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Working Mumma

Carina O’Brien

Motherhood changes everything. But it doesn't mean putting your career ambitions aside.
Whether you're returning to work after maternity leave, finding your feet as a working mum, or wondering how to grow your career while raising a family, the Working Mumma podcast is for you. Having a career and being the mum you want to be shouldn't feel like an impossible choice.
Hosted by Carina O'Brien, mum of two, senior leader and founder of Working Mumma, this podcast brings you honest conversations, expert insights and practical strategies to navigate the realities of career and motherhood.

From rebuilding confidence and managing working mum guilt to negotiating flexible work, career progression, the mental load, and finding your identity beyond motherhood, we talk about the challenges working mums face, and what can actually help.

Through relatable stories, expert interviews and real-life experiences, Working Mumma helps you make informed choices, feel less alone and create a career and family life that works for you.

Because motherhood doesn't end ambition. It reshapes it.

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#207
Tuesday · 15 min
Not Sure What's Next for Your Career After Kids? Start With This Conversation
Does your manager actually know what you want from your career? Or are they making assumptions because you're a mum? Maybe you're working part-time and people assume you're not interested in a promotion. Perhaps you've got young kids and your manager thinks you don't want to travel, take on a bigger project or step into a leadership role. Or maybe you've been so focused on juggling work and family that you haven't stopped to think about what you actually want next. Here's the thing: your working arrangements don't define your ambition. And your career goals don't have to stay the same after motherhood. In this solo episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I'm sharing why advocating for yourself at work matters, how our career ambitions evolve through different stages of motherhood, and the one conversation that could make a real difference to your career. I also share my own experience of moving from three to four and eventually five working days, why flexibility remains non-negotiable for me, and how I've approached reflecting on what I want from my career.
#206
October 13 · 30 min
Why Does Making Work and Motherhood Work Still Fall on Mums?
The system needs to change. Childcare, workplaces, flexibility: we know it. Government policy and organisational cultures don't change overnight. While we wait for policy to catch up, how do we make working motherhood work for us now without accepting that the current system is good enough? In this honest solo episode, Carina explores why there is no single formula for combining motherhood and a career, how our needs and priorities evolve as our children grow, and why the responsibility for making it work cannot rest on mothers alone. From the realities of family life and childcare to flexible work, employer expectations and the often-overlooked transition back after parental leave, this is a conversation about finding more agency without accepting that the system should stay as it is. Because we need change at home, at work and across society. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#205
October 6 · 50 min
Family Therapist: Is Working Mum Guilt Changing How You Parent?
Have you ever walked in the door after work and gone into overdrive? Extra cuddles, extra stories, saying yes to everything, because you feel like you need to make up for the hours you weren't there? You're not alone. And according to family therapist Jenny Brown, it might be part of what's making parenting feel so hard. Jenny has worked in family therapy and child mental health since the 1980s. Her new book, The Parenting Paradox, looks at why parents today have more information than ever but feel more anxious and overwhelmed. In this episode, she isn't offering a list of parenting hacks. Instead, she invites us to look at our own part in the patterns we fall into with our kids and our partners, and to take some of the pressure off. In this episode, we talk about: Why parenting feels so intense right now, and how it became a "project" Why hearing other parents' stories can help more than expert advice How working mum guilt can lead to over-parenting, and what that does to our kids' confidence The difference between relating to our children and reacting to them What to say when your child says "I don't want to go to daycare" (or school) The over/under responsibility pattern in families and relationships, and how to share the load without taking over How to spot a pattern that isn't working and start to change it Why kids need both limits and connection, not a perfect parenting style Connect with Jenny Check out her new book The Parenting Paradox Find out more Parent Hope Project Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#204
September 15 · 38 min
Lost Your Confidence After Becoming a Mum? How to Find It Again at Work
Have you recently said to yourself "I used to be really good at this before I had kids"? Returning to work after parental leave can bring a mix of emotions. You may have years of experience behind you, but suddenly you’re questioning yourself, worrying about how others perceive you, and questioning if you can still perform at the level you did before. And often it’s not that you’ve lost your capability, your confidence has taken a hit. In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I chat with confidence and visibility expert Bec Sands about why women often hold themselves back at work, why confidence can feel particularly difficult after becoming a mum, and what you can actually do to rebuild it. In this episode we chat about: Returning to work after maternity leave when your confidence is already starting from zero How Bec's IVF journey reshaped her relationship with confidence Why "confidence comes from action," not the other way around The truth about the 8-hour workday and debunking myths Practical, low-time strategies for building visibility at work when you have none to spare How to catch and reframe the limiting self-talk that's running the show What self-efficacy actually means, and how to build it one hard thing at a time Connect with Bec Sands Instagram: @becsands Website & book: cameheretocreate.com LinkedIn: Bec Sands Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#203
September 2 · 11 min
The 4 Emotional Waves of Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
Are you dreading the morning you go back to work after parental leave more than you're letting yourself admit? In this episode, Carina breaks down the four emotional waves that hit when you're returning to work after maternity leave. Because going back to work isn’t one single emotion, and it certainly isn’t a straight line. If you're currently in the thick of pre-return anxiety, or you're back at work and still cycling through hard days, this one's for you. Enjoyed this shorter episode? Send me a DM as I'd love your thoughts. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#202
August 25 · 33 min
Back at Work After Maternity Leave but Your Mind Is Still at Daycare?
You're back at your desk, but half your brain is still at daycare. You said yes to the meeting, forgot to eat lunch, and you're already dreading tomorrow's drop-off. If that's your version of returning to work after maternity leave, this episode is for you. In this episode, Carina goes solo to unpack what it actually feels like to return to work after maternity leave — not just the logistics, but the identity shift, the mental load, and the quiet pressure to prove yourself all over again. Drawing on her own two returns to work (10 months off with her first son, 13 months with her second) plus everything she's learned from guests on the show, this one's part personal story, part practical playbook. If you're heading back to work soon, already back and wondering why it still feels hard, or supporting someone who is — this episode is for you. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#201
August 18 · 16 min
Running on Empty as a Working Mum? Why Taking a Break Might Be the Most Productive Thing You Do
Have you ever come back from a holiday feeling like you need another holiday? Or realised, only after you've stopped, just how exhausted you really were? That's exactly what happened to Carina. After a busy period of balancing her corporate role, work travel, Working Mumma, two young boys and the mental load of running a household, Carina headed away for a week's holiday with her family. Carina talks about: The difference between taking time off and actually mentally detaching from work What Carina noticed when her own brain finally started to quieten The real cost of ignoring your exhaustion and the hidden dangers of running on empty Practical strategies for practicing psychological detachment, even when you can’t take an extended break. What chronic cortisol is doing to your brain, sleep and focus, and why it's a loop, not a one-off Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#200
August 4 · 45 min
Lost Yourself in Motherhood? How to Reclaim Who You Are Beyond Being Mum
Is it possible to absolutely love being a mum... and still feel like something is missing? For so many women, motherhood brings immense joy—but it can also bring an unexpected sense of loss. The loss of confidence, identity, ambition or simply remembering who you were before everyone needed a piece of you. In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with author, speaker and coach Benita Bensch to talk about the parts of motherhood we don't often say out loud. Benita shares her journey through raising four boys on the land, experiencing two significant periods of burnout she describes as "the black hole," and the long road back to reconnecting with herself. Together, we explore why so many mothers feel invisible, how our inner stories can keep us stuck, and why asking for what you need isn't selfish—it's essential. If you've ever wondered, "Who am I outside of being Mum?" this episode is for you. In this episode we discuss: Why it's possible to love motherhood and still crave more for yourself Feeling invisible after becoming a mum The identity shift that comes with motherhood Benita's experience of burnout, anxiety and finding herself again Why reconnecting with your creativity matters Letting go of guilt around wanting something for yourself The power of boundaries, self-awareness and asking for help Practical ways to reconnect with yourself when life feels overwhelming If this conversation resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with another mum who needs to hear that she's not alone. Connect with Benita Bensch Instagram: @benitabensch Website: benitabensch.com Book: Seen Again: Light on Matrescence Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#199
July 29 · 19 min
Returning to Work Isn't the End of the Transition. It's the Beginning
Returning to work after maternity leave is often portrayed as the final hurdle for new mothers, but what if it's actually just the beginning of a much more complex journey? In this eye-opening episode, Carina challenges the common narrative and reveals why the hardest part of motherhood may not be the leave itself, but the transition back to work. You'll discover the concept of "matrescence," a term that captures the transformative process of becoming a mother and how it impacts your confidence and career trajectory. Carina dives into the real struggles many working mothers face, from the anxiety of returning to a workplace that has changed in their absence, to the guilt of wanting to excel at both parenting and career. We break down essential strategies for rebuilding confidence, understanding your new identity, and setting healthy boundaries at work. Carina emphasizes the importance of recognizing that your value isn’t tied to your availability but to the impact you create. She also offers practical advice on how to find your rhythm and prioritize what truly matters in your life. This episode is a must-listen for any working mother feeling lost in the transition back to work. Understand that you are not alone in this journey; many women experience similar doubts and struggles. Instead of trying to revert to your old self, Carina encourages you to embrace the strengths and new perspectives motherhood has given you. Perfect for working mothers, this episode empowers you to redefine what success looks like for you and your family. Tune in for a conversation that not only validates your experiences but also equips you with the tools to thrive in both your personal and professional life.
#198
July 14 · 47 min
Why does "ambitious mother" feel like a contradiction? How to reclaim your ambition after kids, with Dr. Anne Welsh
Do you feel like you have to choose between being a good mum and having a meaningful career? Carina speaks with clinical psychologist and executive coach Dr. Anne Welsh, a mum of four who specialises in maternal mental health and works with women in leadership and working mothers navigating exactly this tension. We talk about why the "escalation of modern motherhood" means today's mums are being asked to do more, emotionally, logistically, and professionally, than any generation before them, and why that's not a personal failing, it's a systemic shift. Anne shares the research behind why quality time with your kids matters more than quantity, why the mental load is so much heavier than a to-do list, and a simple exercise to help you work out who you are now that you're a mother - not just who you were told to be. If you've ever felt the ground shift under your identity after having kids, or wondered whether ambition and motherhood can actually coexist, this episode is your permission slip to stop choosing and start figuring out what you actually want. In this episode we cover: Why ambition and motherhood have historically been treated as opposites The "escalation of modern motherhood" and why the mental load keeps growing The research on quality vs. quantity of time with your kids A simple exercise to reconnect with your identity after becoming a mum Why naming what you want is one of the most powerful things you can do How to give yourself permission to focus on what matters to you, not what you "should" be doing Connect with Dr Anne Welsh LinkedIn: Dr Anne Welsh Website: drannewelsh.com Book: Ambitious Mother Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#197
July 1 · 16 min
5 Signs It's Time to Increase Your Working Days After Kids
Most conversations about returning to work after maternity leave focus on the return itself: the first day back, childcare drop-off, the mental load of becoming "mum and professional" again overnight. But what about six or twelve months later, when the arrangement you came back on stops fitting the life you're actually living? In this episode, Carina shares her experience moving from three to four days at work after her second maternity leave and the slow realisation it wasn't sustainable, the guilt that showed up, the conversations she had with her husband, her friends, and eventually her manager, and why increasing her days actually made her a more present, less stretched mum, not a less involved one. You'll learn: The five signals that it might be time to increase your work days Why "the arrangement doesn't fit anymore" is a capacity problem, not a time management problem How to have the conversation with your partner before you have it with your manager A practical script for approaching your manager with a clear ask, not an open question Why quality time can increase even as your work days do Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#196
June 23 · 55 min
Why Being the Good Girl at Work Is Leaving Mums Exhausted
Have you ever returned to work after parental leave and found yourself saying: “I should just be grateful I have my job back” even when the role doesn’t fit your life anymore? That feeling has a name. It’s good girl conditioning. And it’s one of the most quietly powerful forces shaping the lives of working mothers. In this episode, Carina sits down with Caitlin Judd, a business consultant, coach, podcast host and author of Good Girl, for an honest, deeply relatable conversation about the inherited scripts that keep women small, silent and stuck. And what to do about it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What good girl conditioning really is - and why it starts long before you become a mother The scripts handed to us in childhood (“be nice,” “don’t rock the boat,” “do as you’re told”) and how they show up in your workplace, your relationships and your return to work Why self-silencing and imposter syndrome are not personal flaws they’re patterns of conditioning What micro-rebellions are, and how to use them at home and at work (starting with something as simple as a Friday email) The three good girl archetypes most common in working mums: the Saint, the Lollipop Lady and the Fortress How to do a life stock-take after becoming a parent and ask yourself whether your current role actually still works for you Why Caitlin deliberately didn’t tell women what to become beyond the good girl and why that matters Connect with Caitlin Judd Instagram: @itscaitlinjudd Book: Good Girl Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#195
June 16 · 20 min
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Handle the Guilt and Separation Anxiety
Missing your baby at work? Feeling like your heart is in two places at once? You’re not alone, and more importantly, there is nothing wrong with you. In this episode, Carina talk's about one of the most common (yet rarely spoken about) parts of returning to work after maternity leave: that quiet ache of missing your baby, the constant mental juggling, and the guilt that seems to follow you everywhere. If you’ve ever sat at your desk wondering how your baby is doing, felt distracted in meetings, or questioned whether you made the right decision going back to work, this conversation is for you. You’ll learn: Why missing your baby at work is completely normal (and actually a good sign) What’s really happening during this transition into working motherhood Why the guilt and overwhelm peak early, and how it gets easier over time How to gently navigate the emotional stretch of being in “two worlds” Practical, real-world strategies to feel more present, at work and at home, without adding to your mental load This episode is not about “fixing” how you feel; it’s about helping you understand it, permit yourself to experience it, and find your rhythm again. Because you’re not failing, you’re adjusting to one of the biggest transitions of your life. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#194
June 9 · 45 min
You're Not Less Ambitious. The World Around You Just Hasn't Caught Up Yet With Kat Francis
Since going back to work after maternity leave, has anyone - a manager, a colleague, a well-meaning relative - implied that you've changed? That you're not quite as driven as you used to be? Maybe your focus has shifted? Because here's the truth: you haven't changed. Not in the way they think. Your ambition is still there, it's just evolved into something sharper, more purposeful, and more powerful than it's ever been. The problem isn't you. The world around you just hasn't caught up yet. This week on Working Mumma, I'm sitting down with Kat Francis, a Melbourne-based leadership coach for ambitious women, keynote speaker. Kat spent two decades climbing through creative agencies to Managing Director level, then walked away from equity and ownership to build a career that actually aligned with who she'd become. This conversation is honest, validating, and deeply practical. Whether you're fresh back from mat leave or a few years in and wondering why your career still feels like it's running in slow motion, this one is for you. In this episode we cover: The LinkedIn post about ambition after motherhood and why it struck such a raw nerve with Australian working mums Kat's own pivot: walking away from an MD role with equity on the table, and what that decision revealed about values, identity and what we actually want from work The data from The Ambition Report that's hard to hear - only 16% of mums were promoted after returning from mat leave, and only 23% received a pay rise Why your ambition didn't disappear after kids, it got sharper, and why that gets misread as "less committed" The settling trap: how so many women come back from maternity leave and quietly accept a role that's comfortable but hollow and how to stop How to advocate for yourself with outdated managers without burning bridges or losing your composure The motherhood penalty vs the fatherhood bonus, what it actually looks like in Australian workplaces right now How to have the ambition conversation with your partner and why getting on the same page about success changes everything Connect with Kat Francis Website: coachkat.com.au LinkedIn: Kat Francis Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#193
June 2 · 14 min
Pregnant Again After Returning to Work? Here's What to Tell Your Boss
Returning to work after parental leave is already a huge transition. But what if you're going back and you are pregnant? This week's episode comes straight from a listener DM, and it's one of the most relatable, raw, and important questions we've ever received on the show. In this episode, host Carina O'Brien tackles the fear, the guilt, and the very real practical questions that come with going back to work while pregnant. In this episode, I share: Why the guilt you're feeling is normal, and why you need to let it go The truth about how often this actually happens (hint: more than you think) Your legal rights under the Fair Work Act in Australia Whether you need to re-serve 12 months to access parental leave again When to tell your employer and why sooner may be better than later Exactly what to say in that conversation (a word-for-word framework) How to frame the news in a way that keeps the energy solution-focused What to do if your manager reacts badly Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#192
May 26 · 45 min
Why Don't I Feel Like Me Anymore? Matrescence, Identity & Returning to Work with Amanda Jackson
If you've ever returned to work after parental leave and thought, "I'm not the same person I was before I went on parental leave", you are not imagining it. And there's actually a word for what you're going through. In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Jackson, founder of Motherhood and Matrescence and author of the book by the same name, to explore the concept of matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, and why understanding it is one of the most powerful tools a working mum can have. In this episode we chat about: • What matrescence is — and why you've probably never heard of it (even though the word was coined in 1973) • The 3 stages of matrescence: separation, liminality, and integration • Why so many women feel like they've lost themselves after having children • The invisible load: why the work of mothering goes unseen and how that affects our identity • What really happens to your brain when you become a mum (it's NOT "mummy brain" - it's a neurological upgrade) • How matrescence affects your return to work and what employers and women themselves can do differently • Parenting for the audience vs. parenting for your family: how to block out the noise • Patressence: do dads go through it too? • Practical rituals and reflections to help you reconnect with who you are • The powerful questions to ask yourself (and your kids) to understand your matrescence journey Connect with Amanda Jackson Website: motherhoodandmatrescence.com Instagram: @motherhood_and_matrescence LinkedIn: Amanda Jackson Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#191
May 19 · 13 min
Why the Mental Load Gets Bigger When Your Kids Start School (And What to Do About It)
When you're in the thick of the baby and toddler years, it can feel like that's the hardest it will ever be. But what nobody tells you is that the challenge doesn't disappear as your kids get older - it just changes shape. In this solo episode, I'm getting real about a phase of working motherhood I didn't see coming: the school-age years. From navigating school hours that don't align with work hours, to managing a never-ending rotation of sports trainings, WhatsApp groups, Compass and Storypark alerts, school events, and the invisible mental load of coordinating everyone else's lives - this one's for the mums in the thick of it. I talk about: Why the transition from childcare to school can actually increase the mental load for working mums The concept of cognitive labour (as described by Professor Leah Ruppanner) and why it still falls disproportionately on mothers The hidden logistics of school-age sport, and why I wouldn't have it any other way The beautiful moments hiding inside the chaos (yes, they're there) A few honest things that are helping me survive this season without losing my mind This episode isn't about complaining. It's about naming something that so many of us are quietly carrying, and reminding you that you are absolutely not alone. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#190
May 12 · 52 min
Feeling Lost Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Rebuild Your Career Confidence with Natalie McDonald
What happens when you return to work after maternity leave… only to be made redundant six weeks later? In this honest and deeply relatable episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by Natalie McDonald, founder of Working@It, former LinkedIn editor, journalist, content strategist, and mum of two. Natalie opens up about: Returning to work after maternity leave Being made redundant during the AI transformation in tech The emotional impact of redundancy as a mother Identity shifts after motherhood Building confidence after career setbacks Starting a business after redundancy Why working mums need community more than ever The importance of personal branding and networking The reality of balancing work, ambition and caregiving This episode is for any woman who has ever questioned: “Am I still valuable after becoming a mum?” “Could this happen to me?” “How do I rebuild confidence and a career after being made redundant?” Natalie’s story is raw, empowering, practical, and incredibly validating for working mothers navigating change, uncertainty and the pressure to “hold it all together.” If you’re navigating maternity leave, returning to work, redundancy, burnout, or career transition, this conversation will make you feel seen. Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Lisa Taylor, author of The Perfect Parent Trap, about the invisible pressure modern mothers are carrying and why so many working mums feel like they’re constantly falling short. From unrealistic expectations to the mental load, Lisa unpacks how the idea of “perfect parenting” has quietly shaped how we work, parent, and judge ourselves. We explore why this pressure is hitting working mothers especially hard, and what needs to change. This is an honest, validating conversation for any mum who has ever felt: Like she’s failing at work or at home Overwhelmed by the mental load Guilty for not being “present enough” Exhausted from trying to do it all In this episode, we chat about: What the “perfect parent trap” actually is Why working mums are set up to feel like they’re failing The role of societal expectations and systemic pressures How perfectionism shows up in motherhood Practical ways to let go of unrealistic standards A new way to think about being a “good enough” parent If you’ve ever wondered “why does motherhood feel so hard?” - this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone. Connect with Lisa: Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn Find out more via Natalie's website Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#189
April 28 · 27 min
Are You Parenting the Way You Want To — or Just Getting Through the Day?
Have you ever felt like everything in your life looks fine on paper… but something still feels off? In this solo episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina explores the hidden tension so many working mums experience, the gap between the mother you are today and the mother you want to be. This episode isn’t about productivity hacks or doing more. It’s about alignment. Carina shares a practical and deeply reflective framework to help you: Define your version of motherhood (not society’s) Identify your core values and where you’re out of alignment Understand why guilt, burnout, and frustration show up Set boundaries that actually protect what matters most Take small, realistic steps toward a version of motherhood that feels right for you Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter
#188
April 21 · 50 min
Why Trying to Be a Good Mum Is Leaving You Exhausted with Lisa Taylor
Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Lisa Taylor, author of The Perfect Parent Trap, about the invisible pressure modern mothers are carrying and why so many working mums feel like they’re constantly falling short. From unrealistic expectations to the mental load, Lisa unpacks how the idea of “perfect parenting” has quietly shaped how we work, parent, and judge ourselves. We explore why this pressure is hitting working mothers especially hard, and what needs to change. This is an honest, validating conversation for any mum who has ever felt: Like she’s failing at work or at home Overwhelmed by the mental load Guilty for not being “present enough” Exhausted from trying to do it all In this episode, we chat about: What the “perfect parent trap” actually is Why working mums are set up to feel like they’re failing The role of societal expectations and systemic pressures How perfectionism shows up in motherhood Practical ways to let go of unrealistic standards A new way to think about being a “good enough” parent If you’ve ever wondered “why does motherhood feel so hard?” - this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone. Connect with Lisa: Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Buy The Perfect Parent book Check out Lisa's website Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter

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