From Insight to Action: Building Your 2026 Career Plan

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!

In this episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, we’re sharing the second 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 the recruitment team at Investing in Women, for an in-depth look at the current recruitment landscape and flexible working opportunities. This session is designed to help job seekers and professionals understand the realities of flexible roles, what employers are prioritising in 2026, and how to navigate the application and interview process successfully.What We Cover:Which industries and roles are leading the way in flexible working – and which are lagging behindSkills and experience employers are actively seeking in 2026, including AI literacy, sales, account management, and training rolesHow to identify genuinely family-friendly employers from job adverts and initial conversationsCommon mistakes candidates make when applying for flexible roles and how to avoid themPractical advice on discussing flexible working requirements, including for those with chronic conditionsKey Takeaways:Clear understanding of flexible working trends across industriesInsight into what skills and experiences are in demandTips for positioning yourself effectively during applications and interviewsGreater confidence in negotiating and discussing flexibility with employersWhy Listen:Whether you’re returning to work, seeking a new role, or exploring flexible opportunities, this session provides actionable insights and guidance. Adele and Elizabeth share their expertise from years of recruitment experience, helping attendees feel more confident as they navigate today’s competitive job market.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Adele McNicholl on LinkedIn hereVisit the Investing in Women 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 bonus episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we’re sharing a special webinar conversation for small business owners who want to scale without burnout and build businesses that actually work in today’s world.Hosted by Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women, this episode features expert insight from Sam Cooper-Gray, Founder of The Wisdom Studio, on what really drives sustainable growth as we head into 2026.Together, we explore:Why strategy doesn’t need to be complicated to be effectiveHow clear anchors, focused priorities and simple tactics outperform over-planningWhy systems — not willpower — are the key to executionHow flexibility, leadership and culture now underpin growthWhat small businesses must do to stay resilient in a shifting economy⭐  Key Takeaways:Don’t overcomplicate strategy - clarity beats cleverness every time.Set an anchor, then focus on a few priorities that actually move the business forward.Systems drive results -  you rise to the level of the systems you build, not the goals you set.Execution beats intention -  doing the small, consistent actions daily is what creates progress.Adapt with confidence -  when the world changes, reset your tactics without panic or chaos.Why Listen: This conversation is about building better systems, better leadership, and better ways of working — so your business can thrive, not just survive.Whether you’re scaling a business, resetting your strategy, or simply craving more clarity and less chaos, this episode is packed with practical insight you can apply straight away.2025 exposed the cracks in outdated business models.2026 belongs to employers willing to evolve.Show Links:Connect with our host Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Sam on LinkedIn hereVisit the Women Are Good Business website hereVisit the Wisdom Studio 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 episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, we’re sharing the first session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.The session is hosted by Kim Holland, career transition expert, who works with women navigating career pivots, identity shifts and changing priorities,  particularly after becoming parents.Kim opens Smash 26 by tackling one of the biggest questions women tell us they’re struggling with:“I know something needs to change in my career…but what?”What we cover:- Why career dissatisfaction is often clearer than career direction- How to identify what you’re moving away from vs what you’re moving towards- Understanding your professional DNA: who you are, what you need, and what you offer- Why values and motivators shift over time, and why that’s not failure- A practical exercise to reflect on your career so far and spot patterns that matter Key takeaways:⭐Clarity comes before confidence, not the other way around⭐Your next move doesn’t need to be perfect, just intentional⭐Knowing what motivates you now saves time, energy and misaligned applications⭐Career change isn’t about starting again,  it’s about building on what you already haveWhy listen:If you’re feeling successful on paper but restless underneath…If you know you don’t want to go backwards, but aren’t sure what forward looks like…If you’re craving change, flexibility or meaning, without blowing everything up…This episode will help you pause, reflect and get clearer on what you actually want next.Show Links:Connect with our host Elizabeth Willetts 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!

In this weeks episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we chat with Marina Boyce, a Utility Warehouse partner who shares how she has turned chronic illness into chronic income. Marina opens up about living with ulcerative colitis and fibromyalgia, the impact this had on her career, and how flexible, home-based work has helped her regain control, confidence and financial stability. What We CoverMarina’s journey from working in a physically demanding role to needing a flexible alternativeLiving and working with chronic illness, flare-ups and fluctuating energyWhy traditional employment wasn’t sustainable and what changedWhat a Utility Warehouse partner actually does day to dayHow Marina built income quickly through friends, family and online communitiesPromotions, bonuses and incentives and what’s possible in a short timeThe importance of flexibility, community and support when work needs to fit around healthKey TakeawaysChronic illness doesn’t mean giving up on income, ambition or progressionFlexible work can restore confidence, independence and purposeYou don’t need perfect health, long hours or prior experience to get startedSmall, consistent actions can lead to rapid momentum and resultsWork that adapts to your life (not the other way around),  can be genuinely life-changingWhy Listen:If you’ve ever wondered how to earn an income when traditional work isn’t an option, Marina’s story is proof that work doesn’t have to cost you your health to be worthwhile.Show Links:Connect with our host Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Marina on Facebook hereConnect with Marina on Instagram hereFind out more about joining Utility Warehouse 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!