Working Mumma

What does it really look like to juggle ADHD, two kids, and multiple businesses? Laetitia shares the messy, unfiltered reality of neurodivergent motherhood, and how she stays grounded. Laetitia Andrac is a mother of two, former corporate strategist, business owner, and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. When her daughter Zoe began showing signs of being neurodivergent, Laetitia found herself navigating a complex, exhausting system while trying to hold down a senior management role in one of Australia's largest organisations. What followed was a personal journey of burnout, late ADHD diagnosis, and ultimately, a complete career shift. Laetitia opens up about the emotional toll of parenting a child with high support needs, what it’s like discovering her own neurodivergence later in life, and how she’s now using her experience to help other families through her new business and platform, Understanding Zoe. This is a raw and powerful conversation about identity, motherhood, advocacy, and what happens when the systems we’re part of no longer work for us.   Show links Connect with Laetitia on LinkedIn, discover more about Understanding Zoe understandingzoe.com or her business, the Essential Shift essentialshift.co Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Instagram @workingmummacommunity or on LinkedIn   Free resources Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Everyone asks you what pram you’re buying, what hospital you’re going to, and if you’ve packed your bag. But no one asks you the real questions before you become a mum, the ones that will shape your identity, your relationships, your career, and your mental health. In this raw and reflective 150th episode, I’m sharing the real questions I wish I had asked before I became a mum. These are the conversations no one prepares you for, but every woman deserves to have. If you're navigating the juggle, about to step into motherhood, or simply want to feel seen and heard, this episode is for you. From career ambitions and the mental load to the myth of balance and the messy beauty of mum life, I reflect on what I have learned and unlearned in my evolution from a driven professional to a working mum with perspective. Whether you're a mum-to-be, new mum, or seasoned in the juggle, this episode offers a comforting reminder that it’s okay to evolve — and that version 2.0 might just be stronger than you imagined. Key Takeaways How motherhood shifts your priorities, identity, and definition of success Why “balance” is a myth and what really matters instead The unexpected strength and resilience you discover in the messy moments Why you can still be ambitious and be a great mum The importance of finding your own rhythm, not the one society expects   Show links Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

What if trying to be the “perfect mum” is actually what’s holding you back? I’m joined by Fleur Chambers, a multi-award-winning meditation teacher, best-selling author, and creator of the free meditation app, The Happy Habit. Fleur understands firsthand the challenges working mums face and brings a wealth of knowledge on how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way we approach work, family, and personal well-being. Fleur shares the raw truth behind her early motherhood experience: the unrealistic expectations, the constant guilt, and the turning point that helped her reconnect with herself. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough (even though you’re doing everything), this conversation will hit home. During the chat we shared a lot including:  Fleur sharing her experience in trying to be the 'perfect mother' and what she discovered  Why we need to normalise the imperfections in motherhood How to navigate the 'second shift' after a day in the office when kids are also tired  How we can take micro-moments to stop and reset to help us be more present for our children  Allow you to ask yourself - what do you really want  And so much more  Whether you're juggling drop-offs and deadlines or caught in the burnout cycle, Fleur’s story will remind you: you don’t need to do it all to be a good mum.   Show links Connect with Fleur via her website thehappyhabit.com.au   Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn    

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. Join me as I share: Why trying to do it all leaves us exhausted and overwhelmed How to let go of the guilt and focus on what truly matters Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness Why it's ok to be like Elsa and 'let it go'  If you’ve ever asked yourself, 'Can I be a mum and still have a career?' this episode is for you. Let me know your thoughts—DM me on Instagram or share your biggest takeaway!   Links and resources Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

When Porscia Lam received the news that her son Harry was autistic, her world shifted. She put her legal career on pause to become his full-time therapist, diving headfirst into the world of autism therapy and the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child, all during Melbourne’s long covid lockdowns. 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 speaks 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 Story Connect 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  

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence. In this episode, I share: How to prepare before your first day back The key conversations to have with your employer Managing work expectations and setting boundaries Dealing with mum guilt & adjusting to the emotional ups and downs Building a sustainable work-life routine without burnout Whether you're heading back to work soon or in the early days of your return, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate this transition with confidence.   Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with another working mum who needs support in her return-to-work journey!   Links and resources Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  

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. We explore: Why companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates and what’s driving this push   The myth of increased productivity in the office vs. hybrid work models How forced office work impacts working parents—especially women The unintended consequences for businesses—from talent loss to employee disengagement How to have a conversation with your employer if you’re being forced back into the office full-time Tactics for negotiating a hybrid work arrangement that benefits both you and your employer If you're navigating a return-to-office mandate, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you advocate for flexibility and protect your work-life balance. Listen to Dr. Ellen Ford's previous episode on the Working Mumma podcast ep 116 - Removing Barriers to Help Working Mums Thrive   Episode Resources & Links Dr. Ellen Ford’s book: #WorkSchoolHours: A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces & the World #WorkSchoolHours eBook - 100% discount with code "workingmumma100" #WorkSchoolHours Online Courses 50% off with code "workingmumma50" check out Parents course or People manager course click here Dr. Ellen Ford’s Website ellenjoanford.com   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/  

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. I break down: Why we feel mum guilt (and why it’s not your fault) How guilt holds us back from thriving at work and at home 5 Practical tips to help you reflect and manage the guilt Why you need to focus on what really matters to you and your family - it's much simpler than you may think  Learn how to drop the guilt and reclaim your confidence as a working mum!    Links and resources Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter  Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/ Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change? 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. We chat about: The biggest challenges working mums face when job hunting after maternity leave How to update your resume to stand out (and address career gaps) Practical strategies for nailing your job interview How to change careers and find flexible, family-friendly employers Whether you’re job hunting, considering a career change, or just want to feel more confident in your career after having children, this episode is packed with practical insights to support your journey. Listen now and take the next step in your career with confidence!   SHOW LINKS Connect with Ash on Instagram or her website careerpursuit.com.au   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/   Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

As a working parent, trying to navigate the career/parenting juggle is similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this episode, I chat with Louise Gilbert, leadership coach, change consultant, and author of Make Work Work for You. 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. This conversation is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives that will empower you to rethink how you approach work, wellbeing, and family priorities. We cover: ✨ Why work-life balance is a myth and how to focus on work-life integration instead ✨ How systemic issues – like school hours and workplace policies – are failing working parents ✨ Simple strategies for aligning your values with your work and family life ✨ The power of flexible work and how to advocate for it in your workplace ✨ How to avoid burnout by focusing on community care and real support systems Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the mental load, struggling to make work work for you, or simply looking for fresh insights on how to thrive as a working mum, this episode is for you.   SHOW LINKS Check out Louise's new book louise-gilbert.com/book Connect with Louise on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/louise-gilbert   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/   Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!