Why Traditional Workplaces Are Still Failing Mothers with Jessica Chivers

Why Traditional Workplaces Are Still Failing Mothers with Jessica Chivers

From Parents Who Think by Danusia Malina-Derben

October 4, 2025 · 15 min

About this episode

Danusia Malina-Derben talks with Jessica Chivers about how motherhood redefines ambition and reshapes working life for mothers.

What happens when your child's diagnosis doesn't just change your daily routine, it changes your entire business model? In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben talks with psychologist and executive coach Jessica Chivers about how motherhood redefines ambition, and reshapes working life in ways no corporate handbook prepares you for. Jessica opens up about navigating exclusions, assessments, and school meetings while building a business, and how that tension has led her to become even more ambitious. They discuss the myth that self-employment is the golden ticket for mothers, the grief of an underdeveloped self, and the underestimated power of honesty in leadership. This is a vital conversation for anyone balancing strategy decks with school runs, or wondering if the entrepreneurial dream is actually a backup plan gone wrong. Listen in, and feel seen. Discover more from us: • Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack • Follow us on Instagram • Connect with Danusia • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts • Advertising Inquiries here Credits: • Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben • Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz • Cover art by Anthony Oram

People in this episode

Host: Danusia Malina-Derben

Guest: Jessica Chivers

Topics covered

  • motherhood
  • work-life balance
  • entrepreneurship
  • ambition
  • leadership
  • self-employment

Keywords

  • motherhood
  • business model
  • self-employment
  • honesty in leadership
  • school meetings
  • ambition
  • workplace challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Parents Who Think, Apple Podcasts, Substack, Instagram

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