Grief, Growth, and Finding Purpose: A Funeral Celebrant's Story
This week, I’m joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends — the incredibly grounded and wise Nikki Lodge-Frear. A former teacher, Nikki has built a beautiful, purpose-led business as a funeral celebrant.This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly uplifting — an exploration of what it means to hold space for people at their most vulnerable, and how grief can quietly teach us about presence, humanity, and even joy.💬 What We Cover:Nikki’s journey from the classroom to the crematorium — and why it felt like coming homeThe unique joy and depth she’s discovered through celebrancy workHow to hold space for others without losing yourselfGrief as a universal human experience, not something to be “fixed”Why traditional business rules don’t always apply — and what it looks like to grow slowly, intentionally, and sustainablyWhat balance really means as a parent doing meaningful work🔑 Key Takeaways:🌱 It’s never too late to pivot — Your career path doesn’t need to be linear to be meaningful.🖤 Grief is part of life — Learning how to support others through loss is a vital skill we all need.🧠 Experience over qualifications — Nikki’s success came from mentorship, empathy, and lived experience.🗣 Celebrancy is a people-first profession — It’s about listening, storytelling, and creating space for healing.✨ You don’t need to follow the “normal” route — Nikki’s story proves that non-traditional paths can lead to incredibly fulfilling work.👩👧👦 Balance is a priority — Choosing work that fits your life and values is key, especially as a parent.A nourishing episode for anyone curious about working with heart, navigating change, or showing up for others with real presence.Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Nikki on Facebook Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
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52:57
No Plan, No Problem: How to Switch Careers and Still Succeed
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Nicola Stevenson, Branch Manager at Jewson Orkney. Her career path is anything but traditional — from banking, to whisky distilling, to running a builders’ merchant — all while raising a family in the remote but stunning Orkney Islands.We chat about:What it’s really like to live and work on a remote Scottish islandNicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each oneHow she landed a management role with zero prior experience in the industryIsland-life perks (and quirks): from Navy boat rides to surprise royal visitsThe truth about imposter syndrome, leading a 17-person team, and learning to switch offIt’s a refreshingly honest chat about figuring it out as you go, backing yourself, and saying “yes” — even when you're not 100% sure how it’ll pan out.Key Takeaways:🚀 You don’t need a plan — just the guts to say yes and figure it out.🌴 Island life is magical and messy — close-knit, remote, and full of surprises.💬 Imposter syndrome? Totally normal. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you.🤝 Lead by doing. Get stuck in, stay hands-on, and back your team.🌿 Switching off is a skill. Sometimes you need to physically leave to truly rest.If you’ve ever thought about changing careers, chasing a slower pace of life, or wondered whether you’re just winging it — this one’s for you.Show Links:Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn here Visit Jewson’s website here Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereBoost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
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29:44
Freelancer to Founder: Growing a Team, Without Losing Yourself
This week on Work It Like a Mum, I’m reunited with the brilliant Amanda Henderson, founder of Thread HR 💼You might remember Amanda from an earlier episode where she dropped pure gold on how to go freelance (seriously — tip after tip after tip!). If you’re dreaming of leaving corporate behind, that one’s a must-listen — and we’ve linked it in the show notes.But today? We’re talking about what comes next — Amanda’s incredible leap from solo freelancer to agency founder 🙌🎙 In this episode:What sparked the shift from freelancing to growing a teamHow motherhood (and the school run!) influenced her business strategyThe emotional AND practical side of hiring your first employeeTips for recruiting (and managing) with empathy and intentionWhy being radically honest is Amanda’s secret sauce for building cultureReal talk on capacity, growth, and those scary-but-exciting firsts 💡✨ Key Takeaways:💡Growth doesn’t have to mean hustle 24/7 — it’s about working smarter💡 Hiring? Recruit slow, hire thoughtfully, and lead with your values💡 Building a team means stepping out of the day-to-day sometimes💡 Honesty and clear expectations are everything — especially in small teams💡 Flexibility isn’t a perk — it’s powerful business strategyShow Links:Connect with Amanda here Visit Thread HR’s Website HereConnect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereListen to Amanda’s previous episode about freelancing here Whether you're a solo business owner, team leader, or dreaming about your next chapter — Amanda’s story is full of insight, humour, and heart.Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
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39:39
Leaving It All Behind: One Woman’s Move to the Middle East
This week on Work It Like a Mum, we sit down with Susanna Gray Jones — founder of Chime Search, recruitment powerhouse, and expat entrepreneur — to chat all things life, work, and the bold move to Dubai. From her career in recruitment to launching her own business overseas, Susanna shares candidly about what inspired her to make a major life pivot after a personal health scare and how she's built a fulfilling life (and company) in the UAE.In this episode:Why Susanna swapped corporate life for entrepreneurshipThe wake-up call that pushed her to leave the UKWhat moving to Dubai is actually like — emotionally and practicallyThe realities of expat life (spoiler: not just brunch and beaches)Job-hunting in the UAE and how it really worksRaising a family abroad: the good, the hard, and the unexpectedHow to find your people and build a support networkCultural shifts to know — especially for women and familiesWhy Dubai’s booming… and Saudi might be nextKey Takeaways: 💡 A fresh start abroad takes guts, research, and resilience 💡 Dubai offers a luxe lifestyle, but it comes with trade-offs 💡 Job-hunting? You’ll likely need to be there in person 💡 Women in Dubai have more freedom than you might think 💡 Networking is your secret weapon 💡 Saudi Arabia is rising — keep it on your radarShow Links:Connect with Susanna here Visit Susanna’s Website here Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereWhether you're curious about expat life, want to work abroad, or are dreaming of starting your own business, this episode is packed with real talk and inspiration.Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
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38:58
Surviving Menopause in the Workplace: What Every Woman Should Know
This week on Work It Like a Mum, I'm joined by the brilliant Anna Allerton—former sports journalist turned executive coach—who shares her deeply personal and professional journey through perimenopause and how it led to a powerful career pivot.Anna now specialises in coaching professional women, particularly those navigating the challenges of menopause while juggling high-pressure careers. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the debilitating symptoms that cost her a 20-year broadcasting career—and how those challenges now fuel her mission to help others thrive.We Talk About: Anna’s transition from Sky Sports journalist to executive coach The impact of perimenopause on mental health and career Why workplaces need to become more menopause-friendly Logging symptoms, self-advocacy & navigating GPs Practical resources and tools (like the Balance App) Why creating safe, trusted spaces for women is essential Key Takeaways: ✅ You’re not “just tired”—menopause can be disruptive and isolating, but help is out there ✅ Logging symptoms and asking the right questions can change everything ✅ Coaching creates space to be heard, challenged, and supported ✅ Women's health deserves to be taken seriously—in and out of the workplace Why You Should Listen:If you're a woman experiencing hormonal shifts or a leader wanting to better support women in your organisation, this episode is a must-listen. Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, you can turn a personal struggle into a professional strength. Show Links:Connect with Anna here Visit Anna’s Website here Listen to Danielle Howell’s Episode on Harnessing your Hormonal Cycle To Transform Your Work and Life Here Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereBoost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
How do I know if I'm ready to return to work after maternity leave? Can I *really* make all the pick-ups, drop-offs AND get to work on time? Am I ready for that promotion? How do I balance managing a large team and demanding kids? Is now the right time to start my own business? Can I flourish in a part-time job? And the biggest question of all, can I *really* have it all? Whether you're returning to work after your first maternity leave or juggling a high-flying career with teenagers that won't do their homework, this is the show for you.Work It Like A Mum is a new podcast giving you a weekly dose of inspiration, confidence, and step-by-step tips (plus lots of comradery) to help you flourish in your career after kids. Hosted by the Founder of Investing in Women, Elizabeth Willetts, we chat with remarkable women redefining our working world. They'll share their secrets on how they've achieved extraordinary things after children, set boundaries and balance, challenges they've faced (and how they've overcome them) to define their own versions of success. Every episode is brimming with ideas, tools, hints and tips you can put straight into practice so you, too, can have a career you adore. We cover it all - with raw honesty and a few laughs to ensure you are seen, heard, promoted and hired - whilst keeping your sanity at home! Listen now to get all the inspiration you need to Work It Like A Mum.
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