The Truth About Flexible Working: What EVERY Parent Needs to Know

In this week’s episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we sit down with Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, the UK’s leading charity supporting working parents and carers.Jane and Liz dive deep into what’s really holding parents back at work, from rigid systems and outdated expectations to the rising cost of childcare. Jane shares how Working Families is changing the game through free legal advice, employer partnerships, and government influence, helping to build a fairer, more flexible future of work.What We CoverThe mission of Working Families and how they support both employees and employers.The biggest barriers working parents face in today’s workplaces.Why flexible working is so much more than just working from home.Key legal rights for working parents, and how to navigate them.How small businesses can lead the way in flexibility.The story behind the Family Friendly Workplace Certification.The harsh reality of childcare costs and income inequality.Inspirational examples of progressive employers like Deloitte. Key Takeaways💬 Flexibility starts with a conversation, not a confrontation.💪 90% of people who contact Working Families keep their jobs and gain flexibility.🧩 Small businesses can be surprisingly family-friendly.💷 Work should pay,  but for too many families, it still doesn’t.🏆 Measure what matters if you want real change.👶 Leading employers are proving parental equality can be done.Why You Should Listen:If you’ve ever felt torn between work and family, this episode is for you. You’ll gain practical tips, clarity on your rights, and a fresh take on what real flexibility means. Jane’s warmth and wisdom make this one of our most empowering episodes yet. Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Jane on LinkedIn Here Visit the Working Families 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 episode of the Work It Like a Mum Podcast, we sit down with Paula Brockwell, founder and director of the Employee Experience Project, to unpack the real power of workplace culture. Paula explains why culture isn’t just about “Sunday night vibes” but is a system that drives employee behaviour, performance, and business success.What We Cover:What business culture really is and why it mattersWhy there’s no universal “perfect culture” and how alignment with business goals is keyThe role of leadership in connecting employees to the missionHow KPIs can support or harm cultureResetting psychological contracts to create empowered, high-performing teamsPreparing for the future of work with AI and evolving skill requirementsKey Takeaways:Culture is more than vibes: It shapes how people act, what’s acceptable, and how success happens.No one-size-fits-all: The best culture fits your business context, goals, and mission.Leadership matters: Great leaders connect people to the mission and help them thrive.Behaviour over motivation: Culture drives the actions that achieve results—not just good feelings.Psychological contracts: Clear, adult-to-adult agreements keep expectations realistic and engagement high.KPIs that align: Metrics work when they reinforce the right behaviours, not conflicting ones.AI and the future of work: Rethink talent, skills, and human-machine partnerships to stay ahead.Why You Should Listen: If you are a business leader, HR professional, or team manager, this episode offers practical guidance on building a culture that empowers employees, boosts performance, and helps your organisation thrive in any market. Paula’s insights take you beyond surface-level “culture vibes” to strategies that really make a difference. Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Paula on LinkedIn Here Visit Paula’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 episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we sit down with career and leadership coach Kate Rainford-Foakes, who specialises in helping women navigate career transitions, especially those moving from entrepreneurship back into employment or exploring new directions.Whether you’ve stepped away from a business, are craving more stability, or simply wondering “what’s next?”, Kate shares practical, encouraging advice for rediscovering your professional identity, reframing your story, and confidently taking your next career step.💬 We Cover:How to rebuild your professional identity after running your own businessUnderstanding your strengths, values, and what lights you upCrafting a narrative that connects your founder experience to your next chapterRefreshing your LinkedIn and CV to reflect where you’re going — not just where you’ve beenThe power of your network — and how to reconnect authenticallyNavigating salary expectations after self-employmentExploring fractional, portfolio, and hybrid career optionsWhy clarity and confidence come from doing the foundational work first💡 Key Takeaways:You’re not starting from scratch: Running a business builds invaluable leadership and problem-solving skills.Narrative is everything: The story you tell shapes how others see your value — and how you see yourself.Your network is gold: Most new opportunities come through people, not job boards.Flexibility is possible: Careers today can blend employment, consulting, and side ventures.Take time to reset: Building a clear vision first saves wasted energy later.🎧 Why You Should Listen:If you’re a former founder, freelancer, or self-employed professional wondering what’s next, this episode offers both clarity and confidence. Kate shares real, actionable strategies to help you translate your entrepreneurial experience into your next big career move,  without losing the freedom and purpose that inspired you to start your business in the first place.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Kate on LinkedIn Here Visit Kate’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 episode of the Work It Like a Mum Podcast, brand photographer and mindset coach Sarah Hoyle, founder of Nurture You, joins the conversation to share how confidence, mindset, and self-respect empower women to show up authentically, both online and in everyday life.From battling self-doubt to embracing authenticity, Sarah shares the story behind her ACT Framework: Acknowledge, Challenge, Transform. It’s a simple but powerful method to silence the inner critic, reframe negative thoughts, and step confidently into visibility.We Cover:Understanding how your brain works and applying that knowledge for growthThe ACT Framework: Acknowledge your thoughts, Challenge your inner critic, Transform through actionTackling imposter syndrome and remembering you’re the expert in your field Building confidence through self-love, consistency, and disciplineHow mindset and photography connect to help women show up authentically onlineSarah also discusses her content confidence workshops, which blend mindset coaching with empowering brand photography sessions, assisting women in moving from self-doubt to self-expression.Key Takeaways:Knowledge + Action = Growth: Understanding your mind is only powerful when you apply what you learn.ACT Framework: Acknowledge your negative thoughts, challenge them, and transform through intentional action.Self-Discipline = Self-Respect: Building small daily habits strengthens self-trust and long-term confidence.You Are the Expert: Confidence grows when you recognise the value you already bring to others.Celebrate Small Wins: Regular reflection on progress builds lasting self-belief.Feel the Fear — Do It Anyway: Confidence comes from action, not perfection. Why Listen:Get ready to boost your confidence, break free from self-sabotage, and use self-discipline to fuel self-respect. Celebrate every win, big or small, and start showing up authentically, on camera and in life.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Sarah on LinkedIn Here Visit Sarah’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 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!