Working Mumma

Carina O’Brien
  • 5.0 (10)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Working Mumma

How can I manage the juggle of being a mum and having a career? Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast to support your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can thrive in 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 each episode 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 them in successfully managing the juggle. As a working mum, I know it can feel lonely and isolating in wanting to have a career and be a mum. There is a lot of support out there relating to pregnancy and when we first have a baby. The next big phase is returning to work and juggling motherhood and career, but often we feel alone and unsupported in our quest to ‘have it all’. This leads us to doubting ourselves and our decisions. On the Working Mummast podcast, we help give you the tools, support & confidence so you can work, have a career and be a mum – you can have both. Continue the conversation on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma/, access free resources https://workingmumma.com.au/resources/ or join the Working Mumma Village membership https://workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village/.

  1. 1D AGO

    Career vs Motherhood - Why we can't do it all and that's ok

    Ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions trying to navigate motherhood and a career - between work, kids, home, family, relationships, and everything in between? You’re not alone. The pressure to ”do it all” is real, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to. In this episode, I dive into the myth of having it all, why it’s okay to let things go, and how redefining success on your own terms can help you navigating the juggle.

    20 min

  2. MAR 18

    Raising an autistic child and rebuilding your career - Porscia Lam's story

    Returning to work after a career break is challenging for any parent, but what happens when that break is dedicated to being a full-time carer for a child with autism? In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Carina sits down with Porscia Lam—former corporate lawyer, mother of two, and author of The Unlocking: An Autism Story—to discuss her journey of parenting an autistic child, navigating therapy for autism, and re-entering the workforce after a three-year career break. In This Episode, we chat about: Early signs of autism and the diagnosis journey (during Melbourne's record lockdown) The impact of early intervention therapy  The emotional and financial realities of taking a career break as a full-time carer Returning to work after a long career gap—what worked, what didn’t The stigma around career breaks and how to position yourself when re-entering the workforce How to support parents of neurodivergent children Whether you’re a working mum, a parent of a neurodivergent child, or someone navigating a career break, Porscia’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy. Her insights provide not only hope, but practical strategies for navigating work and family life.   Links & Resources Connect with Porscia  Buy Porscia’s book, The Unlocking: An Autism StoryConnect with Porscia: porscialam.com or @porscialam   Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

    52 min

  3. MAR 11

    How to navigate the transition returning to work after maternity leave

    Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can set yourself up for success. In this episode of The Working Mumma Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly what you need to do in your first 90 days back to ease the transition, balance work and family life, and build confidence in your career.

    29 min

  4. MAR 4

    Why flexibility works and is needed for working mums with Dr. Ellen Ford

    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.

    45 min

  5. FEB 26

    How to let go of mum guilt and the pressure to ‘Do It All’

    Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career? In this episode, I’m tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family.

    23 min

  6. FEB 19

    Tips for job search, resume writing and interviews with HR expert Ash Battye

    In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career Pursuit. Ash has over a decade of experience in recruitment and HR and is passionate about helping businesses find the right talent while supporting job seekers—especially mums—on their return-to-work journey.

    42 min

  7. FEB 11

    Making Work Work: How We Can Create a Better System for Working Parents with Louise Gilbert

    We dive into the reality of juggling work and family life and why the traditional concept of work-life balance sets working mums up to fail. Louise shares her journey as a corporate leader turned business owner, her passion for systemic change in the workplace, and why her experience as a neurodivergent mum to two children has shaped her advocacy for more inclusive workplaces.

    41 min

  8. FEB 5

    How to lighten the mental load and set yourself up for a smoother year

    Feeling overwhelmed by the mental load? In this episode, we help working mums reflect, reassess, and take control of their mental load for a smoother, more intentional year. Learn how to manage tasks, delegate, and create balance at work and home

    25 min
See All (148)

    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    10 Ratings

    About

    How can I manage the juggle of being a mum and having a career? Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast to support your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can thrive in 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 each episode 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 them in successfully managing the juggle. As a working mum, I know it can feel lonely and isolating in wanting to have a career and be a mum. There is a lot of support out there relating to pregnancy and when we first have a baby. The next big phase is returning to work and juggling motherhood and career, but often we feel alone and unsupported in our quest to ‘have it all’. This leads us to doubting ourselves and our decisions. On the Working Mummast podcast, we help give you the tools, support & confidence so you can work, have a career and be a mum – you can have both. Continue the conversation on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma/, access free resources https://workingmumma.com.au/resources/ or join the Working Mumma Village membership https://workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village/.

    Information

    • Creator
      Carina O’Brien
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      148
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Carina O’Brien
    • Show Website
      Working Mumma

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