You’ve proven you can do your job — and do it well — while working flexibly. But now that your employer wants more office time, how do you ask for what you need without feeling guilty or being seen as “less committed”? In this episode Carina O’Brien speaks with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert and author of #WorkSchoolHours, about the art of negotiating flexibility at work. Together, they explore how working mums can confidently start the conversation, use data and outcomes to back up their case, and find a win-win that works for both you and your employer. You’ll learn: How to have a confident, fact-based conversation with your boss about working from home or hybrid work The key phrases and language to use when asking for flexibility (without guilt or defensiveness) How to show your productivity and value while working flexibly Why hybrid work supports better wellbeing, mental load, and family balance How to reframe flexibility as a business advantage, not a personal favour If you’re a working mum who wants to keep your flexibility this episode gives you the tools, confidence, and mindset to do it.   Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit?  In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibility. We explore: Why companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates and what’s driving this push   The myth of increased productivity in the office vs. hybrid work models How forced office work impacts working parents—especially women The unintended consequences for businesses—from talent loss to employee disengagement How to have a conversation with your employer if you’re being forced back into the office full-time Tactics for negotiating a hybrid work arrangement that benefits both you and your employer If you're navigating a return-to-office mandate, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you advocate for flexibility and protect your work-life balance. Listen to Dr. Ellen Ford's previous episode on the Working Mumma podcast ep 116 - Removing Barriers to Help Working Mums Thrive   Episode Resources & Links Dr. Ellen Ford’s book: #WorkSchoolHours: A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces & the World #WorkSchoolHours eBook - 100% discount with code "workingmumma100" #WorkSchoolHours Online Courses 50% off with code "workingmumma50" check out Parents course or People manager course click here Dr. Ellen Ford’s Website ellenjoanford.com   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/  

Discover how working mums can co-parent with dignity after separation. Family lawyer Gabriella Pomare shares tips on boundaries, healing, and protecting your kids.

Feeling guilty and overwhelmed as a working mum? In this Working Mumma episode, Carina O’Brien reveals why the word “should” fuels guilt and burnout — and how to replace it with empowering language that lightens your mental load.

Lawyer & mum Marianne Mark shares her IVF journey, leadership lessons, and how resilience and vulnerability transformed her work and motherhood.

Working mums are burning out under the pressure to be “good.” In this episode, Dr Michelle McQuaid joins Carina O’Brien to unpack Good Girl Conditioning — why perfectionism and people-pleasing run deep, how it impacts mothers at work and home, and practical tools to break free and thrive.

Feeling burnt out, anxious, and running on empty? You’re not alone. Psychologist Dr. Kaitlin Harkess joins us to unpack what’s really happening in your body when you’re overwhelmed — and how to calm your nervous system, lower stress, and rebuild your energy.

Transitions are part of every parenting journey, but they can often feel overwhelming—for both parents and kids! In this episode, I sit down with parenting expert Gen Muir to discuss navigating these pivotal moments with confidence and connection for both your child and you. From starting daycare or school to navigating new situations, we dive into the common challenges children face during these transitions. Gen shares her expert tips on managing big emotions, building resilience, and creating a safe space for your little ones during times of change. We also explore how you can stay emotionally grounded as a parent amidst all the chaos (we know this can be challenging!). This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights that every working mum needs in her toolkit. If you’re navigating or preparing for a big change such as starting daycare or school this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to tackle those transitions with a smile. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The emotional impact of transitions on kids and how to support them Why connection is key and how to strengthen your bond with your child during big changes Simple strategies to help your kids—and yourself—manage those tricky emotions How to create "pregame chats" and post-event moments that ease the adjustment process Hacks for balancing your own emotions while juggling the mental load with your children  Resources and Links Connect with Gen Muir on Instagram: @ConnectedParentingAU Visit Gen’s website: connectedparenting.com.au Check out Gen’s book: Little People, Big Feelings   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/   Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

Struggling with identity, guilt, or confidence as a working mum? Leadership coach and mum of four, Sarah Gibbins, joins the Working Mumma podcast to share real insights on navigating the return to work with confidence, clarity, and self-belief

Why are there no senior part-time roles? Explore barriers, laws, data & solutions for working mums balancing career & family.

Returning to work after maternity leave is a transition, not a snap back. Discover practical tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to let go of guilt, set boundaries, and thrive as a working mum.

In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, author & health journalist Casey Beros shares her raw story of being in the sandwich generation, caring for kids and an aging parent at once. Learn how to navigate caregiving, grief, and self-care with practical tips and honest advice

Discover the truth about the motherhood penalty with executive coach Emma McLean. Learn why working mums earn 55% less, how flexibility can be a trap, and what we can do to change the system for women, men, and families.

Returning to work after having a baby can be one of the most emotional and challenging transitions in a parent’s life. Then finding the right care can be a daunting task.  In this week’s episode I chat with Lauren Parrot, the founder of BubbaDesk and mum of two, about her personal journey from postpartum anxiety to creating a new childcare solution for modern parents.

Sociologist and gender equity expert Professor Leah Ruppanner joins Working Mumma to unpack the emotional weight of the mental load, why mum guilt isn’t your fault, and how we can create structural change to better support parents at home and in the workplace.

Have you ever felt like becoming a mum meant putting your dreams on hold? You’re not alone. But what if motherhood is instead the start of something even greater? In this deeply inspiring episode, we meet Donna Urquhart, a clinical researcher, mum, and now Guinness World Record holder for running an astonishing 1,400 kilometres across Antarctica after taking up running in her 30s, post-motherhood. Donna’s story isn’t just about athletic achievement. It’s about rediscovering identity, pushing through imposter syndrome, and chasing a dream most people would consider impossible - all while juggling family, work, and training in freezing conditions.

I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey and unrealistic expectations.

Returning to work after maternity leave? Learn how to confidently navigate conversations with your manager, plan your return, ask for flexible work, and advocate for support in this practical episode for working mums.

Discover why every working mum needs a village in this reflective solo episode. Carina shares the emotional reality of work travel, the power of community support, and how to build a village when you’re doing it without one. Real talk for modern working mums.

I chat with Laura Stewart, mum, former executive leader, and founder of a social enterprise, to unpack her experiences of identity shift (matrescence) and navigating her transition back to work. Laura shares her decision to resign from a senior role while on maternity leave, the emotional process of discovering she no longer fit the career she once thrived in, and the deep internal shifts that followed. From redefining success and letting go of mum guilt, to building micro-systems to support her return-to-work life, Laura offers wisdom, vulnerability, and practical strategies for working mums navigating their own identity transformations.

Why do so many women feel uncomfortable talking about money, and how can we change it? Where does this come from? How can we change this mindset? Carina speaks with behavioral money coach and founder of Women with Cents, Natasha Janssens. From escaping war-torn Yugoslavia to becoming an accountant, mortgage broker, financial planner, and now a powerful voice helping women shift their relationship with money, Natasha shares her personal journey and how it led her to focus on the psychology of money to support women. Whether you're returning to work, navigating the cost of daycare, or just trying to stay afloat, remember: this is a season. Give yourself permission to just survive, if that’s where you are. The time for growth will come. You don’t need to know it all. You just need to take the first step and know your numbers. We chat about: Why women often avoid financial conversations How our upbringing, traditional gender roles, and societal norms impact our money mindset The emotional drivers behind financial stress and avoidance Practical steps to build financial confidence (even if you're not a "numbers person") Why understanding your "financial story" is key to making empowered decisions that can also have a positive impact on your children  Tips for navigating money conversations with your partner Superannuation, contribution splitting, and what to know post-maternity leave This is an episode with great tips and advice whether you’re returning to work, navigating childcare costs, working for a few years, or want to feel more in control of your finances to help you later in life.    Episode links  Connect with Natasha: Women with Cents or @womenwithcents Subscribe to the Working Mumma newsletter or connect @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn