What Happened When I Finally Said YES to a Second Income

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Gemma Jackson, Head of DE&I at Intact Insurance.They explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion, alongside a candid conversation about career progression, flexibility, and the reality of balancing work and family life.What We Cover:How DE&I is evolving — and why some organisations are rethinking how they approach itWhy inclusive businesses often perform better and make stronger decisionsThe real barriers women face in progressing their careersThe role of informal networking — and who it leaves outWhat flexibility actually looks like beyond part-time rolesBalancing a senior career, family life, and further studyKey Takeaways:Women are not lacking ambition — they’re balancing ambition with boundaries Diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes and more innovationCareer progression is still influenced by informal networksFlexibility needs to be more creative and inclusiveYou don’t need to be “always on” to succeedPriorities shift over time — and that’s completely normalWhy Listen:If you’re navigating your career alongside family life, or questioning how work is really structured, this episode offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what needs to change, and how to make work work for you.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Gemma on LinkedIn hereVisit Intact Insurance’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, the tables are turned as host Elizabeth Willetts is interviewed for the very first time.Joining her is her Utility Warehouse mentor, Sam Earnshaw, who dives into Elizabeth’s journey of becoming a partner with Utility Warehouse and how it’s impacted her career, finances, and family life.This honest conversation explores the reality behind building multiple income streams, navigating money mindset, and creating flexible work that truly fits around life after kids. What We Cover:Why Elizabeth initially said “no” — and what changedThe financial pressure that led to exploring a second incomeBalancing a growing business with family lifeThe reality of flexible work (and why it’s still so hard to find)Building a team, community, and sense of belongingHow network marketing compares to traditional business modelsThe shift from “extra income” to long-term wealth and legacyKey Takeaways:There’s often “more month than money” — even for successful foundersFlexible jobs are in huge demand, but limited in supplyA second income doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your main businessMoney mindset (especially guilt around earning) can hold women backCommunity and team culture can be just as valuable as incomeScalable income streams can reduce risk compared to hiring in a businessSmall income wins can quickly grow into something much biggerWhy Listen:If you want more flexibility, extra income, and work that fits around your life — this episode shows what’s possible, honestly and practically.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Sam on LinkedIn hereFind out more about becoming a UW partner 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’re joined by returning guest Daniela Wainwright, Founder of Wainwright Consulting.Daniela has built a successful business as a bootstrapped founder and now leads a growing team of fractional finance directors. In this honest and practical conversation, she shares what it really takes to step away from corporate, build confidence, and create a business on your own terms. What We Cover:Daniela’s journey from corporate to founderThe reality of starting and growing a businessWhy confidence holds so many people backOvercoming fear, imposter syndrome and mindset blocksBuilding a personal brand and showing up (even when it feels uncomfortable)The rise of fractional working and flexible careersTools and strategies to strengthen mindset and resilienceKey Takeaways:Confidence grows through action, not before itFear is normal, but it shouldn’t stop you taking the next step You don’t need to follow the “traditional” path to build a successful businessMindset is a skill you can actively work on and improveSmall steps forward build momentum and beliefYou can design a career that fits your life, not the other way aroundWhy Listen:If you’re thinking about starting something new, taking the next step in your career, or simply feeling stuck, this episode is a powerful reminder that confidence doesn’t come first; action does.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Daniella on LinkedIn hereVisit Daniella’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 joined by returning guest Amanda Henderson, Founder and Managing Director of Thread HR.Amanda first joined the podcast as a freelancer, then again as she made her first hire. Now, three years into building Thread HR, she shares what it really takes to scale a successful part-time team, build a strong flexible culture, and lead a business that works for both clients and employees.This episode is packed with honest insight for anyone considering self-employment, growing a business, or hiring part-time talent.What We Cover:Amanda’s journey from freelancer to founder of Thread HR Building and managing a successful part-time teamHow to create culture, clarity and trust in a flexible businessThe benefits of hiring part-time talent and thinking differently about workWhy some employers still resist flexibility, especially in hospitalityGrowing a business while navigating confidence, leadership and wellbeingKey Takeaways:⭐ Part-time hiring unlocks incredible talent most businesses overlook⭐ Strong culture isn’t about hours, it’s built on clarity, trust and values⭐ Hiring differently can give you a real competitive edge⭐ Your business can grow faster than your confidence, and that’s normal⭐ Boundaries and wellbeing are just as important as performance⭐ Hospitality has huge potential, but needs a mindset shift to attract talentWhy Listen:If you’re thinking about starting a business, hiring part-time talent, or building a more flexible team, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest lessons on what really works.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Amanda on LinkedIn hereVisit the Thread HR 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’re sharing the eighth session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.Featuring Claire Wood, Career Pivot Coach and Founder of Lightning Bolt Coaching.Claire specialises in helping women, particularly mums, navigate career change with more clarity, confidence and alignment, creating careers that truly work for their lives.What We Cover:⭐ Turning career confusion into clarity and direction⭐ Identifying your values, strengths and non-negotiables⭐ The “Three Ps of Momentum” framework: Pause, Prioritise, Plan ⭐ Breaking big goals into small, achievable steps ⭐ Overcoming common blockers like confidence, time and fear ⭐ Creating a simple, realistic career plan for 2026This session is all about helping you stop overthinking… and start moving forward.Key Takeaways:⭐ You don’t need a full plan, you just need the right first step ⭐ Clarity comes from reflection, not rushing into action ⭐ Your values are your compass, your strengths are your power ⭐ Small, consistent actions build real momentum ⭐ Confidence grows through action, not before it ⭐ Reframing “I can’t” to “I can’t yet” can completely shift your mindset ⭐ Progress > perfection -  always Why Listen: If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career, overwhelmed by where to start, or inspired but unsure what to do next, this episode will help you bridge the gap between thinking and doing. Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Claire on LinkedIn hereFind out more about Claire’s work 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’re sharing the seventh session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.Hosted by leadership coach Gifty Enright, this honest and energising conversation brings together a group of incredible women navigating careers, motherhood, identity shifts, and everything in between. From redundancy to reinvention, burnout to boundaries, this is the real, unfiltered conversation so many women need to hear.Expect relatable stories, practical insights, and those “me too” moments that remind you you’re not alone.What We Cover:The reality of “having it all” (and why it’s not perfect)Boundaries, burnout & redefining successCareer pivots, confidence & starting before you’re readyBalancing work, motherhood & real lifeKey Takeaways:You don’t have to do everything to have everythingSuccess looks different for everyoneStart before you feel readyBoundaries are essential (and ongoing)You matter tooMessy seasons are normalWhy Listen:If you’ve ever felt stretched, overwhelmed, or like you’re “failing” at balance — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.It’s honest, relatable, and packed with real-life strategies from women who are living it — not pretending it’s perfect.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Gifty on LinkedIn hereFind out more about Gifty’s work 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’re sharing the sixth session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.We’re joined by Adele, Recruitment Manager at Investing in Women, who brings nearly 20 years of recruitment experience. Having worked with both candidates and employers, Adele has seen thousands of interviews from both sides of the table and shares practical insight into what really helps candidates stand out in today’s competitive job market. What We Cover:• Why preparation is one of the biggest differentiators in interviews• How to research a company properly before you meet them• Structuring interview answers using clear examples and results• How to build confidence and manage interview nerves• The importance of asking good questions in interviews• Common interview mistakes that can cost candidates the role• Why building a relationship with recruiters can influence hiring decisionsKey Takeaways:• Preparation gives you a competitive advantage – most candidates underestimate how much research matters • You were shortlisted for a reason – employers already see your potential • Examples matter – clear stories and measurable results help demonstrate your value • Interviews are conversations – the best interviews feel like discussions, not interrogations • Follow up professionally – a thoughtful follow-up reinforces interest and professionalismWhy Listen:The job market is competitive, and interviews are often the moment where strong candidates either stand out or miss the opportunity. This session gives you practical advice from the recruitment side of the table so you can approach interviews with confidence, communicate your value clearly and give yourself the best chance of securing the role. Show Notes:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Adele hereFind out more about our career coaching services 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’re sharing the fifth session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.We’re joined by the brilliant Laurie Macpherson, career expert and job search strategist with over 10 years’ experience in employability and recruitment. Laurie works with professionals to help them secure roles they love by using modern, evidence-based strategies that actually work in today’s competitive market. What We Cover:How the 2026 job market has changed and what that means for youThe impact of AI on recruitment and how to stand outWhy cold applications alone are no longer enoughHow to write a CV that demonstrates impactThe importance of evidence, metrics and commercial awarenessUsing LinkedIn strategically for networkingTips for career pivots and returning to workHow to confidently position career breaks and short-term rolesKey Takeaways:Tailor every application - one-size-fits-all no longer worksUse numbers and results to demonstrate impactNetwork consistently - don’t rely solely on job boardsMake yourself a “safe hire” by showing clear evidence and alignmentBe intentional about your strategy - not just busy with applicationsConfidence + clarity + evidence = stronger outcomesWhy Listen:The job market has changed; it’s more competitive, AI is shaping recruitment, and employers want clear evidence of impact.This session shares practical, honest strategies for what’s working now, helping you job search with confidence, clarity, and purpose in 2026.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Laurie hereFind out more about Laurie’s work 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’re sharing the fourth session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.Hosted by career advancement coach Leanne Cooper who shares powerful strategies to help women rebuild confidence, own their story, and step into 2026 feeling empowered and career-ready.Leanne is the Founder of Accelerate, a leading career advancement programme for senior women, and has supported over 1,000 women to secure roles they love, negotiate confidently, and progress with impact.This session focuses on both the practical and mindset shifts needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. What We Cover:How to prioritise the relationship with yourselfReconnecting with your strengths and achievementsMoving away from external validation and building self-recognitionOwning and confidently framing your career storyPractising how to communicate your story with impactKey Takeaways:Confidence starts with how you treat yourself.Your achievements matter — even if you’ve underestimated them.Create your own system for recognising wins.There is always a positive way to frame your career story.Practising your narrative out loud builds power and presence.Why Listen:Whether you’re progressing within your organisation or re-entering the job market, these strategies will help you show up with confidence and communicate your value effectively.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Leanne  hereFind out more about Leanne’s work 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’re sharing the third session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.Hosted by recruitment expert Elizabeth Willits, Founder of Investing Women, who shares nearly two decades of insider hiring experience. Having worked at Hays and Deloitte, Liz has reviewed thousands of CVs and interviewed countless candidates.In this session, she breaks down exactly how to position yourself as a high-value candidate, on paper, on LinkedIn, and in interviews, so you can stand out and get hired in 2026.What We Cover:How to turn your CV into a value-focused marketing toolStructuring experience with measurable impactTailoring applications to stand outOptimising your LinkedIn profile for visibility and recruiter searchesPreparing confident, structured interview answersKey Takeaways:Focus on outcomes, not responsibilitiesUse metrics to prove your impactCustomisation beats generic applicationsStrong LinkedIn presence increases opportunitiesPreparation and clarity are the foundation of interview successWhy Listen:Get practical, insider advice to strengthen your CV, boost your LinkedIn visibility, and approach interviews with confidence, so you stand out and position yourself as the obvious choice.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereView our career coaching services hereVisit the Investing in Women 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!