Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
Working Mumma

Working Mumma

Carina O’Brien

The Working Mumma podcast supports your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can feel confident & capable while juggling the demands of motherhood and a career I’m your host, Carina O’Brien, founder of Working Mumma and fellow working mum with 2 young boys. Join me as I explore life returning to work after maternity leave and as a working mum with a mix of solo episodes, amazing interviews with experts, and women sharing their experiences of juggling life and motherhood. Each episode is focused on supporting women to have the resources, mindset, tools, and confidence to support you in successfully managing the juggle.
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Working Mumma Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Working Mumma episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Working Mumma for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Working Mumma episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Enjoy part two of my chat with Ellen Hooper on building a successful portfolio career. By definition, a portfolio career is when you have several unrelated jobs. Portfolio careers give you the opportunity to craft a future to help explore interests outside of your "traditional" role. Ellen has a job share position as the Head of People & Culture at a community bank, her own business the Growth Collective, and exploring board positions.

This is an interesting chat to explore the opportunities of job sharing and how you can look at this for your own career.

We chat about:

Benefits of a portfolio career

Opportunity for wealth creation with multiple sources of income

The value of financial independence

Importance of setting boundaries

About Ellen Hooper

Ellen Hooper does lots of things. She's a mum of two, an executive coach, the Co-Founder of The Growth Collective who specialise in workshops and training for new and emerging leaders, and the Chief People Officer at a community-owned bank, a role that she job-shares..

Connect with Ellen

On LinkedIn or Instagram @ellen.hooper.consulting and her website growthcollective.com.au

Connect with Working Mumma

If you are looking for community and support as a working mum, check out the Working Mumma Village digital membership workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village.

As always, I'd like to connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma or Instagram @workingmummacommunity and check out the Working Mumma website workingmumma.com.au

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Working Mumma - Understanding childcare subsidy changes
play

05/02/23 • 17 min

In this solo episode, I go through the upcoming changes to childcare subsidy (CCS) in Australia. The childcare subsidy is a government-funded financial assistance program that helps families with the (increasing) cost of childcare. On July 10, 2023, some changes will be made to the program that provide better support to parents, and in this podcast, I'll explore what these changes are, why they are happening, and what you need to do to benefit from them.

Links to websites I have referenced in the podcast:

Service Australia website

Starting Blocks Childcare subsidy calculator

Link to ACCC survey on childcare price and availability (open 18 April - 31 May)

Connect with Carina at Working Mumma

If you are looking for community, resources, and support as a working mum, check out the Working Mumma Village digital membership workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village.

As always, I'd like to connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma or Instagram @workingmummacommunity and check out the Working Mumma website workingmumma.com.au

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Jordanne Collins, a working mum with her own web design company, and we explore the challenges, surprises, and joys of balancing motherhood and a career.

Jordanne shares how becoming a mother has changed her perceptions and priorities, making her more career-driven than ever before. She relishes the opportunity to show her children that they don't have to conform to societal expectations and can pursue their passions while making a positive impact on the world.

The conversation delves into the common guilt experienced by working moms, with Jordanne acknowledging that even though she loves her work, she still wrestles with the feeling of needing to give more to her children. She emphasizes the importance of defining one's own version of success and demonstrating to her kids that they can create their own paths in life.

Jordanne also discusses the benefits of finding a sustainable pace, taking time for self-care, and building relationships with other women entrepreneurs. She shares her strategies for slowing down and finding inspiration.

This episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the life of a working mum who has discovered her purpose, challenged societal norms, and found fulfillment by pursuing her career alongside motherhood. It serves as a reminder that being a working mum is a testament to the strength, efficiency, and the power to redefine success on your own terms.

Connect with Jordanne
Website: jordanne.co

Instagram: @jordanne.co

Connect with Carina at Working Mumma

Free resource: '3 steps to sharing the mental load'

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma

Instagram: @workingmummacommunity

Website: workingmumma.com.au

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Working Mumma - How to navigate flexible work with Belinda Morgan
play

06/06/23 • 52 min

Flexible work is a key requirement for many families to help them manage the juggle of career and parenting. I speak with Belinda Morgan, a flexible work and leadership specialist this week on the Working Mumma podcast. Belinda shares her insights, experience, and practical advice on how part-time work can support women seeking work-life integration without compromising career aspirations.

As we discuss, there is a misconception that part-time work is just for working mum, but as Belinda explains anyone can benefit from flexible work arrangements for various reasons. One of the challenges working mothers face is being able to find suitable part-time roles that match their experience and skill set. Belinda talks about the hidden talent market of highly skilled people seeking part-time or job-share roles, with untapped potential that could benefit employees and organisation.

We also talk about:

  • The value of part-time work for both employees and employers
  • The challenges and opportunities of part-time roles
  • Why requesting part-time hours needs to be win/win for both employees and employers and she shares tips on how to have this conversation and if you get resistance the opportunity to ask for a trial period
  • Discuss the benefits of the 4-day week and the concept of the 100:80:100 model
  • The impact of the new flexible work laws coming into effect
  • Strategies and advice on how to navigate the recruitment process when looking for part-time positions
  • Why employers need to develop a clear and attractive proposition for flexible work, highlighting the importance of aligning their policies and strategies with employees' needs.

Belinda reminds listeners to advocate for flexible work, encouraging them to have open conversations with employers and explore the possibilities.

Connect with Belinda:

Connect with Belinda via her website www.belindamorgan.com, read her book 'Solving the Part-Time Puzzle' or LinkedIn

Connect with Carina at Working Mumma

Free resource: '3 steps to sharing the mental load'

Join the Working Mumma Village

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma

Instagram: @workingmummacommunity

Website: workingmumma.com.au

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

This a big milestone episode as I celebrate with you 100 episodes of the Working Mumma podcast!

I started the Working Mumma podcast when I was 18 months into my motherhood journey, I had been back at work for approximately 6 months before I had the idea for a podcast and 8 months when I launched the podcast.

I will be honest and say that I was unsure how to recognise 100 episodes. But I needed to put one foot in front of the other and record the episode. Many people suggested my topic learnings from 99 episodes and so here we are.

During this episode I share with you some of the behind-the-scenes of the podcast, pitching for guests, memories from different episodes, the hardest episode I recorded and why, and the background to how I choose the topics and guests. I also share with you my 10 learnings and observations from the 100 episodes and throughout my journey with Working Mumma.

A huge thank you for listening if this is your first or 10th episode! I really appreciate it and all the DM's that I have received since I started the podcast.

Connect with Carina at Working Mumma

Free resource: '3 steps to sharing the mental load'

Join the Working Mumma Village

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma

Instagram: @workingmummacommunity

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, we dive deep into topics relating to gender equality and the motherhood penalty. I speak with Niti Nadarajah and we have really insightful conversation across a range of different topics. No matter where you are on your parenting journey, there are great tips from Niti.

Niti is passionate about gender equality and we chat about shifting the mental models associated with working mothers so we can overcome the impacts of the motherhood penalty.

Our chat included:

Niti's career transition from corporate lawyer to coach

The value of creating change and empowering others, especially fathers in taking parental leave and sharing the mental load

Losing ourselves, rediscovering our values, and reminding ourselves of our skills when returning back to work after maternity leave

Embracing our skills and superpowers. Niti spoke about the skills we learn when on maternity leave and as we overcome the challenges of parenting, we continue to grow and develop as individuals, enhancing our skill sets along the way

Shifting mindsets and avoiding settling. Niti urges a shift in mindset, emphasizing that we should not settle for less than we deserve. By knowing our self-worth and value, we can assert ourselves confidently and challenge systemic biases that hinder our professional growth.

Connect with Niti via her website coachingbyniti.com or LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/niti-nadarajah

Connect with Working Mumma via Instagram @workingmummacommunity LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/working-mumma or the website workingmumma.com.au

Doors for the Working Mumma Village will be opening for you to join next Monday 10 July workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village/

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Working Mumma - Why community is so important as a working mum
play

07/11/23 • 30 min

Working mum life can be isolating. At work, people often don't understand the guilt, the mum/career juggle, or the mental load. Without a community, confidence, and normalizing the struggles, it can leave you questioning if you are really able to "have it all".

As working mums, we are breaking down some of the siloed and gender-stereotyped thinking. Women in the 1970s were forced to give up their careers when they got married because their role was seen in the home. So much has changed since then. As we all know, not all parts of society have kept up with the pace of change.

What is important is that we feel connected through a fundamental need to belong and find the communities that give us empowerment, confidence, and self-belief. This has a huge impact on our confidence and mindset. A positive community can have a huge impact both personally and professionally.

In this episode, I share with you background on communities and the value of what they bring, the benefit of a community as a working mum, how to pick out which community you need and is best for you, and general tips and strategies for joining a community.

Doors are open to the Working Mumma Village, a community to support, empower and educate working mums navigate the juggle of career and motherhood. Join today and use the code 'PODCAST' for 10% your membership.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Today I'm speaking with Laura Campbell who has over 20 years of corporate experience, founder of Hackerlily, is mum to two children, and suffers from a chronic illness.

During this episode Laura shares:

Why she and her husband decided to move back to Australia after living in the UK for 16 years and her experiences of the transition

The impact of having a chronic disease since childhood on her career and motherhood

Her experience of starting her own business and entrepreneurial journey

How motherhood has changed her career perspectives

How Laura now manages the work/life juggle

The value of community

We had lots of fun recording this episode and we hope you enjoy listening.

Connect with Laura on @_hackerlily, LinkedIn, or via the Hackerlily website.

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn Carina O'Brien and Working Mumma.

Download the Free '3 steps to sharing the mental load' checklist

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

When we discover that we are pregnant, so much of the focus goes toward the child's birth. Once this life-changing event has happened, that is when we most need our village to surround us with support. Learning how to care for a newborn, recovering ourselves, and navigating this new world is challenging; it's when we most need the village around us. Planning for postpartum is crucial as I chat with Dr. Renee White, founder of Fill Your Cup, Australia's first biochemist-led Doula Village.

We chat about:

Why postpartum planning is important and share our own experiences

The key challenges and common misconceptions

How you can prepare for postpartum planning

Why we need a village to help raise a mum

The role of self-care in postpartum planning

And so much more. Renee and I share our own experiences and challenges becoming a mum and how we navigated this period.

Connect with Renee White and Fill Your Cup via Instagram @fillyourcup_ and website

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn Carina O'Brien and Working Mumma.

Download the Free '3 steps to sharing the mental load' checklist

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Working Mumma - Managing the mental load with Dr. Robyn Miller
play

02/20/20 • 60 min

Today I speak with Robyn Miller, who is a medical doctor has spent the past decade helping people from diverse backgrounds in many different places: from Australian cities and country towns to refugee tent hospitals in central Africa. In 2018, Robyn returned to Brisbane to complete her paediatric specialty training. Later that year, she and her husband also welcomed their first child and puppy into the family. Upon returning to work after maternity leave, Robyn, like many women, experienced the struggles of the "mental load". The mental load or emotional labour refers to the endless, but often invisible, planning, organising, remembering of everything that is required to run a household! In most relationships, the majority of this mental load falls to the woman. Robyn realised that to continue to succeed in her professional career, and be a happy wife and mother, she and her partner needed to learn to truly share all this invisible labour. When she couldn't find the any solutions or strategies from googling or from asking friends and colleagues, Robyn drew upon her own skills and experience to develop a unique formula to achieve mental load equality. Somewhat to even her surprise, Robyn's strategy worked and continued to work so much so that Robyn then decided to teach other women via a 6 week online course how to fairly and sustainably share the mental load. During the chat, we discuss all things relating to the mental load as well as Robyn's own experiences in becoming a mother 18 months ago. Robyn gives a great explanation of what the mental load is and talks about the emotional labour vs mental load. A big part of Robyn's work is equalising the mental load at home. We go on to talk about how the sharing the mental load at home can extend into changing stereotypes in society. Robyn shares strategies you can use today with your partner. I love the quote Robyn says during the conversation "working motherhood shouldn't be any harder than working fatherhood". Hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to share it with your fellow working mumma's managing the juggle of career and parenthood. Here is the link to the Emma cartoon we speak about in the podcast: https://english.emmaclit.com/2017/05/20/you-shouldve-asked/ Links relating to this episode Dr. Robyn Miller - The Mental Load project •Website •Facebook •Instagram •Pinterest Working Mumma •Facebook - Working Mumma Community •Facebook page •Instagram •LinkedIn Free guide: 10 steps to return to work
bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does Working Mumma have?

Working Mumma currently has 144 episodes available.

What topics does Working Mumma cover?

The podcast is about Parenting, Kids & Family, Podcasts, Business and Careers.

What is the most popular episode on Working Mumma?

The episode title '5 Strategies to help you Return to Work with Confidence' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Working Mumma?

The average episode length on Working Mumma is 40 minutes.

How often are episodes of Working Mumma released?

Episodes of Working Mumma are typically released every 8 days.

When was the first episode of Working Mumma?

The first episode of Working Mumma was released on Jan 17, 2020.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments