Work It Like A Mum – Details, episodes & analysis

In this week’s episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we sit down with Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, the UK’s leading charity supporting working parents and carers.

Jane and Liz dive deep into what’s really holding parents back at work, from rigid systems and outdated expectations to the rising cost of childcare. Jane shares how Working Families is changing the game through free legal advice, employer partnerships, and government influence, helping to build a fairer, more flexible future of work.

What We Cover

• The mission of Working Families and how they support both employees and employers.
• The biggest barriers working parents face in today’s workplaces.
• Why flexible working is so much more than just working from home.
• Key legal rights for working parents, and how to navigate them.
• How small businesses can lead the way in flexibility.
• The story behind the Family Friendly Workplace Certification.
• The harsh reality of childcare costs and income inequality.
• Inspirational examples of progressive employers like Deloitte.

 Key Takeaways

💬 Flexibility starts with a conversation, not a confrontation.

💪 90% of people who contact Working Families keep their jobs and gain flexibility.

🧩 Small businesses can be surprisingly family-friendly.

💷 Work should pay,  but for too many families, it still doesn’t.

🏆 Measure what matters if you want real change.

👶 Leading employers are proving parental equality can be done.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt torn between work and family, this episode is for you. You’ll gain practical tips, clarity on your rights, and a fresh take on what real flexibility means. Jane’s warmth and wisdom make this one of our most empowering episodes yet. 

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Jane on LinkedIn Here 

Visit the Working Families Website 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!

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum Podcast, we sit down with Paula Brockwell, founder and director of the Employee Experience Project, to unpack the real power of workplace culture. Paula explains why culture isn’t just about “Sunday night vibes” but is a system that drives employee behaviour, performance, and business success.

What We Cover:

• What business culture really is and why it matters
• Why there’s no universal “perfect culture” and how alignment with business goals is key
• The role of leadership in connecting employees to the mission
• How KPIs can support or harm culture
• Resetting psychological contracts to create empowered, high-performing teams
• Preparing for the future of work with AI and evolving skill requirements

Key Takeaways:

• Culture is more than vibes: It shapes how people act, what’s acceptable, and how success happens.
• No one-size-fits-all: The best culture fits your business context, goals, and mission.
• Leadership matters: Great leaders connect people to the mission and help them thrive.
• Behaviour over motivation: Culture drives the actions that achieve results—not just good feelings.
• Psychological contracts: Clear, adult-to-adult agreements keep expectations realistic and engagement high.
• KPIs that align: Metrics work when they reinforce the right behaviours, not conflicting ones.
• AI and the future of work: Rethink talent, skills, and human-machine partnerships to stay ahead.

Why You Should Listen:
If you are a business leader, HR professional, or team manager, this episode offers practical guidance on building a culture that empowers employees, boosts performance, and helps your organisation thrive in any market. Paula’s insights take you beyond surface-level “culture vibes” to strategies that really make a difference. 

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Paula on LinkedIn Here 

Visit Paula’s Website 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!

In this week’s episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Jo Langley. She opens up about her experience of joining Utility Warehouse (UW) as a partner and how she’s built it alongside family life and her existing marketing business.

Jo talks about the reality of starting something new, from hitting her Fast Start bonus in her first month to juggling priorities as a mum, and how UW has given her an extra income stream, peace of mind, and new opportunities.

We also chat about the bigger shift in how people work today, with more than 20 million people in the UK running side hustles — and why multiple income streams are fast becoming the norm.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The moment Jo realised she needed another income stream
• How rising costs (mortgage, car, kids!) pushed her to look for solutions
• Why UW felt like a natural fit and how she got started
• The training, support and mentoring that helped her succeed quickly
• Incentives big and small – from family holidays to pizza nights
• The diversity and support within the UW partner community

Key Takeaways:

• Flexibility is everything: UW allows you to work around family life and existing commitments.
  
  
• Fast results are possible: Jo earned £2,300 in her first month with just 15 hours of work.
  
  
• Training and support make the difference: Mentoring and structured guidance help you start confidently.
  
  
• Side hustles aren’t just about money: They give your family peace of mind, security, and opportunities.
  
  
• Anyone can do this: With the right tools and mindset, UW can work for a wide variety of people and backgrounds.
  
  
• Diversity and community matter: The supportive team and diverse partner network are key to ongoing motivation and success.
  
  
• Incentives make it fun: The rewards keep you focused and motivated, from family holidays to small treats.

Why Listen:

Whether you’re curious about UW, exploring a side hustle, or want to hear a real and honest story of balancing family and business, this episode is for you.

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Joanna on LinkedIn Here 

Learn More About Joining UW 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!

Every parent knows the agony of sleepless nights, but not everyone turns those personal challenges into a thriving business dedicated to helping others get a better night's sleep. However, today's guest, Rosey Davidson, did just that, transforming her nighttime struggles into Just Chill Baby Sleep - the UK's leading sleep consultancy.

In this episode, Rosey gives us an honest look into her life, from facing sleepless nights with her first child to becoming Instagram's number-one Sleep Consultant and the go-to sleep guru for parents and celebrities. We dive into how her personal struggles led her to create a business that not only helps families but also offers her the flexibility she wants as a mother to three children.

Rosey shares her experience of starting her business from scratch, highlighting the scrappy, early days balancing childcare, work, and building her brand. Discover how she transitioned from baby massage classes to sleep consultancy and how taking leaps of faith and trusting her instincts propelled her to where she is today.

We also explore Rosey's journey of becoming a published author, the challenges of writing a book with a newborn, and how this endeavour has added a new dimension to her business. Rosey's story is a masterclass in juggling business growth with the demands of a young family, and she's here with you today to share her top tips for success.

This episode isn't just Rosey's success story; it's a practical guide and a source of inspiration for any parent striving to balance their professional dreams with family life.

🔗 Don't forget to check out the links in the show notes for more on Rosey's services, her book, and her journey. And if you're on LinkedIn, feel free to connect with me, Elizabeth Willetts, for more inspiring stories of women making it work in the world of business and motherhood.

Join us for this enlightening conversation, packed with practical advice for any parent or aspiring entrepreneur. Subscribe now and let Rosey's journey inspire you to chase your dreams, no matter the challenges. Until next time, keep working it like a mum! 💪

Show Links:

Follow Just Chill Baby Sleep on Instagram

Visit Just Chill Baby Sleep's Website

Connect with Rosey on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

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!

Ever fancied opening your heart and home to a kid in need? Buckle up because we're about to embark on a soul-stirring adventure into the world of UK fostering with the amazing Caroline Fielder-Shattell and Rachael Tate!

Forget the rose-tinted glasses - these ladies peel back the layers on what it really means to be a foster carer. No sugarcoating, just raw honesty about the challenges, the joys, and the life-changing journey for both you and the children.

Ready to smash the myths holding you back? We'll crack open the whole truth about stability, education, and the careful matching process to ensure every child lands in the perfect home. Plus, we'll shine a spotlight on the National Fostering Group - your cheerleaders every step of the way!

Emotional rewards? Tick. Practical support? Double tick! We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of compensation and the incredible impact you can make on a young life. You'll be amazed at the difference you can bring, even with a busy mum-life juggling act.

Career-queen and fostering dream team? Not a pipe dream! We'll explore the future of fostering friendly workplaces fueled by legislation like the Employment Relations Flexible Working Bill. Imagine a world where fostering is the norm, not the exception! We'll show you how to navigate supportive environments and empower your own workplace to join the movement.

Join us as we celebrate courageous stories, explore innovative pathways, and foster hope for the next generation. This is your chance to be a hero - and it all starts with one brave step.

Listen now and get ready to Work It Like a Foster Mum!

Show Links:

Connect with Caroline Fielder-Shattell on LinkedIn

Connect with Rachael Tate on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

Learn more about becoming a foster career with the National Fostering Group

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!

Get ready to smash concrete ceilings and build bridges of belonging with this episode of Work it Like a Mum! We're diving headfirst into the world of diversity and inclusion in the tough-as-nails construction industry, with the amazing Wendy McFarlane and Soraia Pardal from CPI EuroMix showing us how it's done.

Forget dusty old stereotypes – CPI EuroMix is where difference takes centre stage. We're talking precise diversity targets baked into their DNA, management champions cheering them on, and employee networks strong enough to hold up the whole blimin' building. Wendy and Soraia spill the beans on how these networks work their magic, from standing agendas that keep things fiery to making sure everyone's voice gets heard, loud and clear. Bonus points for nailing the virtual/in-person balance – these connections are always buzzing, no matter the location.

And guess what? Embracing diversity isn't just feel-good fluff. It's actually fueling innovation. Job-sharing, flexible schedules, part-time options – they're redefining the way work gets done, and CPI Euromix is seeing its bottom line shine in return. Turns out, when you value every voice and offer opportunities for everyone to rock their careers, your whole company thrives.

So ditch the hard hats and grab your thinking caps! This episode is a blueprint for building a workplace where everyone feels included, empowered, and ready to smash their goals. Join the conversation because the construction industry is about to get a whole lot brighter, stronger, and more diverse!

PS. - sorry for the sound hiccup in this episode - I recorded myself with the wrong microphone 🤦‍♀️, but Wendy and Soraia's voices are clear and strong, and they do an excellent job describing all the amazing things they've been doing at CPI Euromix.

Show Links:

CPI EuroMix Careers

Connect with Wendy McFarlane on LinkedIn

Connect with Soraia Pardal on LinkedIn

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

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!

Ever fancy chucking the corporate hamster wheel for a world of flexibility, growth, and not a single line of code required? That's exactly what our mate Kerry Jackson did! She swapped the high-pressure world of events management for the certified wonderworld of Salesforce.

Buckle up for a career pivot rollercoaster! In this week's episode I chat with Kerry about how she tackled retraining head-on, the life-changing benefits (less stress, more family time and a rekindled love of learning – who knew, right?), and how she snagged that coveted Salesforce certification.

But Kerry's story isn't just about fancy certificates; it's a one-way ticket to adventure! We'll follow her journey from England to Ireland, where she's now the tech wizard behind the Wonder Foundation. Think ditching dusty spreadsheets for slick Salesforce solutions – yeah, she's that cool.

And let's raise a glass to the Supermums! Kerry'll spill the beans on their rock-solid support, the joys (and occasional tears) of user training, and how she's paving the way for even more certifications and Irish adventures. 🇮🇪

Ready for a dose of inspiration? Tune in as Kerry shows us that a career pivot can be a life-altering adventure. Plus, you might just discover your own inner tech superhero!

Show Links:

Connect with Kerry Jackson on LinkedIn

Connect with your host, Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

Learn more about retraining as a Salesforce specialist with Supermums here

Wonder Foundation

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!

Ever wondered if your hormonal cycle could actually be your secret weapon for success? This week, we're diving into a game-changing conversation with Danielle Howell, a trailblazing hormonal cycle optimisation coach. Get ready to transform the way you think about productivity and well-being!

Danielle brings us on an enlightening journey, from her own life-changing realisations to the eye-opening comparison of menstrual cycle phases with the seasons. It's an exploration that reveals how these natural rhythms can profoundly impact everything from energy levels to brain function.

This episode is a treasure chest of insights for all women. Imagine aligning your business tasks with the natural ebb and flow of your cycle – a revolutionary approach to work-life balance that truly embraces the body's innate wisdom. From strategic planning during your premenstrual phase to maximising client interactions after menstruation, Danielle is here to guide you through making simple yet impactful changes that celebrate and empower your entrepreneurial journey.

But that's not all – we also delve deep into the essentials of seed cycling, the importance of nutrition, and why comprehensive sex education is crucial for a healthier future. Danielle will be sharing her personal experiences as a working mum and TEDx speaker, navigating the intricacies of balancing career and family and the lasting effects our choices have on the next generation.

By the end of our chat, you'll walk away not only with a richer understanding of hormonal health but also feeling part of a community that understands the unique challenges of juggling womanhood and 21st-century life. So, pour yourself your favourite drink, find a cosy spot, and join us for this empowering and enlightening episode.

Show Links:

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn

Connect with your host, Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

Visit The Hormonal Coach website

Watch Danielle's TEDx talk

Read the book, Period Power

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!

Get ready to dive into an incredibly inspiring journey with the one and only Beverley Lum, the force behind the popular Instagram page Menopausal Woman. In this episode of 'Work It Like A Mum,' we're unravelling Beverley's extraordinary story of resilience and entrepreneurship – all fueled by her deep commitment to providing a better life for her mother.

From her diverse career path to her athletic background, Beverly shares how she's juggled fitness, a full-time job, and property investing. Ever find yourself wondering how to keep up with your health and fitness while spinning multiple plates in life? Beverly’s got great advice on how to fit it all in.

We also delve into the ever-evolving world of women's independence and financial freedom. It's a candid chat about our personal journeys, packed with insights that every woman can relate to.

And then, we're tackling a topic that often gets brushed under the carpet – menopause. We're shedding light on this misunderstood phase in a woman’s life, discussing the impacts and how HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can be a game-changer for many.

Join us as we break down myths around HRT and emphasise the crucial role of education in understanding women's health. Beverley's here to destigmatise menopause and build a community where support and knowledge empower us through work and life transitions.

👉 Remember, this chat is all about sharing experiences and insights, not medical advice. If you're experiencing any symptoms we talk about, it's always best to speak with your doctor.

So, pop the kettle on, get comfy, and join us as we dive into these powerful stories and lessons. It's not just another episode; it's a rich conversation about understanding and embracing all the chapters of our lives.

Show Links:

Connect with Beverley on LinkedIn

Follow Menopausal Woman on Instagram

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!

Are you feeling the squeeze between career ambitions and the rollercoaster of motherhood? You're not alone! This week's 'Work It Like A Mum' podcast is a real treat. We're welcoming the phenomenal Nicola Lowe, the brains behind Illuminated Development and Wisdom for Working Mums, for a chat that will light up your day.

Nicola's got quite the story. From navigating global organisations to launching her own venture, all while stepping into the world of motherhood. Dive into her journey with us as Nicola sheds light on how she reshaped her career after embracing the joys and challenges of being a mum. She's open, honest, and oh-so-relatable as she talks about evolving her business with a baby on board, battling imposter syndrome, and finding that sweet spot between professional growth and personal happiness.

Nicola gets real about the things many of us mums wrestle with - like that niggling guilt of wanting to work post-baby and the societal pressures of 'good motherhood'. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's okay to carve out your own definition of success and well-being. Nicola's creation of "Wisdom for Working Mums" is not just a platform; it's a pillar of support for mums like us, navigating the often choppy waters of work-life balance.

So, if you're looking for a blueprint to balance your professional life with motherhood or need inspiration to set boundaries that align with your values, this episode is for you.

Join us for this heart-to-heart with Nicola. Trust me, you'll walk away feeling empowered and ready to tackle the world – one nap time, board meeting, and school run at a time. Tune in, and let's get inspired together! 🎧💖

Show Links:

Wisdom for Working Mums' Website

Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn

Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn

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!