In this week’s episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we sit down with Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, the UK’s leading charity supporting working parents and carers.

Jane and Liz dive deep into what’s really holding parents back at work, from rigid systems and outdated expectations to the rising cost of childcare. Jane shares how Working Families is changing the game through free legal advice, employer partnerships, and government influence, helping to build a fairer, more flexible future of work.

What We Cover

• The mission of Working Families and how they support both employees and employers.
• The biggest barriers working parents face in today’s workplaces.
• Why flexible working is so much more than just working from home.
• Key legal rights for working parents, and how to navigate them.
• How small businesses can lead the way in flexibility.
• The story behind the Family Friendly Workplace Certification.
• The harsh reality of childcare costs and income inequality.
• Inspirational examples of progressive employers like Deloitte.

Key Takeaways

💬 Flexibility starts with a conversation, not a confrontation.

💪 90% of people who contact Working Families keep their jobs and gain flexibility.

🧩 Small businesses can be surprisingly family-friendly.

💷 Work should pay, but for too many families, it still doesn’t.

🏆 Measure what matters if you want real change.

👶 Leading employers are proving parental equality can be done.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt torn between work and family, this episode is for you. You’ll gain practical tips, clarity on your rights, and a fresh take on what real flexibility means. Jane’s warmth and wisdom make this one of our most empowering episodes yet.

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Jane on LinkedIn Here

Visit the Working Families Website Here

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In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum Podcast, we sit down with Paula Brockwell, founder and director of the Employee Experience Project, to unpack the real power of workplace culture. Paula explains why culture isn’t just about “Sunday night vibes” but is a system that drives employee behaviour, performance, and business success.

What We Cover:

• What business culture really is and why it matters
• Why there’s no universal “perfect culture” and how alignment with business goals is key
• The role of leadership in connecting employees to the mission
• How KPIs can support or harm culture
• Resetting psychological contracts to create empowered, high-performing teams
• Preparing for the future of work with AI and evolving skill requirements

Key Takeaways:

• Culture is more than vibes: It shapes how people act, what’s acceptable, and how success happens.
• No one-size-fits-all: The best culture fits your business context, goals, and mission.
• Leadership matters: Great leaders connect people to the mission and help them thrive.
• Behaviour over motivation: Culture drives the actions that achieve results—not just good feelings.
• Psychological contracts: Clear, adult-to-adult agreements keep expectations realistic and engagement high.
• KPIs that align: Metrics work when they reinforce the right behaviours, not conflicting ones.
• AI and the future of work: Rethink talent, skills, and human-machine partnerships to stay ahead.

Why You Should Listen:
If you are a business leader, HR professional, or team manager, this episode offers practical guidance on building a culture that empowers employees, boosts performance, and helps your organisation thrive in any market. Paula’s insights take you beyond surface-level “culture vibes” to strategies that really make a difference.

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Paula on LinkedIn Here

Visit Paula’s Website Here

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

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!

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we sit down with career and leadership coach Kate Rainford-Foakes, who specialises in helping women navigate career transitions, especially those moving from entrepreneurship back into employment or exploring new directions.

Whether you’ve stepped away from a business, are craving more stability, or simply wondering “what’s next?”, Kate shares practical, encouraging advice for rediscovering your professional identity, reframing your story, and confidently taking your next career step.

💬 We Cover:

• How to rebuild your professional identity after running your own business
• Understanding your strengths, values, and what lights you up
• Crafting a narrative that connects your founder experience to your next chapter
• Refreshing your LinkedIn and CV to reflect where you’re going — not just where you’ve been
• The power of your network — and how to reconnect authentically
• Navigating salary expectations after self-employment
• Exploring fractional, portfolio, and hybrid career options
• Why clarity and confidence come from doing the foundational work first

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You’re not starting from scratch: Running a business builds invaluable leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Narrative is everything: The story you tell shapes how others see your value — and how you see yourself.
• Your network is gold: Most new opportunities come through people, not job boards.
• Flexibility is possible: Careers today can blend employment, consulting, and side ventures.
• Take time to reset: Building a clear vision first saves wasted energy later.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a former founder, freelancer, or self-employed professional wondering what’s next, this episode offers both clarity and confidence. Kate shares real, actionable strategies to help you translate your entrepreneurial experience into your next big career move, without losing the freedom and purpose that inspired you to start your business in the first place.

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Kate on LinkedIn Here

Visit Kate’s Website Here

Support the show

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!

Follow us on Instagram.

Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.

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!