Work It Like A Mum

Elizabeth Willetts
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How do I know if I'm ready to return to work after maternity leave? Can I *really* make all the pick-ups, drop-offs AND get to work on time? Am I ready for that promotion? How do I balance managing a large team and demanding kids? Is now the right time to start my own business? Can I flourish in a part-time job? And the biggest question of all, can I *really* have it all? Whether you're returning to work after your first maternity leave or juggling a high-flying career with teenagers that won't do their homework, this is the show for you.Work It Like A Mum is a new podcast giving you a weekly dose of inspiration, confidence, and step-by-step tips (plus lots of comradery) to help you flourish in your career after kids. Hosted by the Founder of Investing in Women, Elizabeth Willetts, we chat with remarkable women redefining our working world. They'll share their secrets on how they've achieved extraordinary things after children, set boundaries and balance, challenges they've faced (and how they've overcome them) to define their own versions of success. Every episode is brimming with ideas, tools, hints and tips you can put straight into practice so you, too, can have a career you adore. We cover it all - with raw honesty and a few laughs to ensure you are seen, heard, promoted and hired - whilst keeping your sanity at home! Listen now to get all the inspiration you need to Work It Like A Mum.

  1. 2 days ago

    What Employers Really Gain When They Invest in Women at Work

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the eighth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day. In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Lucinda Hewitt Coleman, Senior Talent Operations Manager at Oxera, to explore what employers really gain when they invest in women at work. Drawing on her extensive experience in talent operations and people strategy, Lucinda shares why flexibility, inclusion and career development are not just the right thing to do, but a powerful business advantage. Together, they discuss the realities women continue to navigate at work, the importance of values-led leadership, and how organisations can create environments where everyone can thrive. What We Cover:  Why conversations around equity and inclusion still matter  The confidence gap and hidden challenges women face at work  The impact of mental load and caregiving responsibilities  Making flexibility work for both employers and employees  Building trust, transparency and inclusive workplace cultures  The business benefits of investing in women  What organisations risk losing when inclusion isn't prioritised  The role of fair recruitment and values-led leadership  Understanding the realities of modern working lives  Reasons to feel optimistic about the future of work Key Takeaways:  Equity requires ongoing commitment and action  Confidence and mental load continue to affect women's careers  Flexibility works best when built on trust and communication  Investing in women improves talent attraction, retention and engagement  Diverse teams drive stronger business performance  Culture and leadership matter as much as policies  Fair and inclusive practices create better outcomes for everyone  Understanding employees' experiences supports wellbeing and success  Values-led organisations are better equipped to attract top talent  Future generations are helping drive positive workplace changeWhy Listen: If you're an employer, people leader or professional interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights into the real business impact of investing in women. You'll gain practical perspectives on flexibility, talent retention, workplace culture and why supporting women at work benefits both individuals and organisations. Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Connect with Lucinda on LinkedIn here Visit Oxera’s website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    17 min

  2. 18 Jun

    Stop Shrinking – Owning Your Value in a System Not Built for You

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the seventh session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day. In this empowering and practical conversation, career advancement coach Leanne Cooper explores why so many women feel overlooked, undervalued and underpaid, and what it really takes to own your value with confidence. Drawing on her own experiences and the lessons she's learned supporting thousands of women, Leanne shares practical strategies to help women stop shrinking their ambitions, advocate for themselves more effectively and step forward with greater confidence in their careers. What We Cover: Why confidence often takes a hit after career breaks and major life changesThe hidden ways women shrink their ambitions and hold themselves backHow to rebuild self-belief and reconnect with your strengthsWhy confidence comes from action, not waiting until you feel readyThe importance of recognising your achievements and impactHow to stop relying on external validationReframing career breaks, flexibility and life experiences as strengthsOwning your story and communicating your value with confidencePractical strategies for flexible working conversations and career progressionHow to advocate for yourself without apologyKey Takeaways: Confidence is built through action and repetitionCareer breaks do not diminish your value or capabilityYour relationship with yourself influences every career decision you makeAchievements, strengths and impact should be actively recognised and celebratedFlexible working is a professional conversation, not a favourWomen often underestimate the value they bring to organisationsThe stories we tell ourselves shape the opportunities we pursuePractising how you communicate your value builds confidence and credibilitySelf-belief grows when you stop waiting for permission and start taking actionOwning your value is essential for career growth and fulfilmentWhy Listen: If you've ever questioned your worth, held yourself back from opportunities, struggled with confidence after a career break or found it difficult to advocate for yourself at work, this episode offers practical tools and empowering advice to help you step forward with confidence and own your value. Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn here Visit Leanne’s website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    31 min

  3. 11 Jun

    Building Work That Works for You – The Rise of Female Entrepreneurship

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the sixth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day. In this inspiring and honest panel discussion, female founders and business leaders explore why more women are choosing entrepreneurship, what it really takes to build a sustainable business, and how creating work on your own terms can unlock greater flexibility, confidence and fulfilment. Featuring founders from HR, finance, technology and community-building businesses, this conversation dives into the realities of self-employment, the challenges women face in traditional workplaces, and the opportunities that come from building businesses designed around real life. What We Cover: Why more women are walking away from traditional employmentThe real reasons women start businessesFlexibility, freedom and the realities behind entrepreneurshipThe biggest risks founders face (and how to manage them)Building a business around your life, not the other way aroundFinancial confidence, pricing and knowing your worthThe challenges of isolation, resilience and self-beliefCreating a sustainable business that can grow with youHow AI and changing workplaces are reshaping opportunitiesPractical advice for women considering self-employmentKey Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is often about freedom, not escaping ambitionFlexibility should support your life, not create new pressuresConfidence grows through doing, not waiting until you're readyFinancial planning is essential before making the leapCharging your worth is critical for long-term successStrong networks can help combat isolation and accelerate growthValues-led businesses can be both profitable and fulfillingWomen are creating businesses that reflect real-life needsThe future of work will demand adaptability, visibility and human connectionSuccess isn't one-size-fits-all — define it on your own termsWhy Listen: If you've ever wondered whether traditional employment is still right for you, dreamed about starting your own business, or wanted more flexibility and control over your working life, this conversation offers practical advice, honest experiences and inspiring insights from women who have successfully built businesses around their lives. Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Visit Thread HR’s website here  Visit Flockhere’s website here  Visit Wainwright Consulting's website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount. Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    50 min

  4. 4 Jun

    AI at Work – Threat, Tool or Opportunity for Women?

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we’re sharing the fifth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women’s Day. In this insightful and thought-provoking panel discussion, experts across AI, technology, economics and business explore how AI is already reshaping the workplace and what that means for women, careers and the future of work. This session dives into AI adoption, workplace bias, leadership, career opportunities, inclusion and how women can confidently engage with AI without needing to be technical experts. What We Cover: How AI is already reshaping women’s careersWhere bias shows up in AI tools and hiringPractical ways women can start using AI nowHow AI can support productivity and flexibilityWhy human skills still matter in an AI-driven worldThe risks of AI without inclusion and oversightHow organisations can adopt AI more responsiblyNew career opportunities emerging through AIKey Takeaways: AI is already changing the workplaceBias in AI often reflects existing inequalitiesAI literacy is becoming a career advantageWomen don’t need technical backgrounds to use AIHuman skills remain critical in the future of workDiverse teams create better AI systemsAI can unlock flexibility and productivityThoughtful AI adoption benefits both people and businessesWhy Listen:  If you’re feeling unsure about AI or worried about being left behind, this conversation offers practical insights and empowering advice for the future of work. Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Visit Supermums website here  Visit Rathbone Results website here  Visit We Are Agentic’s website here  Visit Oxera’s website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount. Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    49 min

  5. 28 May

    Designing a Career That Gives You More – Without Burning Out

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we’re sharing the fourth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women’s Day. In this empowering and practical conversation, career change specialist Kim Holland explores how women can design careers that give them more,  without leading to burnout. This session dives into career clarity, flexibility, ambition, burnout, career pivots and the realities of balancing work and life during different seasons of life and motherhood. What We Cover: Why the idea of “having it all” can lead to burnoutHow careers should flex during different life stagesWhat “professional DNA” means and why it mattersUnderstanding your values, motivators and strengthsWhat flexibility at work really looks likeHow to confidently negotiate flexible workingThe importance of understanding your career capacityPractical strategies for career pivots and career redesignHow to identify what is pushing or stopping you in your careerKey Takeaways: Careers are not a straight ladder — they shift throughout lifeFlexibility looks different for everyoneBurnout often comes from trying to do everything at full capacityUnderstanding your professional DNA helps create more aligned career decisionsWomen need permission to redefine success during different seasons of lifeNegotiating flexibility should feel collaborative, not confrontationalSmall shifts can create meaningful change over timeClarity often comes from action, not overthinkingWhy Listen: If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unsure what you want next or struggling to balance ambition with life outside of work, this conversation will leave you feeling reassured, empowered and full of practical ideas to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence. Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Connect with Kim on LinkedIn here  Visit Kim’s website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    37 min

  6. 21 May

    What Women Are Giving Just to Stay Employed

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we’re sharing the third session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women’s Day.  This honest and thought-provoking panel discussion explores the hidden emotional, professional and financial cost many women pay simply to stay in the workplace. Hosted by Women’s Wellbeing Coach and author Gifty Enright, alongside four incredible women sharing honest lived experiences.  This powerful conversation explores flexibility, burnout, visibility, career progression, caregiving, menopause, remote working and the hidden realities many women are still navigating behind the scenes. What We Cover: The invisible mental load women carry at work and at homeWhy flexibility can still come at a professional costThe hidden pressures women absorb to remain “high performing”How caregiving responsibilities reshape career decisionsWhy visibility and presenteeism still impact progressionThe emotional and financial cost of remote and flexible workWhy women over 50 are still being overlooked in the workplaceThe importance of allies, sponsorship and supportive leadershipKey Takeaways: Women are still quietly carrying enormous unseen pressureFlexibility should not reduce career opportunities or progressionOutput should matter more than presenteeismSupportive leadership and workplace culture make a huge differenceWomen often lower their “ask” — not their ambitionMany women stay in workplaces at a personal cost because they feel they have no alternativeOrganisations need to better recognise the realities women face across different life stagesWhy Listen:  If you’ve ever struggled to balance work and life, worried flexibility could impact your progression, or questioned how well workplaces truly support women, this conversation will resonate deeply.  Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Connect with Gifty on LinkedIn here  Visit Gifty’s website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount. Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    53 min

  7. 14 May

    The Business Case for Women at Work (When DE&I Isn’t ‘Trendy’ Anymore)

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we’re sharing the second panel discussion from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women’s Day. This honest and thought-provoking conversation explores the future of women at work through the lens of flexibility, workplace culture, leadership, AI and changing employer expectations. Featuring leaders across talent, DE&I and business strategy, the panel discusses the realities women are still navigating in modern workplaces and what organisations need to do to better attract and retain talent. What We Cover: Why younger generations are becoming more sceptical of employersWhy flexibility is often the first thing to disappear in tougher marketsHow visibility still impacts women’s progressionThe hidden career risks of flexible workingWhy leadership behaviour matters more than policyHow AI could reshape jobs and career pathsWhether DE&I targets still matterKey Takeaways: Flexibility still relies heavily on trustWomen are still balancing visibility with caregiving responsibilitiesFlexible leadership is still not fully normalisedCulture is shaped by leadership every dayAI will reshape jobs, but human skills remain criticalInclusion only works when embedded into everyday business decisionsWhy Listen:  If you’ve ever questioned whether flexibility really works in practice, worried about visibility while working flexibly, or wondered how AI will shape future careers, this conversation offers an honest and practical perspective on the realities women are navigating at work right now.  Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Visit ISC Group’s website here  Visit Elsevier’s website here  Visit Markel’s website here  Visit Intact Insurance’s website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount. Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    57 min

  8. 7 May

    What Work Really Looks Like for Women in 2026

    In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we’re sharing the opening panel from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women’s Day. This powerful session dives into the findings from our Women at Work Survey, alongside expert insights from Oxera and Working Families leaders across research, economics and people strategy. Together, we explore the gap between what workplaces say they offer… and what women actually experience.  What We Cover: What the latest data is really telling us about women at workWhy flexibility still exists in theory, not always in practiceThe real barriers to career progression for womenHow workload, stress and lack of progression are impacting womenThe role of culture, leadership and line managers in shaping experienceWhy informal networks still influence who gets aheadThe reality of balancing work, family life and ambitionThe growing gap between workplace policy and lived experienceKey Takeaways: Women aren’t lacking ambition; they’re navigating systems that don’t fully support themFlexibility is no longer a “perk”, it’s essentialHybrid working improves outcomes, but needs structure to work wellCareer progression is still impacted by visibility, networks and outdated assumptionsMany women feel valued… but not developedWorkload and culture remain key drivers of stressOrganisations risk losing talent by not designing work around real livesReal change comes from leadership behaviour, not just policyWhy Listen: If you’ve ever felt like work should work better than it does, that flexibility exists but often comes with trade-offs, or that you’re doing a full-time job in part-time hours, this conversation will resonate. It’s honest, data-backed and focused on what actually needs to change to make work work for women. Show Links: Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here Visit Oxera’s website here  Visit the Working Families website here  Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount. Support the show Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.  And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

    50 min
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About

How do I know if I'm ready to return to work after maternity leave? Can I *really* make all the pick-ups, drop-offs AND get to work on time? Am I ready for that promotion? How do I balance managing a large team and demanding kids? Is now the right time to start my own business? Can I flourish in a part-time job? And the biggest question of all, can I *really* have it all? Whether you're returning to work after your first maternity leave or juggling a high-flying career with teenagers that won't do their homework, this is the show for you.Work It Like A Mum is a new podcast giving you a weekly dose of inspiration, confidence, and step-by-step tips (plus lots of comradery) to help you flourish in your career after kids. Hosted by the Founder of Investing in Women, Elizabeth Willetts, we chat with remarkable women redefining our working world. They'll share their secrets on how they've achieved extraordinary things after children, set boundaries and balance, challenges they've faced (and how they've overcome them) to define their own versions of success. Every episode is brimming with ideas, tools, hints and tips you can put straight into practice so you, too, can have a career you adore. We cover it all - with raw honesty and a few laughs to ensure you are seen, heard, promoted and hired - whilst keeping your sanity at home! Listen now to get all the inspiration you need to Work It Like A Mum.

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Willetts
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Work It Like A Mum
  • Show Website
    Work It Like A Mum

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