A podcast for Mama's seeking career advice, tips, and tricks, helping them feel confident and empowered when returning to work.
Today I am joined by Mama, Meghan Gray.
Meghan is a psychologist with over eight years experience in community and private sectors, and is also the founder and director of GrayMind Psychology a boutique group private practice in Paddington, Brisbane. She is passionate about supporting eating disorders, anxiety, relationship concerns and perinatal mental health.
She is also a mother to her 19month old son, Hayes, and has found in her journey into motherhood what it looks and feels like applying psychological theory and attachment models into everyday experiences at home and with the juggle of maintaining a career. As a result, she has had personal experience with the well-known and common obstacles for mothers who work in and outside the home, that of guilt. Meghan provides insight into the psychological function of guilt in mothering, how to cope with this emotion and a mind-set shift of what it means to have a ‘good enough’ parenting approach."
Show notes:
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Today I am joined by Mama, Sarah Roettgers, who I had the pleasure of working with a few years ago.
Sarah is a Real Estate Partner at Hamilton Locke and Mama of three girls. Sarah understands the challenges of ‘juggling’ a full-time job with a household of young girls, aged 6, 4 and 3 years old. An important part of this juggle for Sarah is also ensuring that she finds time for self-care and exercise.
Show notes:
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Today I am joined by Mama, Alexandra Tanya Weller. Alex is the Co Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Miss Amara. She is also the mum to one little boy and another little girl on the way. Upon having her son, she was confronted with the realities of being a business owner and first time mum, whilst also navigating the challenges of postpartum anxiety. She is passionate about sharing a realistic take on what this looks like and how the keep-at-it attitude, grind and expectations of an "entrepreneur" are sometimes just not realistic to everyones post birth story.
Alex founded Miss Amara with her Husband Aaron when they struggled to buy a rug for their home and wanted to create a delightful and inspiring customer journey for those who are buying their first rug. Being a couple and family unit, Alex and her husband navigate the challenges of family and business hand-in-hand, and these days commute between Sydney and Hong Kong to run their business while raising their kids.
Show notes:
Miss Amara
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Today I am joined by Mama, Pinky McKay. Pinky is one of Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding experts. She’s an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), best-selling author of four titles including ‘Parenting By Heart’ and ‘Sleeping Like a Baby’, Founder of Boobie Foods, Podcast Host of her popular series 'Tits Up', and spokesperson. Pinky specialises in gentle parenting styles that honour mothers’ natural instincts to respond to their babies.
Pinky’s work is inspired by her passion to see ‘every mother with a baby in her arms and a smile on her face.’ She says, “support is essential for all new mothers to thrive, to reach their breastfeeding goals and for families to enjoy a gentle, connected beginning.”
Pinky’s ‘get real’, no-nonsense approach, along with a blend of humour, sharp wit and wisdom, makes her an expert source for national publications and major network TV. Her real-world experience stems from being the mother of five and grandmother of four.
Pinky has spoken across Australia, New Zealand and the United states and has presented a popular Tedx talk, ‘Surrender is Not a Dirty Word’. Her reach extends worldwide through her books, podcast, e-programs, blogs and highly engaged facebook and instagram pages.
On this episode we talk about Pinky's career journey to-date, her personal breastfeeding and parenting experiences, and how following her passion led to the empire she is renowned for today.
Show notes:
Where to find Pinky
Additional resources from Pinky
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Today I am joined by Mama, Cherie Canning. Cherie is a training facilitator and coach, Mum, and Director/Founder of Luminate Leadership. With two decades of leading and developing leaders at Luminate and previously at Flight Centre Travel Group, her authentic communication style and engaging workshop content continue to deliver results and leave a lasting impact.
When Cherie and her husband Andy were thrown a COVID redundancy curve ball in 2020, it was time for the next chapter in their careers. There was not a doubt in Cherie's mind about the kind of work she wanted to do; it was to speak and facilitate workshops to inspire and influence the development of leaders.
Cherie is known for her passionate energy, a genuine love for people and raw vulnerability and authentic style that shines through in all that she does. Her intention is to embrace and enhance the human based Leadership skills such as connection, empathy, collaboration, and courage in as many Leaders as possible.
On this episode we talk about Cherie's career journey to-date, with her experience having a child at 25 weeks pregnant, being made redundant during maternity leave, and finally taking a chance on herself to launch her amazing biz!
Show notes:
Where to find Cherie and Luminate Leadership
Additional show notes:
Today I am joined by Mama, Nicole Buesnel. Nicole is a full time working mum (of two boys), and founder of Career Mum Collective (CMC). She has been managing teams for over a decade and has scaled the corporate ladder. She loves her career in corporate and during this time she has enjoyed managing people the most and watching as they become empowered to make their own decisions.
However, since becoming a mum, she has been faced with the challenges that every ambitious career mum faces: the judgement, the obstacles to overcome, and the support that’s somehow still lacking. Using this passion and understanding she wanted to support even more career driven mums like her outside of her own internal team. CMC was born through the values of learning, connecting and growing your sense of self in order to thrive in the workplace (and in life), and offers a product that is supportive, fun and exciting.
On this episode we talk about Nicole's journey as a employer, Mum, and Founder.
We also discuss Nicole's personal struggles with return to work support, and how this led to the birth of CMC. This episode is inspiring and reassuring that it's possible to continue chasing your passions and dreams during motherhood.
Show notes:
Where to find Nicole and Career Mum Collective
Additional show notes:
Today I am joined by Mama, Dr Kathryn Hackman. Kathryn is a doctor, mum and the founder of Courageous Kids. Kathryn knows the heartbreak of separation anxiety, and understands the limitations of the health care and education systems to provide children with the tailored supports they need.
Sick of the talk fest, and needing practical solutions fast, she created Courageous Kids: an App to empower parents and carers to directly support their kids. In her spare time, she tries to keep up with her wheel-crazy kids as they cycle and rollerblade across Melbourne.
On this episode we talk about Kathryn's journey as a student and medical professional prior to children, and how motherhood changed her and her line of work. We also delve into the start-up details of Courageous Kids, as well as the trials and tribulations with developing an App! This episode is sure to touch the heart of many parents who are raising sensitive souls in a world that lacks support for these little ones. It will also help those who are considering the development of an App, with a few key takeaways important for success.
Show notes:
Where to find Kathryn and her business, Courageous Kids
Additional show notes:
Today I am joined by Mama, Sarah Cremona. Sarah wears many hats - her professional ones consist of Business Founder, Coach, Author, and Birth Trauma Facilitator. Other than that, Sarah is a mum of three! After a traumatic birth with her third, her entire world pivoted, and she chose to use her pain as her great hunger (purpose). The Mumma Nest is a space for mother's navigating personal and business life (plus everything in between), to work through challenges, take control of emotional health, and step into their purpose. A space where mothers can reconnect with themselves, their partner and children, and create a meaningful life.
On this episode we talk about who Sarah was before becoming a mother, and how the birth of her third child changed EVERYTHING. We also delve into the theory behind self-awareness and discovery, using the Core, Crud & Crust model/concept. This is a fantastic episode for all listeners, especially those who have experience birth trauma and still navigating matresence.
Show notes:
Where to find Sarah and her business, The Mumma Nest:
Purchase your copy of "Women leading the way" here
Additional show notes:
Today I am joined by Mama, Talia Wells. Talia is the Founder of Everyday Mums, a fresh take on mothers groups. It’s a safe space for Mums to connect, build friendships, gain support and knowledge. Talia is a strong believer that “Remarkable things happen when Mums find their place in a mothering community and discover they are not alone”. Everyday Mums hub is located in Ipswich, and will soon be expanding to Springfield!
On this episode we talk about her career journey to-date, and how a personal frustration of hers during the early years of motherhood led her to launch her thriving business!
Show notes:
Where to find Talia and her business, Everyday Mums:
Additional show notes:
Today I am joined by Mama, Amber Gibson. Amber is a midwife and lactation consultant, who is passionate about educating parents, preparing them for birth and postpartum, and providing home support postpartum. After identifying a gap in the market, Amber launched her own biz, Body, Birth & Baby, which has since been highly regarded by fellow parents (especially Mamas!).
On this episode we talk about her career journey to-date, and most recently, her motherhood journey as Mum to little bubba, Winter. Amber's nature is warm and caring, and her dedication to her work is felt by her words - what a chat this was!
Receive 20% off all Body, Birth & Baby online courses by using the code: launchmama20
Show notes:
Where to find Amber, and her business, Body, Birth & Body:
Resources:Books
Podcasts
Additional show notes:
Today I am joined by the insightful and bold Mama, Elise Addlem. Elise is a feminism and philosophy educator who uses her background in academic philosophy to educate people in the real world. Elise also provides free education content across Instagram, Facebook and Youtube and will soon launch her identity in motherhood course soon, along with other courses on feminism and parenting.
Today we talk in depth about how capitalism has shaped our patriarchal society, influencing the parenting and return to work experience. This is a juicy chat which I’m sure you’re going to love.
Resources
Additional show notes:
In today's episode, I chat with Aimee Rothnie a registered nurse, health coach, healer, breathwork facilitator and reiki practitioner. Aimee has a strong passion for supporting mothers to recognise their triggers and create emotional safety within themselves so they can create this for their children. She uses energy work, somatic work and subconscious rewiring to dive into the beliefs stopping you from creating what you desire in your life. She is a FIFO wife and a mum to her 3 year old son, Noah. She recognises that working on this and healing generational cycles can be an uncomfortable thing for mothers and loves to bring In some fun when she can.
Resources
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Today I’m joined by Jacquie Ward a Provisional Psychologist with a special interest in working with children and adolescents. She is also a Mama to three young children, aged 8, 6 and 3. If she’s not chasing them around at the beach, there’s a good chance you’ll find her drinking coffee or escaping to a yoga class for a hit of peace amongst the happy chaos.
I’ve been following Jacquie for a while, and fell in love with her line of work when Freddie was a newborn. Jacquie is an absolute gem, and yet another human I could talk to for hours on end. There is a certain calm and insightfulness about her that makes her so endearing and interesting to talk to. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy my chat with this Mama just as much as I did.
Resources
Additional show notes:
From jobless in a regional Queensland town, Gladstone, to founding a successful web development business alongside her partner in crime, Frank the Fiddle Leaf Fig. In this week's episode I'm joined by Yiota from Ola Digital. Mum to one year old George, currently pregnant with baby #2 and finding her groove with the mum and business juggle that we all know so well. Ola Digital is an online community dedicated to empowering small business owners with knowhow and confidence about all things websites. Yiota designs and develops websites on WordPress and Shopify for her clients, viewing the finished website products as more than just some pretty colours and images on a page, but as a digital home that grows with your business.
Yiota talks about her personal entrepreneurship journey and learnings from establishing her business in the IT world, and how motherhood has shifted her working style (for the better!). I honestly loved this chat with Yiota, and I'm sure you will too!
Show Notes
In today's episode, I chat with Rachel Hazlett, certified Dietitian, owner of Women's Nutrition, and Mama to two energetic kiddies! Rachel has a special interest in supporting with their fertility, pregnancy, and postnatal journey, helping them navigate these phases through effective nutrition and diet.
Rachel is on a mission to help women improve their fertility, boost their chances of a successful, healthy pregnancy & postpartum to feel their best. She loves helping women to make practical, tasty and nutritious changes to their diets so that they can feel happier and more energised to take on the world.
Show Notes
[Content Warning: I swear in this episode]. Today's episode is a little different to the last - I had my first major 'technical difficulty' where half of an episode I recorded with one of my guest speaker's dropped out - so I decided to jump on the mic solo.
In this episode I talk more about the assessments I use throughout my work with clients, and why I LOVE these approaches so much.
Here are the promised resources mentioned throughout my episode:
Today I am joined by the opportunistic duo, Jen Conroy and Kristelle Watson, founders of Keeping Mum. Keeping Mum was established out of a burning desire to have both a successful career and an amazing motherhood journey, being able to work flexibly and include children in day-to-day work. Keeping Mum is a private mother’s group business, allowing fellow Mamas the ability to become their own boss by hosting their own Keeping Mum mothers’ group. Jen and Kristelle have worked hard on developing a business model that allows all kinds of Mamas to run their own business from home and incorporate the children – no matter their age.
Today we talk about their pre-mama journey, the moment they joined forces and set sail on a partnership together, as well as the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship. Their story highlights the importance of being opportunistic and innovative following personal experiences during mum-life, and teaming up with someone who shares your vision but with the opposite skill-set. These Mat Leave Founders are an inspiring duo, and their story is sure to encourage Mamas who have been thinking about starting their own business to finally take the leap!
Today I am joined by advertising enthusiast, KellyBurnham, who holds a senior role in a global advertising agency.
Kelly opens up about her personal journey, both before becoming a mother and following children, and how her career fits in amongst the beautiful chaos motherhood can be. She also talks about shifts in priorities and perspectives at work after becoming a Mum, and how motherhood has improved her as a person – allowing her the opportunity to learn the virtue of patience and set healthy boundaries.
Kelly’s motivation and drive to continue achieving career success is sure to inspire Mamas within the advertising industry, as well as others.
Here’s Kelly’s story…
Additional Show Notes
In this week’s episode, I’m chatting with Dr Phoebe Cook, a clinical psychologist, who practices at Graymind Psychology, a boutique brisbane-based clinic. This chat with Dr Cook is all about perinatal mental health and postpartum relationship dynamics, something that we need to talk more about with Mamas and Mamas-to-be! Her line of work focuses on strengths, values, solutions, self-compassion and fulfilment, drawing primarily on principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Positive psychology. In amongst her work, Phoebe is also a partner and Mama to four young children. Yes, you heard that right, FOUR young children.
Phoebe’s vibe is cool and calm, her line of work is really interesting, and her own personal journey to-date is inspiring. I’m excited to delve deep into perinatal mental health and post-partum relationship dynamics, so let’s get to it.
Resources
Additional Show Notes
In this week’s episode, I am joined by high vibe Cassey Maynard, mama to a very happy bubba, Asher, partner to Jordan, Shamanic Cacao ceremonialist, movement and embodiment coach, and Reiki healing practitioner. I’m so fascinated by Cass’ work, it was an absolute pleasure chatting about the contrast between the life she once lived to now, her personal highs and lows during both pregnancy and motherhood, and her now pursuing a career filled with personal passion, healing, and self-love. Cass helps women embody their true feminine essence, guiding them back to their body, to their innate wisdom and power. Working with the ancient plant medicine of Cacao, she holds sacred ceremonial space for women to drop deep into their heart portal. Cass has a holistic approach to wellness to bring women back to balance and alignment.
In this week’s episode, I chat to Steph Alekna who is an established civil engineer and construction manager at Keller Australia, one of the world’s largest geotechnical contractors. Steph is an absolute legend – a real go-getter. In amongst her role of leading a team of Project Engineers and Project Managers across Queensland and Papua New Guinea, Steph is also Mumma to 21-month old Archie and wife to Emma.
Today we talk about her journey climbing the ranks in a male-dominated industry where, after becoming a mother, she has had to learn to be vulnerable and normalise asking for help. Steph’s story is an inspiration for fellow female engineers who have that same drive and passion at work, as well as a desire to balance it all with mum-life.
Find Steph on LinkedIn here
Join the waitlist for our Launch Mumpreneur Masterclass here
Learn more about Launch Mama and our services here
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Looking for inspiration, career-related tips and tricks for Mamas? Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Need a community of similar-situated and like-minded Mamas? Join our group here.
This week’s episode is brought to you by LoloPops Baby Gifts, a business dedicated to spreading joy through meaningful gift giving by offering delightful, practical, and thoughtful baby gift items. LoloPops Baby Gifts is an online mama-owned business, spreading love with one gift at a time across Australia and world-wide. I love that these gifts are not only safety approved and affordable, they’re also a fantastic quality! Check out LoloPops Baby Gifts HERE.
One of my first chat’s on the podcast, and what an amazing guest to have joined me on the show. Mama to Hudson, with baby number two on the way, Alana Mulhall is the definition of mumpreneur – co-founder of Mother’s Mylk, as well as running her own naturopathy business. Alana’s passion for natural health and wanting to help fellow Mama’s has led to her journey today, now running Australia’s leading online health hub for Mums, Mother's Mylk. Mother’s Mylk offers post-birth recipes, which can be found in their book, Nourished Postpartum, and courses to better educate Mamas about their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Today we talk about Alana’s pre-mum journey as an entrepreneur and how she now manages the demand of being a business owner, Mama, and partner! Alana shares how her pregnancy journey impacted her work and the way this influenced her approach to mamahood. Her story, like many others, shines light on how dynamics shift when bubba arrives – with work, and partner. Alana is an inspiration to fellow self-employed Mamas, demonstrating that it’s possible to continue having a thriving business filled with opportunities after becoming a mum.
Check out LoloPop's Baby Gifts range of baby gifts: HERE
Check out Mother’s Mylk’s website: HERE
Purchase Alana’s book, Nourished Postpartum: HERE
Follow Mother’s Mylk: HERE
This week’s episode is brought to you by Keeping Mum - a breakthrough business established by two thirty-something mums juggling two toddlers each. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for go-getter mums all over Australia to work for themselves and set their own schedule (with HEAPS of support from the KM team), all while involving their little ones too! To celebrate their launch, Keeping Mum is running a very special event for mums and their bubs on Tuesday 2 August from 10am at VEND Marketplace in Virginia. Grab your ticket HERE to this completely free community event and you could be well on your way to becoming the #bossmumyou were born to be!
Thinking about exploring a new career pathway but don't know where to start? Start by considering your personal values and examining those transferable skills!
On today’s episode, Lily discusses her personal journey where she used skills from her pre-mum life to establish The Professional Edit and Launch Mama. She also talks about a client she helped re-think her career and work in a win-win way.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Work with Lily to develop an industry-tailored resume and cover letter, by joining one of our Career Coaching programs here.
Want insider knowledge and career tips? Join our FREE newsletter here
Looking for inspiration, career-related tips and tricks for Mamas? Follow us on Instagram here, LinkedIn here, and Facebook here.
Need a community of similar-situated and like-minded Mamas? Join our group here.
Know how to create a resume that's sure to get the TICK, not the FLICK, when applying and being shortlisted for roles.
On today’s episode, Lily offers her top resume tips to ensure your application stands out from the rest, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Work with Lily to develop an industry-tailored resume and cover letter, by joining one of our Career Coaching programs here.
Want insider knowledge and career tips? Join our FREE newsletter here
Looking for inspiration, career-related tips and tricks for Mamas? Follow us on Instagram here, LinkedIn here, and Facebook here.
Need a community of similar-situated and like-minded Mamas? Join our group here
This week’s episode is brought to you by Small Scholars – a school readiness program in Paddington, Brisbane focused on preparing our little ones for school through fun and hands-on play. School is a big deal for our little ones, and the transition can be difficult when they’re not ready. Small Scholars offers a school readiness program for children aged between 3 and 5, which is focused on creating a lovely, rich play-based learning environment. Freddie loves his time there - I believe the small class and playful vibe is exactly what he needs to thrive. Sign up for your free trial and receive 20% off if you enrol by 1 July: HERE
Flexible Working Arrangements – we hear the term get loosely thrown around, but what is it really? What can it look like? Who's eligible? How can you request it?
On today’s episode, Lily delves into Flexible Working Arrangements in detail and shares insider tips from the perspective of a Human Resources professional (and a Mama).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Work with Lily to develop a request for Flexible Working Arrangements by joining one of our Career Coaching programs here.
Want to learn more about Flexible Working Arrangements? Head to www.fairwork.gov.au or click here for direct access to FWA information
Want insider knowledge and career tips? Join our FREE newsletter here
Looking for inspiration, career-related tips and tricks for Mamas? Follow us on Instagram here
Need a community of similar-situated and like-minded Mamas? Join our group here
Ok, so you’re ready to return to work - whether it be jumping straight back into your old role or a completely new role and/or industry, but you have these burning questions like, “how do I request flexible working arrangements from my employer?”, “what if I’m not ready to go back, or want to only go back part-time?”, “how do I explain the career gaps in my resume and interview?” or “how do I manage changes to my role and/or team at work?”
As a Mama, you often don’t have the time to source this information yourself or google over a thousand questions, sometimes all you need is one simple and clear answer that’s easily accessible whenever and wherever you go. Join Lily Eid, Career Guru and Founder of The Professional Edit, Launch Mama, and the Launch Mama Podcast, as she answers career-related questions and engages industry professionals (and Mamas) to chat about their return to work experiences.