Matrescence at work | Motherhood and Career Transition – Details, episodes & analysis

This week we speak with Alexa Starks from Executive Moms. The transition into parenthood and back to work is hard for most. Driven by a lack of support felt by Alexa, she was compelled to create a new career for herself that supported other Mums in balancing work and home life.

In this episode Alexa shares her first hand experience and what lead her to where she is today.

You can find Alexa Starks at executivemoms.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/ or @Alexa.Starks on instagram

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/matrescenceatwork/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgraham/ ⁠

In this insightful interview, Lauren Beeten shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a sleep consultant and parenting coach. She discusses the challenges of sleep deprivation, the importance of understanding children's developmental stages, and how to create a balanced, responsive approach to parenting and sleep routines.

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Keywords

sleep coaching, parenting, child development, work-life balance, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, matrescence, family dynamics

In this conversation, Liz and Deborah explore the concept of matrescence, the transition from womanhood to motherhood. They discuss personal experiences, challenges faced during motherhood, the importance of self-regulation, and the impact of professional backgrounds on parenting. The conversation also touches on work-life balance, building a support system, and navigating friendships in parenthood, culminating in reflections and advice for new parents.

We talk about how;

Matrescence is a significant transition for women.

Motherhood involves unexpected challenges and changes.

Self-regulation is crucial for both parents and children.

Planning for parenthood often doesn't go as expected.

Support systems are essential for navigating parenthood.

Friendships can change after becoming a parent.

Professional backgrounds can influence parenting styles.

It's important to acknowledge the emotional responses of children.

Parenting ideals often clash with reality.

Learning to adapt is key in the parenting journey.

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In this conversation, Lena Ridley and Deborah Graham discuss the unique challenges and experiences of motherhood, particularly for women who become mothers later in life. They explore themes of community support, the journey to motherhood, the balance between career and family, and the evolving philosophy of parenting. Lena shares her personal journey, including her experiences with IVF, returning to work, and the importance of raising happy and resilient children. The conversation highlights the significance of finding support and understanding in the motherhood journey, as well as the changes in perspective that come with age and experience.

We talk about how;

Motherhood can be isolating, especially for older mothers.

Creating a supportive community is essential for mothers.

Every mother's journey is unique and valid.

Returning to work after maternity leave can be challenging.

Resilience is often tested in the workplace after having children.

Having children can shift priorities and perspectives on work.

It's important to focus on raising happy and healthy children.

Mental health awareness is crucial in parenting.

Parenting philosophies evolve with experience and age.

The journey of motherhood is ongoing and ever-changing.

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In this conversation, Deborah and Karen discuss the concept of matrescence, the transition to motherhood, and the various challenges and joys that come with it. They explore personal experiences, family dynamics, friendships, and the balance between work and parenting. Karen shares her insights on navigating maternity leave, the importance of support systems, and the realities of parenting versus preconceived ideals. The discussion emphasises the need for flexibility, understanding, and the value of being present in the moment as a parent.

We talk about how;

Matrescence describes the transition to motherhood.

Motherhood can bring unexpected joys and fulfillment.

Family dynamics evolve as children grow older.

Friendships can change significantly after becoming a parent.

Support systems are crucial for managing parenting challenges.

Work-life balance is a common struggle for working mothers.

Maternity leave policies can impact a mother's experience.

Parenting ideals often clash with reality.

It's important to pick your battles in parenting.

Living in the moment is essential for enjoying parenthood.

And yes, there is a baby in the background... it's all part of it!!

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Aubrielle Brennan shares her transformative journey from FBI agent to a fitness coach for moms, highlighting the importance of self-care, resilience, and balancing career and motherhood. Discover insights on postpartum recovery, body adaptation, and embracing change.

This week I had an amazing conversation with Aubrielle Brennan, who has continually grown in her career and in life. Aubrie shares her story on transitioning from FBI Agent to Mother and Fitness Coach and everything in between.

After a challenging start, Motherhood allowed Aubrie to rediscover what she is passionate about and build her life around it.

You can find Aubrie on @coach_aubrielle

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Keywords

motherhood, fitness, postpartum, career transition, resilience, self-care, body transformation, work-life balance

In this conversation, Lee shares his journey from corporate financial planning to becoming a mortgage broker. He provides insight into understanding borrowing capacity and how income changes can affect mortgage applications. The discussion concludes with practical advice for first-time home buyers and the value of consulting a mortgage broker.

If you have questions about your borrowing needs, Lee Cheesman is a specialists in homeloans, refinancing and commercial loans. Call him on 0414 189497

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Well that's a wrap for 2025. Thanks for the support and to my wonderful guests. Thank for sharing your stories and experiences.

This episode is a summary of the year that was for Matrescence at work.

#1 Karen

#2 Lena

#3 Liz

#4 Erin

#5 Jess

#6 Dani

#7 Clare

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Clare Long shares her journey from corporate HR to founding her own flexible HR advisory business, discussing work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and navigating HR policies for small to medium businesses.

In this episode of the Matrescence at work podcast, Clare shares her journey as a HR professional and a mother of four, discussing the challenges and triumphs of balancing work and family life. She emphasises the importance of flexible work arrangements, trust in the workplace, and the evolving dynamics of employee bargaining power. Clare also reflects on her decision to start her own business, the significance of providing independence to children, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

HR, flexible work, work-life balance, small business, career transition, maternity leave, remote work, HR policies

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You can reach out to Clare and her team at Norgay HR Consulting

In this conversation, Dani Soares shares her journey as a single mother navigating life in Australia while pursuing a nursing career. She discusses the challenges of motherhood, and the importance of community support. Dani reflects on her personal growth, the guilt of working mothers, and the need for flexibility in the workplace to accommodate parents. Her story highlights the resilience and determination required to balance work and family life, as well as the emotional complexities of being a single parent.

We talk about how;

Motherhood is an unexpected journey that challenges you in ways you can't anticipate.

Navigating life in a new country while pregnant can be overwhelming but also rewarding.

COVID-19 brought unexpected benefits, such as extra time with my child during lockdown.

Balancing work and motherhood requires flexibility and support from employers.

Childcare can be a significant challenge for working parents, especially single mothers.

Pursuing a nursing career as a single parent is demanding but fulfilling.

Single parenthood often comes with feelings of guilt

Building a community is essential for single parents to share responsibilities and find support. 

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If this episode brought anything up for you, here are some services you can reach out to.

Beyond Blue

Gidget Foundation