Wisdom For Working Mums

Why are women so exhausted? Professor Leah Ruppanner explains the invisible mental load women carry every day - from planning and organising to worrying and responsibility-holding. We explore the eight types of mental load, why women become the default managers of family life, the impact of social judgment and gender expectations, and practical ways to reclaim energy for what matters most. A validating, research-backed conversation for every working mum who feels mentally and emotionally overloaded. More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/187 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

Still not feeling like yourself even though your baby is months or years old? You're not imagining it. And you're not failing. In this episode, Nicky Lowe shares her own experience of burnout and exhaustion after her first child - the years it took to get answers, and the moment she finally found the language for what had happened to her. Drawing on the work of Dr. Oscar Serrallach (The Postnatal Depletion Cure), Nicky explores why postnatal depletion can last up to ten years after having a baby, why high-achieving women are so often dismissed when they say something is wrong, and what you can do, starting today, to begin rebuilding. This episode is for new mums navigating the blur of early motherhood, women further into the journey who are still waiting to feel like themselves, and anyone who manages someone returning from parental leave. You'll come away with: A clear understanding of what postnatal depletion actually is and why it's so much more than tiredness Why willpower and mindset alone won't fix this Five practical steps to start supporting your system right now Whether your baby is six weeks old or six years old - this one is for you. Resources mentioned: The Postnatal Depletion Cure by Dr. Oscar Serrallach The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/185 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

Ever had life bring you to your knees in that quiet, private way that makes you feel deeply human? I'm in that season. In this episode I share the health news I'm navigating and the leadership reset it sparked: why going back to basics isn't a setback, how to be confidently humble, and the seven foundations I'm using to rebuild in body and leadership. If you're facing uncertainty - career, health, motherhood - this is a gentle, practical companion for beginning again. If this episode shifted how you'll handle your next tough conversation, share it with a fellow working mum leader and tag @nickyloweleadership. Your reviews help more women find the show. More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/173 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

The mental load isn't just yours to carry - it's a leadership issue. Learn how cultures that care can ease the juggle at work and at home. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a global speaker series we delivered to our client, UKG, to explore why the mental load isn't just a personal struggle - it's a leadership issue. Together we unpack how invisible responsibilities at home and at work impact wellbeing, retention, and culture, and why building 'cultures that care' matters for every organisation. Joining me to share the story are two inspiring UKG leaders who brought this initiative to life - Mille Holst-Barry and Jeremy Casupanan Together we discuss: - Why UKG decided to invest in this global iniative around the mental load - How conversations about the mental load can transform both workplaces and homes. - The personal and cultural nuances of mental load across families, genders, and geographies. - Why recognising the invisible tasks at work is vital for equity and retention. - The practical impact of addressing the mental load in the workplace This is an honest, inspiring, and hopeful conversation about how organisations can support their people to thrive and why every workplace should be talking about the mental load. Tune in and discover how small shifts in awareness can make a big difference in creating workplaces (and homes) where everyone can flourish. If this episode shifted how you'll handle your next tough conversation, share it with a fellow working mum leader and tag @nickyloweleadership. Your reviews help more women find the show. More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/171 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

If you've ever felt like you're carrying the invisible weight of running both your home and your career, you're not alone. The mental load - the relentless planning, remembering, and anticipating that keeps family life moving - falls disproportionately on women, and it's leaving many of us exhausted, resentful, and stretched too thin. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners, to uncover the truth about the mental load: what it really is, why it matters, and how we can begin to share it more equally at home. This isn't just about fairness - it's about creating the foundations for healthier relationships, happier families, and the space for working mums to truly thrive. More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/169 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

In this special episode, I join Jean Gomes and Scott Allender on The Evolving Leader podcast - an acclaimed show known for deep, thought-provoking conversations with global leadership experts. We explore my journey from burnout to balance, and what it truly means to thrive as a leader, mother, and woman. A powerful conversation on mindset, wellbeing, and redefining success - without the sacrifice. More details: https://luminate-group.co.uk/podcast/167 Connect on LinkedIn Here Follow on Instagram Here Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

Mind feeling full? The mental load and decision fatigue are real and they're exhausting. In this episode, I'm joined by Vicki Tan, Pinterest's Design Lead and author of Ask This Book a Question, to explore why our brains get overwhelmed and how to find clarity in the chaos. We dive into the surprising power of cognitive biases, how to work with your brain (not against it), and why asking better questions can shift everything. If your head's spinning and your to-do list won't quit, this conversation is the pause you've been craving. Whether you're contemplating a career change, navigating motherhood, or simply figuring out what's for dinner tonight, this episode will help you move from stuck to sure-footed. Because every decision you make shapes who you are becoming, and sometimes, the key isn't finding the right answer but learning to ask the right question. Tune in to discover how Vicki's playful yet profound book can become your new go-to decision-making companion. 🔗 More details Love the Wisdom For Working Mums Podcast? Let's take the conversation further. Subscribe for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox - designed to support you in leading with confidence and living with intention.

Returning to work after having a baby is one of the most emotionally charged transitions a woman can face, and it's one that too often goes unsupported. In this powerful episode, I am joined by business psychologist and founder of & Culture Consulting, Clare Radford, to explore the findings from her groundbreaking report, How to Support Returning Parents: From Boardroom to Babies and Back Again. With insights drawn from nearly 400 personal stories, Clare shines a light on the unseen struggles faced by women returning from maternity leave, and what businesses must do to keep their top talent from quietly slipping away. Together, we dive into the emotional toll, the hidden biases, and the practical steps needed to build a workplace where working parents can thrive. In this episode, you'll discover: The emotional and psychological impact of returning to work as a parent Why ambition doesn't disappear with parenthood, and what organisations are missing The five game-changing strategies every employer should implement How self-advocacy can transform a return-to-work experience The cost to businesses and society of getting this wrong, and the ROI of getting it right Whether you're a working mum preparing to return to work, an HR leader wanting to improve retention, or someone passionate about creating more humane workplaces, this episode is essential listening. You can listen to the episode here or via itunes or spotify. Or you can find it on most other podcast platforms and apps. Could you do me a huge favour and share this episode with two or three working mums that pop into your head as you listen? My mission is to support as many working mums on their journey as possible, and so I'd be so grateful if you supported them by offering this free podcast. I hope it's been helpful to you, and if so, I hope you pass that on. Please consider rating and reviewing my show. Your review can help other people find my podcast so you'll be helping another working mum find this resource. Plus I also love to go in and read them. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to get subscribed as I don't want you to miss out. I'm adding some exciting bonus episodes and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!