The Parent Equation - with Ayesha Murray

Ayesha Murray

As working parents, we all share the juggle. The good news is that we're not alone. So if you need inspiration or support, if you like a good story and if you want to hear how other parents raise a family alongside their career, then this is the podcast for you.In this podcast series, I chat to inspirational working parents and ask them to share their own, unique experiences, their struggles and the moments of joy and I hope, in each episode, there’s something that can bring you a bit more strength and positivity. Follow, listen and subscribe on all major platforms. Episodes released every Tuesday.

  1. CEO of Working Families - Jane Van Zyl

    09/19/2025

    CEO of Working Families - Jane Van Zyl

    Join Ayesha Murray and Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, in this insightful podcast episode as they delve into the multifaceted challenges faced by working parents. They explore the often-overlooked stigma against fathers seeking flexible work arrangements and the systemic barriers preventing true workplace flexibility for all. Discover the crucial role of family-friendly workplace certification, the undeniable link between trust and productivity in flexible work models, and the complexities surrounding maternity cover and return-to-work experiences. Jane van Zyl, representing her charity, highlights the power of empowering individuals with knowledge of their employment rights and the vital need for systemic change. Ayesha also spotlights the upcoming "Working Dads' Summit," a key event set to advance conversations on shared parenting and workplace flexibility. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues and explore paths towards a more equitable and supportive working world for parents and caregivers. https://workingfamilies.org.uk/ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/working-dads-summit-tickets-1515483655409 ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    46 min
  2. S03:E04 - Redefining Success in a Portfolio Career with Lee Witherell

    11/21/2023

    S03:E04 - Redefining Success in a Portfolio Career with Lee Witherell

    What would you do if you were hit by multiple redundancies? My guest today, Lee Witherell, chose to turn this into an opportunity and carve out a portfolio career for himself. From data services to launching a fitness side hustle during the pandemic, Lee's journey is a shining example of resilience and adaptability. We get into the importance of being in control of your career, the need for collaboration, and the benefits of diversified income sources. We cover the role of AI in advertising, the shift in work models, and the necessity of empathy and flexibility in a portfolio career. As we navigate through these fascinating insights, Lee shares his perspective on how the working generation is adapting to this new career model. So, whether you're considering a shift to a portfolio career or looking for some professional inspiration, tune in for some actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives from Lee's journey. Find out more about Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-witherell-4422293 ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    37 min
  3. S03:E03 - The Rise of Portfolio Careers in a Changing Workplace with Sonam Taneja

    11/14/2023

    S03:E03 - The Rise of Portfolio Careers in a Changing Workplace with Sonam Taneja

    Do you ever wish you had more control over your career path? Wonder how to make the most of opportunities within your current organisation? Together with Sonam Taneja, a seasoned career and change coach, we delve into portfolio careers, unpacking how you can take the reins of your own career development. We also share practical ways organisations can nurture their internal talent marketplaces, offering employees unique opportunities such as shadowing senior leaders or tackling projects outside their usual duties. Sonam and I explore the progressive concept of kaleidoscope careers and the seismic shift in workplace dynamics. We examine the ways technology has reshaped our work lives and why a linear career path no longer fits the bill.  Tune in and redefine your idea of a successful career. About Sonam: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sonamtaneja E: sonam@mirrorspeakconsulting.com ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    38 min
  4. S03: E02 - Rachel Schofield’s Guide to Thriving in a Portfolio Career

    11/07/2023

    S03: E02 - Rachel Schofield’s Guide to Thriving in a Portfolio Career

    Ever wondered if it's possible to combine your diverse interests into a fulfilling career? That's exactly what I discuss with my guest, Rachel Schofield, a seasoned career coach and author of the Career Change Guide. We dive into the concept of portfolio careers, which offer the freedom to blend various facets of your personality and explore a spectrum of passions. Rachel imparts her wisdom on the benefits of these careers, such as increased autonomy and flexibility in scheduling. We highlight real-life examples of individuals who have successfully transitioned into portfolio careers, like a police officer who ventured into furniture designing and a graphic designer turned stone carver. We also tackle the challenges and opportunities one might encounter when transitioning to a portfolio career. From the identity shift involved in moving from an employed to freelance role, to the imposter syndrome that can creep in when learning new skills, we cover it all. Rachel emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear purpose for the transition and remaining focused on the desired outcomes. We wrap up the conversation exploring the power of small, incremental changes and share useful resources for individuals contemplating a career shift. Find out more about Rachel: The Career Change Guide https://www.rachelschofield.co.uk/ www.linkedin.com/in/rachelschofield ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    30 min
  5. S03: E01 - Rewriting Your Career Story with Claire Carroll

    10/31/2023

    S03: E01 - Rewriting Your Career Story with Claire Carroll

    Curious about making a meaningful career change?  Join me in this episode as I host Claire Carroll, an executive and career coach who sheds light on portfolio careers. Claire illuminates the crucial role of personal values in career transitions, how societal expectations can shape our decisions, and the courage required in taking risks. Our discussion delves deeper into the concept of 'leaning out' versus 'leaning in', demonstrating how brave choices can lead to fulfilling rewards. Drawing from inspiring real-life accounts of individuals who have bravely switched careers to make a global impact, we highlight the importance of creating a personal narrative to stay focused amidst societal pressure and the fear of failure. We wrap up this discussion by providing practical tips to deal with the common stumbling blocks of career transitions - setting realistic goals, managing comparison, and overcoming impostor syndrome. We concentrate on the importance of appreciating 'done is better than perfect', focusing on your unique knowledge and expertise. Find out more about Claire: https://www.clairecarroll-coaching.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/claireacarroll ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    41 min
  6. #79: Paul Ready & Parisa Wright - eco-anxiety, a parent's view

    07/18/2023

    #79: Paul Ready & Parisa Wright - eco-anxiety, a parent's view

    What if becoming a parent could change how we view the climate crisis and motivate us to take meaningful action? Join me and my co-host Parisa Wright, along with our special guest, actor and parent Paul Ready, as we tackle eco-anxiety head-on, discussing the overwhelming emotions that can arise when confronting this important issue. From the 2018 school climate strikes to the everyday challenges we face as individuals and parents, we share our stories and struggles with trying to make a difference for the environment. Embarking on a journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle can be daunting, but don't worry - we've got you covered! Together, we'll explore practical steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and influence those around you. Learn how simple changes like reducing meat consumption, supporting local farms, and using public transport can make a significant impact. We're not perfect, but we're committed to doing our part, and we'll share our experiences along the way. Community-led environmental action is a powerful force for change, and we'll discuss how you can make a difference in your own circles of influence. From setting up green teams in schools to engaging communities through theatre and storytelling, we explore the power of conversation in normalising sustainable lifestyle changes. Tune in as we examine how you can use your unique skills to create an impact on the world around you, and how talking about the climate crisis can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action too. About Paul Ready: Paul is a British actor, known principally for his work on stage, but he has also appeared in television, radio and films. About Parisa Wright, Founder, CEO of  pioneering sustainable living charity Greener & Cleaner: www.greenerandcleaner.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenerandcleaneruk ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    50 min
  7. #78: Wendy Welpton - helping you reclaim your movement

    07/04/2023

    #78: Wendy Welpton - helping you reclaim your movement

    As a working parent, do you struggle to find the time and energy to stay active and maintain your physical health? Wendy Welpton, founder of Reclaim Movement and mum of three, joins me in sharing her enlightening journey of overcoming physical challenges and discovering the power of natural movement in daily life. Wendy's inspiring story of determination, resilience, and transformation will motivate you to embrace movement in your own life, even amidst the chaos of raising young children. We also discuss the significance of creating a culture of self-care and prioritising movement, especially during menopause. By educating our children and surrounding ourselves with supportive communities, we can navigate these life transitions with grace and strength.  ABOUT THE GUEST -  WENDY WELPTON Wendy Welpton is the founder of Reclaim Movement. She coaches natural movement to individuals and small groups, in person and online in the Reclaim Movement membership. Sessions are aimed at improving mobility and strength by helping clients find the gaps in their current movement patterns, giving them ways to help fill those gaps. The aim is to help them embrace a movement-rich lifestyle and keep doing all the things they love as they age.  CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Learn more on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok - @reclaim.movement Email- wendy@reclaimmovement.co.uk ABOUT ME - AYESHA MURRAY I'm an EMCC accredited career coach with over 20 years experience in the corporate world. Having experienced the working parent juggle first hand, I now coach professionals through their career and life challenges. WORK WITH ME I'm here to give you the confidence, self-belief and support to help you design a life that works for you and your family. Through tried and tested approaches, tools and methodologies, you'll leave the coaching process with clear direction, motivation and energy. CONNECT WITH ME Website - www.ayeshamurray.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshamurray75 Instagram - www.instagram.com/ayeshamurray_coaching DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

As working parents, we all share the juggle. The good news is that we're not alone. So if you need inspiration or support, if you like a good story and if you want to hear how other parents raise a family alongside their career, then this is the podcast for you.In this podcast series, I chat to inspirational working parents and ask them to share their own, unique experiences, their struggles and the moments of joy and I hope, in each episode, there’s something that can bring you a bit more strength and positivity. Follow, listen and subscribe on all major platforms. Episodes released every Tuesday.