Wisdom For Working Mums

Have you ever wondered how you'd manage fertility treatment alongside the demands of your career? Or, as a manager, whether you'd know how to support someone going through it? One in six people experience infertility. Yet for many, navigating fertility challenges means juggling appointments, treatments, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion while continuing to show up at work as though everything is fine. But why is fertility still such a difficult conversation in the workplace? And what can we do to change that? In this episode, I'm joined by Natalie Silverman, co-founder of Fertility Matters at Work, to explore the hidden challenges of navigating fertility alongside a career and what it really takes to create fertility-friendly workplaces. Together, we explore: - Why fertility remains a taboo in the workplace and the fears that stop people speaking openly. - The physical, emotional and practical realities of balancing IVF and fertility treatment with work. - Why people worry that sharing fertility challenges could affect their career progression. - How managers can respond with compassion, including what to say and what to avoid. - The practical changes organisations can make to create genuinely fertility-friendly workplaces. - Why workplace support matters for employee wellbeing, inclusion and retention. Whether you're navigating fertility challenges yourself, supporting a colleague or leading a team, this conversation will help you understand what meaningful support really looks like. Want to explore this conversation further? Head to the podcast page for additional insights, helpful resources and links to connect with Natalie and Fertility Matters at Work: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/198/

Have you ever walked away from a conversation at work wondering, "Was that okay? Am I overreacting, or is something genuinely wrong here?" Workplace bullying isn't always obvious. Sometimes it's subtle: being undermined, excluded, criticised or subjected to so-called 'banter' that slowly erodes your confidence. But where's the line between difficult workplace behaviour, bullying and sexual harassment? And what can you do when something doesn't feel right? In this episode, I'm joined by Tina Chander, employment lawyer, Partner at Weightmans and founder of End Workplace Bullying Day, to explore how to recognise unacceptable workplace behaviour, understand your rights and protect yourself. Together, we explore: The subtle signs of workplace bullying and how to recognise them. The difference between bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment and 'banter'. Why working mothers and high-achieving women can be particularly vulnerable. How bullying impacts confidence, career progression and life beyond work. Practical steps to take if you're experiencing bullying or harassment. What the changes to UK sexual harassment law on 30 October 2026 mean for employees and employers. We also discuss why so many capable women question themselves rather than the behaviour they're experiencing, and what organisations need to do to create genuinely safe workplaces. If you've ever felt undermined, excluded or uncomfortable at work, this conversation will help you recognise the signs and understand your options. Because everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued at work. Want to explore this conversation further? Head to the podcast page for additional insights, helpful resources and links to connect with Tina: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/196 Want to find out more about working with Nicky Lowe through Personal Coaching, Executive Coaching or book Nicky as a Keynote Speaker in your organisation? Click here - https://luminate-group.co.uk/contact

Have you ever wondered why the parenting strategies that seem to work for everyone else just aren't working for your child? Perhaps you've noticed differences in how your child manages emotions, responds to change or navigates everyday situations. And even though you're capable and resourceful in so many areas of your life, parenting can leave you questioning yourself. Is my child neurodivergent, or am I getting parenting wrong? In this episode, I'm joined by psychologist and neurodivergence specialist Dr Jo Mueller for an honest, compassionate and practical conversation about understanding our children's unique needs. This conversation is particularly personal because I originally sought Jo's expertise for my own parenting challenges. Her insights completely changed how I understood my child's behaviour and how I responded. Together, we explore: - How to recognise potential signs of autism, ADHD and neurodivergence in children. - Why traditional parenting strategies don't always work and what to try instead. - How predictability, collaboration and curiosity can transform everyday parenting challenges. - Balancing compassion with healthy boundaries. - When and how to seek professional support. - The experience of being a neurodivergent parent yourself. We also explore the guilt, perfectionism and pressure that so many ambitious working mums carry into parenting. If you've ever questioned your parenting or wondered whether your child experiences the world differently, this episode will help you replace self-criticism with curiosity and gain practical insights to support your family. Because sometimes the biggest shift isn't changing our children, it's changing the lens through which we see them. Want to explore this conversation further? Head to the podcast page for additional insights, helpful resources and links to connect with Dr Jo Mueller: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/197

How much do you really know about surrogacy? And would you know how to support a friend, colleague or team member building their family this way? In this episode, I'm joined by Michael Johnson-Ellis, co-founder of My Surrogacy Journey and TwoDadsUK, to explore the realities of surrogacy, LGBTQ+ family building and the assumptions that can surround different paths to parenthood. We talk about Michael's own journey to fatherhood, the emotional realities people often don't see, what ethical surrogacy really looks like, and the simple things we can all do to offer better support. We also explore what this means in the workplace, from creating greater LGBTQ+ inclusion, having better conversations, to the gaps that can exist in traditional parental policies. I came to this conversation with curiosity rather than personal experience, and left with not just a deeper understanding of surrogacy and LGBTQ+ family building, but a greater awareness of how we can all show up as better friends, colleagues and leaders. If you want to better understand experiences different from your own, and support the people around you with greater empathy and awareness, this episode is for you. Download our free Surrogacy At Work factsheet - A quick HR guide to inclusive family-building policies, conversations and support.

This month marks 20 years since Nicky started her business, and in this special anniversary episode, she shares the 20 biggest lessons those two decades have taught her about work, leadership and life. From betting on yourself and navigating burnout to evolving ambition, redefining success and learning not to postpone your life, these aren't simply lessons about business. They're about creating success that actually feels successful. If you're ambitious and trying to build a career you're proud of without losing sight of your health, relationships and the life you're building alongside it, this episode is for you. Twenty years, twenty lessons, and plenty of wisdom Nicky wishes she'd known sooner. Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/194 Connect on LinkedIn Here  Follow on Instagram Here  Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention. 

Adoption doesn't end with a child joining a family; it's the beginning of a lifelong journey, one that deserves greater understanding and support. In this episode, I'm joined by Emily Frith, CEO of Adoption UK, for a thoughtful conversation that challenges many of the assumptions we hold about adoption and shines a light on the realities adoptive families often navigate behind the scenes. We explore the emotional complexity of the adoption journey, the unique challenges adoptive parents and adopted people can face throughout their lives, and what employers, managers, colleagues, and friends can do to create more understanding and supportive environments. Whether you're a leader, a working parent, or simply someone who wants to better support the people around you, this conversation is an invitation to listen with curiosity, deepen your understanding, and lead with greater empathy. In this episode, we discuss: • Why adoption is the beginning of a lifelong journey • The realities of becoming an adoptive parent and building attachment • Common misconceptions about adoption and adopted families • How workplaces can better support adoptive parents and adopted colleagues • The importance of lifelong support and why it matters For the full show notes, key takeaways, resources mentioned in the episode and links to the organisations we discuss, visit the podcast page: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/193

Do you ever go on holiday promising yourself you'll switch off… only to find yourself checking emails, mentally planning September, or feeling guilty for doing nothing? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this episode, Nicky explores why rest feels so uncomfortable for ambitious women and why the struggle has far less to do with time than it does with identity. Drawing on psychology, leadership research and her own burnout recovery, she unpacks why so many high achievers tie their self-worth to productivity, why your nervous system resists slowing down, and how learning to rest might be one of the most important leadership skills you'll ever develop. If you're taking a break or simply longing to feel less exhausted, this conversation will help you see rest differently. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why rest feels uncomfortable, even when you desperately need it. - The hidden link between achievement and self-worth. - What burnout taught Nicky about redefining success. - How to rest, even when your mind is telling you to keep going. - Three practical ways to approach rest differently this summer. Because rest isn't something you earn once everything is finished. It's a leadership practice. For the full show notes, key takeaways, resources mentioned in the episode and links to the organisations we discuss, visit the podcast page: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/192/

We often hear that becoming a mother is supposed to be the happiest time of our lives. But what happens when your experience doesn't match the story you were expecting? In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Nikki Wilson, CEO of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, to talk about the realities of perinatal mental health, birth trauma, identity, and why so many women suffer in silence. For the full show notes, key takeaways, resources mentioned in the episode and links to the organisations we discuss, visit the podcast page: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/191/

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Where did my confidence go?" Whether you're returning from maternity leave, navigating a career setback, going through perimenopause, or simply feeling like you've lost a part of yourself, this episode is for you. In this evidence-based episode, Executive Coach Nicky Lowe explores why confidence isn't actually the problem, the hidden impact of identity transitions, and why the key to rebuilding confidence lies much deeper than you might think. Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/190 Connect on LinkedIn Here  Follow on Instagram Here  Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention. 

Why do so many loving couples start arguing after they become parents? If you've ever wondered, "Why am I carrying all the mental load?" or "Why don't they just see what needs doing?", this conversation is for you. I'm joined by couples coach, speaker and founder of Be A Happier Parent, Alex Trippier, to explore why good people in good relationships often struggle after children... and how we can rebuild connection without blame. In this episode we explore: Why the mental load so often falls to women Why many men genuinely don't see the invisible work happening around them The difference between mum guilt and dad guilt Alex's powerful concept of "borrowing your partner's brain" Practical ways couples can reduce resentment and build stronger partnerships This is an honest, compassionate conversation that will leave you feeling understood, hopeful and equipped with practical ideas to strengthen your relationship. Find all the resources and links mentioned in this episode here: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/189 Connect on LinkedIn Here  Follow on Instagram Here  Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.