional interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights into the real business impact of investing in women. You'll gain practical perspectives on flexibility, talent retention, workplace culture and why supporting women at work benefits both individuals and organisations.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Lucinda on LinkedIn hereVisit Oxera’s website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey 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!