Big Careers, Small Children
- Episodios
- 232
- Se publica
- cada dos semanas
- Último episodio
- 1 Oct 2026
Sobre el podcast
Big Careers Small Children helps ambitious parents progress careers they love whilst being present with their children. Through honest and informal conversation, senior leaders divulge what they have learnt on their own journey of combining big careers with young children to our host Verena Hefti MBE. Expect lots of aha moments, inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical support, so you can move forward in your career in a way that works for you and your family.This podcast is hosted by our social enterprise Leaders Plus. We believe that no parent should have to choose between progressing the career they love and enjoying their young children. Through the Big Careers, Small Children podcast and our award-winning Fellowship Programme, we have supported thousands of Leaders with young children to make brave decisions about their future. We unapologetically help more mums (and dads with significant caring responsibilities) to get to senior leadership positions, because only by helping parents to progress their career can we have true gender equality at the top and address the gender pay gap.Be part of our positive movement for change and sign up to receive our informative monthly emails at www.leadersplus.org.uk/newsletterWe hope you enjoy listening to our podcast and invite you to follow us on social media @leaders_plus #BigCareersSmallChildren
Episodios 232
Maya Ellis MP - How Managing Energy, Not Time, Can Help You Show Up Better At Work And At Home
In this inspiring and honest episode of the Big Careers, Small Children Podcast, and the first episode since Leaders Plus founder Verena Hefti MBE has returned from maternity leave, Verena sits down with Maya …
Notas del episodio
In this inspiring and honest episode of the Big Careers, Small Children Podcast, and the first episode since Leaders Plus founder Verena Hefti MBE has returned from maternity leave, Verena sits down with Maya Ellis MP, a Leaders Plus alumna and Member of Parliament for Ribble Valley. Together they talk about building an ambitious political career while staying present for her two young children.
Maya shares thoughtful reflections on how hard work, thoughtful planning, and clear boundaries make a real difference when combining children with a big career. She also shares her journey from being a Leaders Plus Fellow and local councillor to standing for Parliament, and how she has learned to protect her weekends, manage her energy rather than just her time, and stay grounded in a job with no fixed job description and endless competing demands.
Drawing on her own experiences of building trust, finding support networks, and learning the often unspoken rules of senior roles, Maya speaks openly about the small, everyday compromises that come with the job, how shifting her focus from managing time to managing her energy has helped her, and why she believes more working parents need to find the confidence to put themselves forward in politics and beyond.
Together, they explore
- What Maya used to believe about combining career and family life, and what she's had to unlearn since becoming a parent and an MP.
- Why she shifted her focus from time management to energy management, and what that's meant for how she structures her weeks.
- How Maya decides where to focus her energy in a role with no fixed job description, from coffee mornings with constituents to narrowing her policy focus over time.
- The realities of trust, support networks, and what she's learned about influence beyond merit and hard work alone.
- Verena’s emerging Loam Lab initiative, exploring how organisations can be convinced that time spent at work isn't the same as output.
What you'll learn in this episode
- Practical ideas for planning so you can navigate the realities of juggling a growing career with young children, even before those challenges appear.
- How protecting your non-negotiable boundaries, such as weekends, can help you thrive both at work and at home.
- How to build trust and influence in senior roles, particularly when "the rules" aren't written down anywhere.
- Encouragement and practical first steps for parents considering a move into politics or another high-profile leadership role.
Show Notes:
- Follow Maya Ellis MP on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Rupert Brown - Making Better Career and Family Decisions During Times of Transformation
In this reflective and practical episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Leaders Plus Interim COO Helen Fraser speaks with Rupert Brown, author of Lost in Transformation and Leaders Plus Senior …
Notas del episodio
In this reflective and practical episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Leaders Plus Interim COO Helen Fraser speaks with Rupert Brown, author of Lost in Transformation and Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor.
Rupert has spent much of his career leading people change in multinational organisations, including international assignments in Switzerland, Singapore, Denmark and Dubai, while raising two children abroad. He shares what he has learned about making big career decisions when family needs change, leading transformation with more humanity, and staying honest with yourself in the middle of corporate upheaval.
Drawing on his experience working with people and culture, he shares the moment his teenagers asked why the family was “doing lockdown in the desert,” the family’s return to the UK, and how the sudden death of his father and his employer’s response reshaped his view of leadership and empathy.
Together, they explore✔️ How Rupert and his family navigated multiple international moves, and why their teenagers’ voices were central to the decision to come back to the UK for more stability.
✔️ What really happens to family life and career confidence when work and location decisions stop being “just” the parents’ choices.
✔️ Why he believes many corporate change programmes ignore basic psychology and the lived experience of the people affected, and what drew him to write Lost in Transformation.
✔️ Rupert’s PIE model: performance, image and exposure, and why hard work alone is rarely enough for progression, especially for working parents with limited time.
✔️ What the death of his father taught him about principle based policies, bereavement leave, and the quiet power of simple, human responses from leaders in moments of grief.
What you’ll learn in this episode🔹 Ways to think through big career and location choices when your children start expressing their own clear preferences.
🔹 Practical ideas for building “spacious” relationships at work that help you stay resourceful and honest under pressure.
🔹 How leaders can respond to loss and difficulty with empathy rather than hiding behind rigid policies or avoiding uncomfortable conversations.
🔹 Questions to ask yourself if you are involved in leading change, so that you do change with people rather than doing change to them.
Show Notes:- Connect with Rupert Brown on LinkedIn
- Find Rupert Brown’s book Lost in Transformation on Amazon
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with Helen Fraser on LinkedIn.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 217 : {CEO Series} Ori Carmel - How to Make Better Decisions About Work and Family
{CEO Series} Ori Carmel - How to Make Better Decisions About Work and Family
In this reflective and deeply thoughtful episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Ori Carmel, Founder and CEO at Sowen. Drawing on his lived experience as a father of two, Ori shares …
Notas del episodio
In this reflective and deeply thoughtful episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Ori Carmel, Founder and CEO at Sowen. Drawing on his lived experience as a father of two, Ori shares how working parents can make better decisions about work and family, build guardrails that protect what matters most, and avoid the regret that often comes from overwhelm or overcommitment.
Ori reflects on the moment he missed his daughter’s first smile while travelling for work, the subtle choices that shape daily family life, and the simple frameworks he now uses to stay aligned with his values.
Together, they discuss:
✔️ How working parents can use simple decision-making tools to avoid stress, regret and overwhelm
✔️ Why flexibility often leads to blurred boundaries and how to put guardrails back in place
✔️ The “bandwidth check-in” system Ori and his wife use to share the load on tough days
✔️ How cultural expectations and ego subtly influence men’s decisions about work and family
What you'll learn in this episode:
🔹 How to make clearer day-to-day decisions about work and family
🔹 How to recognise early signs of overstretch before burnout takes hold
🔹 Why decision-making frameworks help parents stay aligned with their values
🔹 How to course-correct when work starts to take up more space than intended
Ori’s reflections are an invitation to slow down, examine your decision-making patterns, and build structures that support both your ambition and your family life.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Ori Carmel on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about Sowen here.
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:[Future of Work] Prof Gudrun Sander - How to Build a Better Workplace that Truly Supports Working Parents
In this research-rich and deeply practical episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Prof Gudrun Sander, Director of the Institute for International Management and Diversity Management IIDM-HSG at the University of …
Notas del episodio
In this research-rich and deeply practical episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Prof Gudrun Sander, Director of the Institute for International Management and Diversity Management IIDM-HSG at the University of St. Gallen, about what workplaces must do if they genuinely want to support working parents and close gender progression gaps.
A global expert on gender equality, leadership, and organisational culture, Prof Sander brings decades of evidence-based insight into what really moves the needle and what doesn’t.
She unpacks why many well-intentioned initiatives fall short, the key levers that actually shift equality outcomes, and how organisations can redesign work so that parents can thrive without penalty.
Together, they explore:
✔️ Why having a family should be treated as a normal part of an employee’s career path
✔️ How organisations can remove systemic barriers that disadvantage working parents
✔️ The real reason visibility matters as much as performance for progression
✔️ Why women don’t need to be “perfect” to step into stretch opportunities
✔️ What companies get wrong when designing policies like parental leave
✔️ How hybrid work can either accelerate equality or deepen inequalities
✔️ Practical steps leaders can take today to build a more inclusive culture
✔️ How to support managers so they can properly support parents
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
🔹 How to design workplace systems that genuinely support working parents
🔹 Why visibility and sponsorship matter more than ever
🔹 How perfectionism and confidence gaps limit progression, and what to do about it
🔹 The organisational behaviours that predict better gender equality outcomes
🔹 How leaders can role-model balance without losing credibility
🔹 Why diversity policies fail and what makes them effective
Show Notes:
- Connect with Prof Gudrun Sander on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about the Competence Center for Diversity, Disability and Inclusion at the University of St. Gallen here.
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Ahed Serhal - How to Turn Guilt into Growth: Finding Balance as a Working Parent Abroad
In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Ahed Serhal, HR Director, La Prairie Switzerland, about how she transformed guilt into growth while building a …
Notas del episodio
In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Ahed Serhal, HR Director, La Prairie Switzerland, about how she transformed guilt into growth while building a global career and raising 10-year-old twins abroad.
Living without nearby family support, Ahed shares her honest reflections on balancing ambition and parenthood — from morning school selfies to open conversations with her employer and children. She reveals how learning to let go of guilt, plan with purpose, and communicate openly helped her find true balance and confidence as a working parent.
Together, they explore:
✔️ The mindset shift that helped Ahed turn guilt into growth
✔️ How to progress your career while living abroad without family support
✔️ Why being vocal about what you need builds trust and balance
✔️ How parenting can strengthen your leadership through empathy and structure
✔️ The power of partnership and planning when both parents travel for work
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
🔹 How to let go of guilt and define balance on your own terms
🔹 Why openness with your manager (and your children) is key to thriving
🔹 How to create systems that support both your career and your family
🔹 Why parenting can make you a more strategic, grounded leader
🔹 The one mindset shift that helps you progress without traditional support networks
Show Notes:- Connect with Ahed Serhal on LinkedIn
- Learn more about beiersdorf.com
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Applications are closing in a few days for the Leaders Plus Cross-Sector Fellowship (Deadline: Tuesday 11 November). It is a nine-month leadership development programme supporting ambitious working parents in leadership or managerial roles to progress their careers while staying present for family life.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 195: Control Isn’t Everything: Embracing Kindness in Life, Parenting, and Leadership
Episode 194: How to Create Counterbalance in Your Life & Career
{CEO Series} Heather Blundell - How to Navigate Leadership While Raising Young Children
In this honest and inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Blundell, UK CEO at Grayling, and mum of two young boys.Heather shares her personal journey …
Notas del episodio
In this honest and inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Blundell, UK CEO at Grayling, and mum of two young boys.
Heather shares her personal journey of combining ambitious leadership with parenthood — from taking work calls during bath time to confidently blocking out school pick-ups in her diary. She reflects on the pivotal karate-class moment that shifted her approach to presence, and why setting boundaries has made her a more intentional, effective leader.
A working parent at the top of her game, Heather offers a refreshingly real perspective on leadership, family life, and the cultural responsibility CEOs hold to model balance.
Together, they explore:✔️ The powerful realisation that changed Heather’s approach to presence as a parent and leader
✔️ Why she sets more boundaries now as a CEO than in previous roles
✔️ How becoming a parent made her a more decisive, compassionate, and time-efficient leader
✔️ The cultural ripple effect when senior leaders model balance at work
✔️ How to let go of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters
✔️ Navigating playground imposter syndrome as a senior leader
✔️ Why parenting can enrich, rather than hinder, leadership ambition
What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔹 How to set transparent boundaries at a senior level without losing credibility
🔹 Why presence, not perfection, creates impact at work and home
🔹 How parenting can sharpen your leadership clarity, efficiency, and empathy
🔹 Practical ways to lead by example and shape organisational culture
🔹 Why “having it all” is a myth — and how deliberate choices make the difference
Show Notes:- Connect with Heather Blundell on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Grayling UK here
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Jess & Darryl Abelscroft - How to Navigate Shared Parental Leave
In this episode of Big Careers, Small Children, part of our brand-new Series 16, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jess and Darryl Abelscroft about how they navigated shared parental leave and what they learned …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of Big Careers, Small Children, part of our brand-new Series 16, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jess and Darryl Abelscroft about how they navigated shared parental leave and what they learned along the way.
Jessica Abelscroft, Director, Abelscroft Consulting, and Darryl Abelscroft, Future Safety and Innovation, Civil Aviation Authority, both former Leaders Plus Fellows, share their reflections on splitting leave, balancing careers, and parenting equally.
Together, they explore:✔️ The practicalities of navigating HR systems and dividing time off
✔️ The emotional challenges of handing over leave and adjusting roles
✔️ The lasting benefits for their children, who see both parents as equal caregivers
✔️ Why shared parental leave strengthened their careers as well as their family life
✔️ The changes needed in policy to make shared leave more accessible
What You’ll Learn in This Episode- Equity at home creates equity at work: Shared leave builds confidence and balance in both parenting and careers.
- Expect complexity: HR processes are not straightforward — early planning makes a big difference.
- The emotional side matters: Handing over leave can be tough, but it sets the stage for long-term equality.
- Children gain too: Equal involvement of both parents shapes healthier expectations of family roles.
- Policy reform is essential: Better pay and simpler systems would make shared leave viable for more families.
Show Notes:- Connect with Jess Abelscroft on LinkedIn
- Connect with Darryl Abelscroft on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:[Future Of Work] Dominic Holmes - How Flexible Working Will Redefine Success and Efficiency at Work
In this forward-thinking episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dominic Holmes, Employment Law Partner at Kilgannon Law and Leaders Plus mentor.Dominic shares his …
Notas del episodio
In this forward-thinking episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dominic Holmes, Employment Law Partner at Kilgannon Law and Leaders Plus mentor.
Dominic shares his expert insights on the evolving landscape of employment law, the future of flexible working, and how the UK workplace needs to adapt if we’re serious about equality and productivity.
A working parent himself, Dominic reflects on going part-time early in his legal career and how that shift transformed his effectiveness both at work and at home.
Together, they explore:✔️ Why flexible working should be the default, and what proposed legal reforms might mean for employees and employers alike.
✔️ How organisations can move beyond presenteeism and value output over hours worked.
✔️ The personal and organisational benefits of part-time leadership.
✔️ Why the current legal system still fails many working parents—especially women—and how to build a better one.
✔️ The real reason we need a cultural and mindset shift around productivity and long-hours culture.
✔️ How Dominic manages senior client relationships while working a four-day week.
✔️ What a fair, inclusive future of work might look like for the next generation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔹 Why reduced hours can make you a more focused and effective leader
🔹 How legal reforms could reshape employer obligations around flexibility
🔹 Why traditional “commitment” metrics fail working parents
🔹 The risks of defaulting to full-time roles without justification
🔹 Practical ways to challenge assumptions about career progression and presence
Show Notes:- Connect with Dominic Holmes on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Kilgannon Law at kilgannonlaw.co.uk
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:{CEO Series} Rebecca Brosnan - How Strategic Planning Can Help You Build a High-Impact Career and Family Life
In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Rebecca Brosnan, CEO and Founder of The Halo Planner, and Non-Executive Director across several listed and …
Notas del episodio
In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Rebecca Brosnan, CEO and Founder of The Halo Planner, and Non-Executive Director across several listed and non-profit organisations.
Rebecca shares her remarkable journey from high-pressure executive roles in finance to building a flexible, international portfolio career, all while raising two young children without sacrificing ambition or family life.
She talks openly about the messy reality of balancing senior leadership and motherhood, the importance of intentional planning, and why it’s possible (and necessary) to redefine success on your own terms.
Together, they explore:✔️ Why building a successful board career with young children is possible — but messy.
✔️ The practical systems and mindsets that helped Rebecca balance senior leadership and parenthood.
✔️ How to plan your way to a thriving career without sacrificing presence at home.
✔️ Why NGO boards can be just as rewarding and impactful as corporate boards.
✔️ How to set boundaries without guilt and stay intentional with your time.
✔️ The role of support networks, planning tools, and saying no (without fear).
✔️ Practical steps for anyone wanting to start a portfolio career.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- How to create a portfolio career that aligns with your family priorities.
- The power of meticulous long-term and short-term planning for working parents.
- Why messy does not mean unsuccessful — and how to embrace it.
- How to balance ambition, purpose, and parenting without guilt.
- Why saying no is a leadership skill (and how to do it without burning bridges).
Show Notes:- Connect with Rebecca Brosnan on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Halo Planner at thehaloplanner.com
- Follow Halo Planner on Instagram: @thehaloplanner
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Louise Donaghey FRAeS - How to Lead with Strength and Vulnerability as a Breadwinner Parent
In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Louise Donaghey FRAeS, Group Head of Engines at International Airlines Group GBS, who will soon be one of …
Notas del episodio
In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Louise Donaghey FRAeS, Group Head of Engines at International Airlines Group GBS, who will soon be one of Leaders Plus’ Senior Leader Mentors, about her remarkable career in aviation, leadership in male-dominated environments, and her experience of being the sole breadwinner in her family for nearly two decades.
Louise shares candidly about managing the pressure of high-stakes roles while raising two children, how she learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength, and what it really takes to stay present as a parent when the stakes at work are high. Her story is full of honesty, practical wisdom, and powerful reframing of success, motherhood, and leadership.
Together, they explore:✔️ What it means to lead as the sole breadwinner in a family
✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness
✔️ How to deal with judgement from others (especially fellow parents)
✔️ Practical strategies to be present with your children while succeeding at work
✔️ How to shut out guilt and define success on your own terms
✔️ Why ambition can grow because of parenting, not in spite of it
✔️ The value of scaring yourself with roles that stretch you
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- How to balance career ambition and caring responsibilities
- Why perfection is a myth and authenticity matters more
- How to handle judgment and stay confident in your choices
- Strategies for setting boundaries and managing your energy
- The mindset shift needed to thrive as a working parent and leader
Show Notes:- Connect with Louise Donaghey on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:{CEO Series} Dr Nara Daubeney - How To Let Go of Guilt and Redefine Success as a Working Parent
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dr Nara Daubeney, CEO & Co-Founder of Phaim Pharma and NHS Surgeon.Nara is also a mum of four. She shares her deeply …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dr Nara Daubeney, CEO & Co-Founder of Phaim Pharma and NHS Surgeon.
Nara is also a mum of four. She shares her deeply honest and inspiring reflections on what it takes to build a big career and raise a thriving family without sacrificing either.
From designing Easter hats at 5am to leading a clinical-stage biotech company, Nara brings warmth, clarity, and wit to a conversation about redefining ambition, letting go of guilt, and building systems that work for your life, not against it.
Together, they explore:✔️ Why guilt is baked into motherhood and how to release it
✔️ How to balance ambition with presence during different parenting phases
✔️ Why support systems are essential (and how to build your own, even without nearby family)
✔️ What makes someone ready to be a CEO
✔️ How leadership and parenting challenges mirror each other
✔️ What teens really need from you, and how that shapes career decisions
✔️ Why perfection isn’t the goal, and how embracing imperfection is freeing
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- How to redefine success on your own terms
- Why motherhood and leadership are not in conflict
- The mindset shift that helps you build a sustainable career
- How to set boundaries and run your life like a system
- The role of authenticity, values, and reflection in leadership
Show Notes:- Connect with Nara Daubeney on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Phain Pharma: www.phaim.co.uk
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Nadia Bunyan MCIPD & Tatiana Pignon - How to Successfully Implement a 4-Day Week Without Sacrificing Impact
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Nadia Bunyan MCIPD, Director of People and Impact at Global Witness, and Tatiana Pignon, Associate Director at …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Nadia Bunyan MCIPD, Director of People and Impact at Global Witness, and Tatiana Pignon, Associate Director at Autonomy.
They discuss how to implement a 4-day working week in a way that supports both staff wellbeing and organisational performance. Nadia shares lessons from leading a successful 4-day week pilot at Global Witness, while Tatiana brings insights from supporting over 100 organisations through similar transitions.
Together, they explore:✔️ What organisations get wrong when moving to a shorter week
✔️ How to build trust and ensure leadership models healthy behaviours
✔️ Why co-creating the model with staff matters
✔️ How a shorter week supports working parents
✔️ What to consider when navigating global teams, peak periods, and emergencies
✔️ The mindset shift needed to move away from presenteeism
✔️ Practical steps for organisations starting their 4-day week journey
Whether you're a senior leader or a working parent curious about flexible working, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experience to inspire change.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to move to a 4-day week without compromising impact
✔️ Why wellbeing and performance can go hand-in-hand
✔️ The role of culture, leadership, and trust in making it work
✔️ How flexible working can support inclusion and equity
Show Notes:- Learn more about Global Witness: globalwitness.org
- Learn more about Autonomy: autonomy.work
- Connect with Nadia Bunyan on LinkedIn
- Connect with Tatiana Pignon on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:Jo Taylor & John Pyle - International Careers & Parenthood: How to Thrive When Pursuing a Global Career and Raising a Family
Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful international career while raising young children - without family support nearby? In the latest episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena Hefti MBE chats …
Notas del episodio
Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful international career while raising young children - without family support nearby?
In the latest episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena Hefti MBE chats with our first-ever father-daughter duo: Life Sciences Consultant Jo Taylor, who currently resides in Switzerland, and her father, John Pyle, who spent 35 years in the oil industry.
Both John and Jo have pursued global careers in senior leadership roles while navigating the challenges of parenting in different countries. Jo also brings a unique perspective as both a parent and a child who grew up moving across countries, offering insight into how the experience has evolved across generations.
They share their personal experiences, the realities of raising a family abroad, and the strategies that helped them balance professional growth with family life.
If you’re considering working internationally or are already managing career and parenting across borders, this episode offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and a challenge to the common assumptions about what’s possible.
Together They Explore:
- How to handle worries or guilt about the impact of travelling with work or moving abroad on your children.
- Simple ways to signal to employers you're ready for a global role.
- How working internationally can make you a stronger, more flexible and resilient leader.
- The challenges and adjustments of relocating as a family, including the impact on the travelling partner.
- Why an international career can be life-changing and deeply fulfilling.
What You'll Learn in this Episode:
How to Build a Global Career as a Parent – Insights on pursuing senior leadership roles internationally while raising young children, including how to signal interest to your employer.
Strategies for Thriving Without Family Support – Practical advice on managing childcare, work-life balance, and building a support network abroad.
Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability – How to navigate cultural differences, career transitions, and unexpected challenges while raising a family overseas.
Practical Tips for Parents Considering an International Move – Key factors to consider before relocating, from schooling to workplace culture and family dynamics, including the impact on your children and partner.
5-Minute Actions to Start Your International Career Journey – Practical, quick steps you can take today to explore opportunities and prepare for a global career move.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Jo Taylor on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Dan Reed - The Power of Authenticity And How Parenthood Can Strengthen Leadership
In our first Series 15 episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dan Reed, Director, Head of Digital at KPMG UK, about why being a parent doesn’t have to hold back your …
Notas del episodio
In our first Series 15 episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dan Reed, Director, Head of Digital at KPMG UK, about why being a parent doesn’t have to hold back your career, and how embracing authenticity at work can actually propel you forward.
Dan shares his journey of juggling career progression with fatherhood, how therapy helped him overcome guilt and set boundaries, and why he refuses to hide his parenting role in the workplace. He also discusses why being open about family life has strengthened his leadership and career confidence, rather than limiting opportunities.
Together, they explore:
- Why working parents shouldn’t have to choose between career success and family.
- The importance of setting work-life boundaries before burnout hits.
- How openly integrating parenthood into your professional identity can lead to leadership opportunities.
- The impact of finding “your tribe” and why mentoring matters.
- Why authenticity builds career confidence and can lead to promotions.
- Whether you’re navigating career growth, dealing with guilt, or looking for practical ways to set work-life boundaries, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration, and actionable advice.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to be authentic at work without fear of judgment.
✔️ Why setting work-life boundaries early prevents burnout.
✔️ How being open about parenthood can create leadership opportunities.
✔️ The role of therapy, communication, and mentorship in career success.
✔️ How to build a career that fits your life, and not the other way around.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Dan Reed on LinkedIn
- Follow Dan on TikTok – Career Dad on TikTok (42,000+ followers)
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
Episode 194: How to Create Counterbalance in Your Life & Career
(C-Suite Series) Steph Hind - How to Balance Leadership, Parenting, and Wellbeing Without Sacrifice
In this episode of the C-Suite Series of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Steph Hind, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Heka, an employee wellbeing platform.Steph shares her journey …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the C-Suite Series of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Steph Hind, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Heka, an employee wellbeing platform.
Steph shares her journey of scaling a business while raising two young children, the lessons she learned from not taking maternity leave with her first child, and how she ultimately restructured her leadership style to prioritise wellbeing, family, and sustainable success.
Together, they discuss:
- Why burnout isn’t a badge of honour and how to avoid it.
- The challenges of running a company with your partner and setting boundaries.
- Why many women founders feel pressured to skip maternity leave, and how this must change.
- How parenthood can make you a more decisive and efficient leader.
- The practical steps leaders can take to switch off and be fully present with their families.
This insightful and honest conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, entrepreneurship, and family life without wanting to sacrifice wellbeing in the process.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to set boundaries at work and at home - without guilt.
✔️ Why taking breaks makes you a better leader and business owner.
✔️ The power of switching off: Why Steph removed work apps from her phone.
✔️ How to manage the pressures of leadership while prioritising family.
✔️ Why parenthood can be an advantage in business and not a barrier.
✔️ How to build a supportive culture that values wellbeing and performance.
✔️ Practical strategies for avoiding burnout and staying present.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Steph Hind on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Heka
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
- Episode 199: (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood
- Episode 197: Why Self-Care for Parents is Key to Thriving at Work and Home
(C-Suite Series) Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL - How to Overcome Guilt and Build a Successful Career as a Parent
In this episode of the C-Suite Series of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, experienced non-executive director, broadcaster, and …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the C-Suite Series of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, experienced non-executive director, broadcaster, and author Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL about her journey of building a multi-million-pound business while raising a family.
Susie candidly shares the realities of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, why she believes you can't have it all, and the importance of letting go of guilt and external expectations. She also reflects on setting boundaries at work, learning from business mistakes, and embracing life beyond career success.
Whether you're navigating career progression, entrepreneurship, or just feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle, this episode is full of practical wisdom, humour, and reassurance.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The myth of "having it all" – why Susie believes balance is about letting go of perfection
✔️ How to manage guilt as a working parent and why your children will be fine
✔️ Practical tips for setting work boundaries and ensuring time for yourself
✔️ How to build confidence and push past workplace discrimination
✔️ Why women should stop underplaying their achievements
✔️ The power of flexible working and why she banned weekend emails
✔️ How caring responsibilities shape leadership and decision-making
✔️ Why networking, mentorship, and self-belief matter for career success
About Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL:Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL is an experienced non-executive director, entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, broadcaster, and author. She founded and scaled Breakthrough Funding, a multi-award-winning business that she later sold to EY (Ernst & Young), where she became Executive Director for Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa.
She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at HMRC and The British Library and is Executive Chair of Produced in Kent. In recognition of her contributions to small businesses, she was awarded a CBE in 2022 and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.
Susie is also an advocate for female entrepreneurs, a sought-after speaker, and the author of Swimming On My Own. Find out more at www.susiews.com.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Susie Warran-Smith on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
- Episode 199: (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood
- Episode 203: (C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms
(C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jane Hollinshead, Chief People Officer at Canary Wharf Group, about her squiggly career journey and how she navigated …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jane Hollinshead, Chief People Officer at Canary Wharf Group, about her squiggly career journey and how she navigated career changes, flexible working, and leadership progression while raising a family.
Jane shares her experience of being one of the first part-time lawyers in the 1990s, how she approached career transitions with confidence, and why she believes more professionals should embrace career phases rather than a rigid career ladder.
Together, they explore:
✔️ How Jane successfully navigated a non-linear career path to reach the C-suite.
✔️ Practical tips for requesting flexible working in a way that benefits both employees and employers.
✔️ Why career off-ramps and on-ramps are natural and necessary for long-term success.
✔️ How to develop the resilience and confidence to take career risks.
✔️ The importance of networking, self-reflection, and external perspectives when considering a career shift.
Whether you’re thinking about a career change, aiming for senior leadership, or simply seeking reassurance that your career doesn’t have to be a straight line, this episode is full of practical wisdom and inspiration.
In This Episode You Will Learn:- Why a squiggly career can be a strategic advantage.
- How to confidently ask for flexible working—and avoid common mistakes.
- The mindset shift needed to re-enter the workforce or pivot sectors.
- How career progression is possible at any stage of life, not just in your 30s or 40s.
- How to future-proof your career by continuously building new skills and experiences.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about Canary Wharf Group : https://group.canarywharf.com/
- Follow Canary Wharf Group on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram
- Connect with Jane Hollinshead: LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
- Episode 200: (C-Suite Series) Verena Hefti MBE- Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Journey of Leaders Plus and How to Navigate Career Progression for Working Parents
- Episode 201: (C-Suite Series) Sylwia Wolos - Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor on How to Thrive in a C-Suite Role While Raising a Family
(C-Suite Series) Heather Black - How Upskilling Can Unlock a Flexible and Fulfilling Career
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Black, Founder and CEO of Supermums. Heather is passionate about helping parents build flexible, fulfilling, and …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Black, Founder and CEO of Supermums. Heather is passionate about helping parents build flexible, fulfilling, and well-paid careers after parenthood.
She shares her own journey of transitioning into tech, how she launched Supermums to support others, and why upskilling can be a game-changer for working parents looking for more career flexibility.
Together, they explore:
- How Heather transitioned into tech and why she believes more parents should consider it.
- The value of upskilling and how it can open doors to new career opportunities.
- Practical steps for navigating a career change and building confidence in a new sector.
- How to choose the right employer and avoid toxic workplace cultures.
- The hidden job market and how networking can help land the right role.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
About Heather Black
Heather Black is the founder and CEO of Supermums. She is the mum of two little girls and lives by the sea in East Sussex whilst working remotely. She helps parents to achieve flexible well-paid careers after parenthood and has supported 1000 trainees globally to successfully relaunch their careers. In 2010 she became an accidental Salesforce admin for her non-profit and loved it so much that she decided to upskill as a Salesforce Consultant in 2012 helping other non-profits to implement a CRM. She realised her career path could work for other mothers so she launched Supermums in 2016 to bring more women into the sector. Find out more about what a Salesforce Career can offer you here https://supermums.org/what-is-a-salesforce-career/
Show Notes:
- Learn more about Supermums: Supermums.org
- Follow Supermums on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
- Connect with Heather Black: LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
- Episode 200: (C-Suite Series) Verena Hefti MBE- Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Journey of Leaders Plus and How to Navigate Career Progression for Working Parents
- Episode 201: (C-Suite Series) Sylwia Wolos - Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor on How to Thrive in a C-Suite Role While Raising a Family
(C-Suite Series) Sylwia Wolos - Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor on How to Thrive in a C-Suite Role While Raising a Family
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Sylwia Wołos, Chief Strategy Officer at Ground Truth Intelligence and a Senior Leader Mentor on the Leaders Plus …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Sylwia Wołos, Chief Strategy Officer at Ground Truth Intelligence and a Senior Leader Mentor on the Leaders Plus Fellowship Programme.
Sylwia shares her inspiring journey of building a successful career in the demanding field of risk management and compliance while raising three children. She discusses the challenges of navigating the C-suite as a working parent, tackling gender inequality in senior leadership, and breaking the stigma around balancing ambitious careers with family life.
Together, they explore:
- How Sylwia’s upbringing in Poland fuelled her passion for combating financial crime and corruption.
- Practical strategies for managing priorities and setting boundaries as a senior leader and parent.
- The importance of rethinking success and adapting career goals to align with personal values.
- Why parents shouldn’t apologise for balancing family and work responsibilities.
- Tips for effective networking, even as an introvert, and the transformative impact of mentoring.
This heartfelt and insightful conversation offers valuable advice for ambitious working parents striving to progress their careers while prioritising their families.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to lead with compassion and embrace flexibility as a parent and leader.
- The significance of redefining success and pursuing a career on your own terms.
- Why mentoring is beneficial for both mentors and mentees.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Sylwia Wołos via her LinkedIn Profile.
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
- {CEO Series} Polly Neate - How to Find Purpose in Your Work
- {CEO Series} Laura Citron – Why the CEO Role is Perfect for Working Parents
(C-Suite Series) Verena Hefti MBE - Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Journey of Leaders Plus and How to Navigate Career Progression for Working Parents
In this special 200th episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, our Programme and Impact Manager, Helen Fraser, takes the interviewer’s seat to chat with Leaders Plus Founder and CEO, Verena Hefti …
Notas del episodio
In this special 200th episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, our Programme and Impact Manager, Helen Fraser, takes the interviewer’s seat to chat with Leaders Plus Founder and CEO, Verena Hefti MBE. Verena reflects on the journey of starting Leaders Plus, the lessons learned from interviewing 199 inspiring guests, and the challenges and triumphs of combining an ambitious career with family life.
In this candid conversation, Verena shares how her own experiences of returning to work after maternity leave led her to create an award-winning social enterprise that supports working parents to progress their careers without sacrificing family life. She discusses the importance of role models, the challenges of setting boundaries, and how Leaders Plus is driving real change in the workplace.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How Leaders Plus was founded and the impact it has had on working parents.
- The challenges working parents face in progressing their careers and how to overcome them.
- The power of setting boundaries and finding a balance that works for you.
- Practical tips for combining career progression with family commitments.
- How Leaders Plus is shaping employer policies and driving cultural change for parents in leadership.
Verena also reflects on receiving an MBE, what it means for the organisation, and the importance of focusing on purpose-driven leadership.
We hope you enjoy this milestone episode!
Show Notes:
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
More BCSC episodes we think you'll love:
- Episode 199: (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood
- Paul J. Sullivan – How to Become a Lead Dad & Parent Out Loudly
(C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood
Are you ready to redefine career success while raising a family?In the first episode of the C-Suite series, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women and author of the …
Notas del episodio
Are you ready to redefine career success while raising a family?
In the first episode of the C-Suite series, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women and author of the upcoming book Flex: Smart Strategies to Build A Successful Career Around Your Life. With over 17 years of recruitment experience, Elizabeth is passionate about empowering professionals to find fulfilling, flexible, and part-time work that fits their lives, and helps close the gender pay gap.
Elizabeth shares her insights on how flexible work can unlock opportunities for ambitious parents, why intentional time management is a game-changer, and how to stand out in the job market with a CV that shines, even in the era of AI.
This practical and inspiring conversation is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of combining a high-powered career with parenthood.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
Show Notes:
- Elizabeth’s book, Flex, is out in January 2025.
- Connect with Elizabeth Willetts via her LinkedIn Profile, LinkedIn Page, and Instagram, and explore her work at Investing in Women.
- Learn how flexible work options are reshaping the future for professionals and their families.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How flexible and part-time roles can support your career and personal goals.
- Practical tips for writing a standout CV that highlights your impact.
- The power of intentional time management to achieve your dreams.
- Why negotiation is essential when securing flexible work arrangements.
More BCSC episodes you might love:
- {CEO Series} Polly Neate - How to Find Purpose in Your Work
- {CEO Series} Laura Citron – Why the CEO Role is Perfect for Working Parents
Discover more about the multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowship, designed to support ambitious working parents on the path to senior leadership. Learn more at Leaders Plus.
Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
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Cargando capítulos…
BITE-SIZED: Verena Hefti MBE - Balancing the Holiday Mental Load
For the first time, our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE, takes the mic solo in this special, bite-sized episode of the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast.As the season draws to a close, Verena shares …
Notas del episodio
For the first time, our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE, takes the mic solo in this special, bite-sized episode of the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast.
As the season draws to a close, Verena shares heartfelt reflections on balancing the magical yet demanding holiday period, offering powerful strategies for:
- Prioritising yourself amidst the chaos
- Creating a meaningful holiday without burning out
- Sharing family responsibilities equitably
Drawing on gold nuggets from past episodes and her own experiences, Verena encourages us to reassess, set boundaries, and say "no" to the non-essential as we wrap up the year.
Tune in for an empowering and time-efficient conversation that will leave you ready to take on the holiday season with clarity and courage.
We hope you enjoy the conversation, and we’ll be back in January with a brand-new series of episodes!
Show Notes:
- Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
- Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
- Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
In this episode you will learn:
- During the busy holiday season, it's important to prioritise self-care and make brave decisions.
- Discussing family responsibilities openly can help distribute the mental load more equitably.
- Using frameworks, like the STAR framework, can guide us in making better decisions about opportunities.
- Setting boundaries and saying no can lead to more meaningful opportunities aligned with our values.
- Recognising that the mental load often disproportionately affects women can prompt important discussions at home.
- Leaders should model work-life balance to create a supportive environment for their teams.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
BCSC Episodes Mentioned in This Podcast:
- #168 Big Careers, Small Children: Dr. Ana Catalano Weeks – Managing Mental Load While Balancing Careers and Parenthood
- #193 Big Careers, Small Children: Sally Hamm & Matt Hamm – How to Communicate With Each Other as a Dual Career Couple
- #80 Big Careers, Small Children: Professor Vanessa Bohns
- #87 Big Careers, Small Children: Laurie Weingart
- #194 Big Careers, Small Children: Tom Shaw- How to Create Counterbalance in Your Life & Career
- #196 Big Careers, Small Children: Brigid Schulte- Overcoming Overwork with Strategies for a Balanced Life
Leader's Plus Blog Mentioned in This Podcast:
Dr. Whitney Casares - Why Self-Care for Parents is Key to Thriving at Work and Home
Can prioritising yourself make you a better parent and professional? In this episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dr. Whitney Casares, paediatrician and author of Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become …
Notas del episodio
Can prioritising yourself make you a better parent and professional?
In this episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dr. Whitney Casares, paediatrician and author of Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be to explore why self-care isn’t a luxury but a lifeline for working parents.
Drawing from her expertise as a paediatrician, Dr. Whitney emphasises that putting your own well-being first is the key to raising happy, healthy children - especially those with additional needs.
She tackles the guilt parents often feel when balancing ambitious careers with family life and shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, integrating work and life, and creating space for what truly matters.
This inspiring conversation challenges parents to redefine success and embrace their unique strengths as they navigate their personal and professional journeys.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Show Notes:
- Dr. Whitney's book Doing It All is available in bookshops and via Amazon.
- Connect with Dr. Whitney on LinkedIn and on Instagram.
In this episode you will learn:
- Self-care for parents is crucial; taking care of your well-being helps your children.
- Setting boundaries with kids creates a healthier work-life integration for working parents.
- Embracing your authentic self can be a superpower in leadership and career advancement.
- Prioritise clarity in your life by identifying core values and saying no to distractions.
- Integrating work and family life requires intentional moments of focus and presence.
- Delegating tasks and decluttering your environment can significantly reduce stress and increase productivity.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
More BCSC episodes we think you'll love:
- Nicky Lowe - How to Avoid Burnout as a Working Parent
- Paul J. Sullivan – How to Become a Lead Dad & Parent Out Loudly
Brigid Schulte - Overcoming Overwork with Strategies for a Balanced Life
Can we truly have thriving careers without sacrificing family life?In this episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Brigid Schulte, author of Overworked: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better …
Notas del episodio
Can we truly have thriving careers without sacrificing family life?
In this episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Brigid Schulte, author of Overworked: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life, about the pervasive issue of overwork and its impact on individuals and families.
Brigid emphasises the importance of redefining what success looks like in the workplace, advocating for a shift from measuring productivity by hours spent to valuing meaningful output.
They discuss practical steps for individuals to take, even in unsupportive environments, highlighting the need for boundaries and prioritising what truly matters. The episode offers insights into how both personal choices and organisational changes can foster a healthier work-life balance, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Show Notes:
- Brigid's book Overworked is now available in bookshops and via Amazon.
- Connect with Brigid on LinkedIn.
In this episode you will learn:
- Work culture often rewards overwork and long hours, negatively impacting family time and well-being.
- Individuals should define their values and prioritise what truly matters to them at work.
- Leadership beliefs significantly shape workplace culture, influencing policies around work-life balance.
- Organisations should measure success not just by output, but also by employee well-being.
- Small changes at work, like asking for flexible hours, can lead to significant personal benefits.
- Creating a supportive work environment requires collaboration with employees to understand their needs.
Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.
Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.
More BCSC episodes we think you'll love:
- Dr. Malissa Clark - How to Set Boundaries as a Workaholic & Learn to be More Present as a Parent
- Jane Green - How to Approach Your Employer for Reduced Working Days and Tips on Transitioning to a Flexible Role
Carin-Isabel Knoop - Control Isn’t Everything: Embracing Kindness in Life, Parenting, and Leadership
Trigger warning: miscarriage Today, Verena welcomes Carin-Isabel Knoop for an especially thought-provoking podcast episode on embracing kindness in life, parenting and leadership. Very apt, given earlier this …
Notas del episodio
Trigger warning: miscarriage
Today, Verena welcomes Carin-Isabel Knoop for an especially thought-provoking podcast episode on embracing kindness in life, parenting and leadership.
Very apt, given earlier this week, we celebrated #WorldKindnessDay.
Carin is the Executive Director of the Harvard Business School Case Research and Writing Group and was previously a consultant at McKinsey and Price Waterhouse Coopers.
The conversation includes reflections on managing as a solo parent whilst pursuing an ambitious career, learning to let go of control, filling support gaps, and considering how we can all contribute to more compassionate workplaces.
Carin and Verena also have a moving discussion about supporting someone through pregnancy loss.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Show Notes:
- Read Carin and Verena's 2024 Mother's Day proclamation.
- Learn more about Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace.
- Follow Carin on Medium.
- Find support during miscarriage via The Miscarriage Association.
Interested in progressing your career after having children? The award-winning Leaders Plus Cross-Sector Fellowship is specifically designed for working parents with management responsibilities who want to progress their careers and reach their full potential professionally. Find out more.
Tom Shaw - How to Create Counterbalance in Your Life & Career
Can you build a successful career without sacrificing your well-being? This week, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Tom Shaw, author of Counterbalance: How to Build Your Career Without Ruining Your Life and a Senior …
Notas del episodio
Can you build a successful career without sacrificing your well-being?
This week, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Tom Shaw, author of Counterbalance: How to Build Your Career Without Ruining Your Life and a Senior Leader Mentor at Leaders Plus.
Tom talks about counterbalance and why it's important to be intentional about what matters most.
Together, Tom and Verena explore making difficult decisions, reducing burnout, and thriving in your career without compromising your life. Tom also shares the key attributes for combining career, family and our personal lives, so we can create a truly fulfilling life whilst also protecting our wellbeing.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Show Notes:
- Tom's book Counterbalance is now available in bookshops and via Amazon.
- Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.
If you are looking to progress your career after having children then the award-winning Leaders Plus Cross-Sector Fellowship is specifically designed for working parents with management responsibilities, who want to progress their careers and reach their full potential professionally. Find out more.
Sally Hamm & Matt Hamm - How to Communicate With Each Other as a Dual Career Couple
When you're a dual career couple, it can be tricky to coordinate schedules and balance work and family life.This week, Verena Hefti MBE is joined by married couple Sally Hamm and Matt Hamm, Occupational …
Notas del episodio
When you're a dual career couple, it can be tricky to coordinate schedules and balance work and family life.
This week, Verena Hefti MBE is joined by married couple Sally Hamm and Matt Hamm, Occupational Medicine Physicians (who worked together as Air Force Flight Surgeons), who share four children alongside their busy senior careers.
Sally and Matt open up about how they have evolved their thinking around combining raising their family and progressing their careers.
The couple share practical advice on how they prioritise what they say yes to and strategies for communicating with your partner to ensure you truly share the load.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Sally and Matt on LinkedIn.
- Find resources for dual career couples, including our free couples checklist, on the Leaders Plus website: www.leadersplus.org/resources/couples
If you are looking to progress your career after having children, then the award-winning Leaders Plus Cross-Sector Fellowship is specifically designed for working parents with management responsibilities who want to progress their careers and reach their full potential professionally. Find out more.
Brad Johnson & David G. Smith - How to be a Great Ally in the Workplace
In this episode, Verena discusses the importance of allyship in the workplace.She is joined by Brad Johnson and David G. Smith, authors of the book: Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the …
Notas del episodio
In this episode, Verena discusses the importance of allyship in the workplace.
She is joined by Brad Johnson and David G. Smith, authors of the book: Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace.
As well as discussing what men can do to support their female colleagues, Brad and David discuss ways we can all support members of minorities in order to help everyone thrive professionally.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Show Notes:
- Good Guys is out on the 13th of October, pre-order here
- Visit Workplace Allies at www.workplaceallies.com
- Interested to join our Leaders Plus ESG peer support network? Get in touch
If you are looking to progress your career after having children then the award-winning Leaders Plus Cross-Sector Fellowship is specifically designed for working parents with management responsibilities, who want to progress their careers and reach their full potential professionally. Find out more.
{CEO Series} Tiffany Sauder - How to Harness the Incredible Power of Networking
In this episode, Verena is joined by Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three and mother of four.Tiffany breaks down some of the key factors which have led to her inspiring success. From prioritising what really …
Notas del episodio
In this episode, Verena is joined by Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three and mother of four.
Tiffany breaks down some of the key factors which have led to her inspiring success.
From prioritising what really matters to the power of networking, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking for tangible career and family advice.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
This episode is part of our CEO Series, spotlighting parents with young children who hold a CEO role.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn
- Find out more about Element Three.
A senior-level career doesn’t have to come at the expense of being a present parent. If you are interested in progressing your senior job and balancing your family life, take a look at our Senior Director's Fellowship: www.leadersplus.org/seniorleadersplusfellowship
[Future of Work] Tatiana Pignon - Does the Four Day Week Really Work?
Is the four day working week the future of work, or a luxurious dream?In this episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena is joined by Tatiana Pignon, Head of Development at The Autonomy Institute, an …
Notas del episodio
Is the four day working week the future of work, or a luxurious dream?
In this episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena is joined by Tatiana Pignon, Head of Development at The Autonomy Institute, an independent research organisation that focuses on the future of the working world.
In this intriguing conversation, Tatianna discusses Autonomy's fascinating research on the shorter working week and the elements of their discoveries that you could apply in your organisation.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
This episode is part of the future of work series, where we explore how work will change in the future to help everyone thrive and progress their careers equitably regardless of circumstances.
Show Notes:
- Connect with Tatianna on LinkedIn
- Find out more about The Autonomy Institute
We know how difficult it can be to balance an ambitious career with raising a family especially if you’ve taken time off to focus on your children or opted for a lower grade role to accommodate the demands of family life. That's why we created the Future Leader's Programme.
If you are interested in progressing your career and nurturing your family at the same time, take a look at The Future Leader's Programme:
https://www.leadersplus.org/futureleadersplus
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