Working Mumma

What if always being the ‘good girl’ is holding you back? Caitlin Judd unpacks the conditioning keeping working mums silent, small and stuck — and how to change it.

In this episode, I speak with executive leader and solo mum Karis Dorrigan, who shares her experience of being made redundant while on maternity leave during COVID, and how that moment became a turning point in redefining her career, ambition, and life.

Former lawyer turned tech CEO Rachel Debeck shares what it really takes to build a meaningful career while raising three kids—return-to-work pressure, daycare sickness season, the invisible mental load of school life, and the truth that changes everything: you can have it all, just not all at once.

You’ve proven you can do your job — and do it well — while working flexibly. But now that your employer wants more office time, how do you ask for what you need without feeling guilty or being seen as “less committed”? In this episode Carina O’Brien speaks with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert and author of #WorkSchoolHours, about the art of negotiating flexibility at work. Together, they explore how working mums can confidently start the conversation, use data and outcomes to back up their case, and find a win-win that works for both you and your employer. You’ll learn: How to have a confident, fact-based conversation with your boss about working from home or hybrid work The key phrases and language to use when asking for flexibility (without guilt or defensiveness) How to show your productivity and value while working flexibly Why hybrid work supports better wellbeing, mental load, and family balance How to reframe flexibility as a business advantage, not a personal favour If you’re a working mum who wants to keep your flexibility this episode gives you the tools, confidence, and mindset to do it. 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/

Feeling guilty and overwhelmed as a working mum? In this Working Mumma episode, Carina O’Brien reveals why the word “should” fuels guilt and burnout — and how to replace it with empowering language that lightens your mental load.

Working mums are burning out under the pressure to be “good.” In this episode, Dr Michelle McQuaid joins Carina O’Brien to unpack Good Girl Conditioning — why perfectionism and people-pleasing run deep, how it impacts mothers at work and home, and practical tools to break free and thrive.