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In this reflective and practical episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Leaders Plus Interim COO Helen Fraser speaks with Rupert Brown, author of Lost in Transformation and Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor. Rupert has spent much of his career leading people change in multinational organisations, including international assignments in Switzerland, Singapore, Denmark and Dubai, while raising two children abroad. He shares what he has learned about making big career decisions when family needs change, leading transformation with more humanity, and staying honest with yourself in the middle of corporate upheaval. Drawing on his experience working with people and culture, he shares the moment his teenagers asked why the family was “doing lockdown in the desert,” the family’s return to the UK, and how the sudden death of his father and his employer’s response reshaped his view of leadership and empathy. Together, they explore✔️ How Rupert and his family navigated multiple international moves, and why their teenagers’ voices were central to the decision to come back to the UK for more stability. ✔️ What really happens to family life and career confidence when work and location decisions stop being “just” the parents’ choices. ✔️ Why he believes many corporate change programmes ignore basic psychology and the lived experience of the people affected, and what drew him to write Lost in Transformation. ✔️ Rupert’s PIE model: performance, image and exposure, and why hard work alone is rarely enough for progression, especially for working parents with limited time. ✔️ What the death of his father taught him about principle based policies, bereavement leave, and the quiet power of simple, human responses from leaders in moments of grief. What you’ll learn in this episode🔹 Ways to think through big career and location choices when your children start expressing their own clear preferences. 🔹 Practical ideas for building “spacious” relationships at work that help you stay resourceful and honest under pressure. 🔹 How leaders can respond to loss and difficulty with empathy rather than hiding behind rigid policies or avoiding uncomfortable conversations. 🔹 Questions to ask yourself if you are involved in leading change, so that you do change with people rather than doing change to them. Show Notes:Connect with Rupert Brown on LinkedInFind Rupert Brown’s book Lost in Transformation on AmazonLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with Helen Fraser on LinkedIn.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning...

In this reflective and deeply thoughtful episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Ori Carmel, Founder and CEO at Sowen. Drawing on his lived experience as a father of two, Ori shares how working parents can make better decisions about work and family, build guardrails that protect what matters most, and avoid the regret that often comes from overwhelm or overcommitment. Ori reflects on the moment he missed his daughter’s first smile while travelling for work, the subtle choices that shape daily family life, and the simple frameworks he now uses to stay aligned with his values. Together, they discuss: ✔️ How working parents can use simple decision-making tools to avoid stress, regret and overwhelm ✔️ Why flexibility often leads to blurred boundaries and how to put guardrails back in place ✔️ The “bandwidth check-in” system Ori and his wife use to share the load on tough days ✔️ How cultural expectations and ego subtly influence men’s decisions about work and family What you'll learn in this episode: 🔹 How to make clearer day-to-day decisions about work and family 🔹 How to recognise early signs of overstretch before burnout takes hold 🔹 Why decision-making frameworks help parents stay aligned with their values 🔹 How to course-correct when work starts to take up more space than intended Ori’s reflections are an invitation to slow down, examine your decision-making patterns, and build structures that support both your ambition and your family life. Show Notes: Connect with Ori Carmel on LinkedIn.Learn more about Sowen here.Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 215 : Ahed Serhal – How to Turn Guilt into Growth: Finding Balance as a Working Parent Abroad Episode 205: (C-Suite Series) Steph Hind - How to Balance Leadership, Parenting, and Wellbeing Without Sacrifice

In this research-rich and deeply practical episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Prof Gudrun Sander, Director of the Institute for International Management and Diversity Management IIDM-HSG at the University of St. Gallen, about what workplaces must do if they genuinely want to support working parents and close gender progression gaps. A global expert on gender equality, leadership, and organisational culture, Prof Sander brings decades of evidence-based insight into what really moves the needle and what doesn’t. She unpacks why many well-intentioned initiatives fall short, the key levers that actually shift equality outcomes, and how organisations can redesign work so that parents can thrive without penalty. Together, they explore: ✔️ Why having a family should be treated as a normal part of an employee’s career path ✔️ How organisations can remove systemic barriers that disadvantage working parents ✔️ The real reason visibility matters as much as performance for progression ✔️ Why women don’t need to be “perfect” to step into stretch opportunities ✔️ What companies get wrong when designing policies like parental leave ✔️ How hybrid work can either accelerate equality or deepen inequalities ✔️ Practical steps leaders can take today to build a more inclusive culture ✔️ How to support managers so they can properly support parents What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🔹 How to design workplace systems that genuinely support working parents 🔹 Why visibility and sponsorship matter more than ever 🔹 How perfectionism and confidence gaps limit progression, and what to do about it 🔹 The organisational behaviours that predict better gender equality outcomes 🔹 How leaders can role-model balance without losing credibility 🔹 Why diversity policies fail and what makes them effective Show Notes: Connect with Prof Gudrun Sander on LinkedIn.Learn more about the Competence Center for Diversity, Disability and Inclusion at the University of St. Gallen here.Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:a href="https://www.leadersplus.org/176-big-careers-small-children-denise-wilson-obe-how-the-uk-is-working-to-achieve-gender-balance-at-board-level-what-still-needs-to-change/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Ahed Serhal, HR Director, La Prairie Switzerland, about how she transformed guilt into growth while building a global career and raising 10-year-old twins abroad. Living without nearby family support, Ahed shares her honest reflections on balancing ambition and parenthood — from morning school selfies to open conversations with her employer and children. She reveals how learning to let go of guilt, plan with purpose, and communicate openly helped her find true balance and confidence as a working parent. Together, they explore: ✔️ The mindset shift that helped Ahed turn guilt into growth ✔️ How to progress your career while living abroad without family support ✔️ Why being vocal about what you need builds trust and balance ✔️ How parenting can strengthen your leadership through empathy and structure ✔️ The power of partnership and planning when both parents travel for work What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🔹 How to let go of guilt and define balance on your own terms 🔹 Why openness with your manager (and your children) is key to thriving 🔹 How to create systems that support both your career and your family 🔹 Why parenting can make you a more strategic, grounded leader 🔹 The one mindset shift that helps you progress without traditional support networks Show Notes:Connect with Ahed Serhal on LinkedInLearn more about beiersdorf.comLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Applications are closing in a few days for the Leaders Plus Cross-Sector Fellowship (Deadline: Tuesday 11 November). It is a nine-month leadership development programme supporting ambitious working parents in leadership or managerial roles to progress their careers while staying present for family life. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 195: Control Isn’t Everything: Embracing Kindness in Life, Parenting, and Leadership a...

In this honest and inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Blundell, UK CEO at Grayling, and mum of two young boys. Heather shares her personal journey of combining ambitious leadership with parenthood — from taking work calls during bath time to confidently blocking out school pick-ups in her diary. She reflects on the pivotal karate-class moment that shifted her approach to presence, and why setting boundaries has made her a more intentional, effective leader. A working parent at the top of her game, Heather offers a refreshingly real perspective on leadership, family life, and the cultural responsibility CEOs hold to model balance. Together, they explore:✔️ The powerful realisation that changed Heather’s approach to presence as a parent and leader ✔️ Why she sets more boundaries now as a CEO than in previous roles ✔️ How becoming a parent made her a more decisive, compassionate, and time-efficient leader ✔️ The cultural ripple effect when senior leaders model balance at work ✔️ How to let go of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters ✔️ Navigating playground imposter syndrome as a senior leader ✔️ Why parenting can enrich, rather than hinder, leadership ambition What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔹 How to set transparent boundaries at a senior level without losing credibility 🔹 Why presence, not perfection, creates impact at work and home 🔹 How parenting can sharpen your leadership clarity, efficiency, and empathy 🔹 Practical ways to lead by example and shape organisational culture 🔹 Why “having it all” is a myth — and how deliberate choices make the difference Show Notes:Connect with Heather Blundell on LinkedInLearn more about Grayling UK hereLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 209: {CEO Series} Dr Nara Daubeney - How To Let Go of Guilt and Redefine Success as a Working Parent Episode 203:...

In this episode of Big Careers, Small Children, part of our brand-new Series 16, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jess and Darryl Abelscroft about how they navigated shared parental leave and what they learned along the way. Jessica Abelscroft, Director, Abelscroft Consulting, and Darryl Abelscroft, Future Safety and Innovation, Civil Aviation Authority, both former Leaders Plus Fellows, share their reflections on splitting leave, balancing careers, and parenting equally. Together, they explore:✔️ The practicalities of navigating HR systems and dividing time off ✔️ The emotional challenges of handing over leave and adjusting roles ✔️ The lasting benefits for their children, who see both parents as equal caregivers ✔️ Why shared parental leave strengthened their careers as well as their family life ✔️ The changes needed in policy to make shared leave more accessible What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeEquity at home creates equity at work: Shared leave builds confidence and balance in both parenting and careers.Expect complexity: HR processes are not straightforward — early planning makes a big difference.The emotional side matters: Handing over leave can be tough, but it sets the stage for long-term equality.Children gain too: Equal involvement of both parents shapes healthier expectations of family roles.Policy reform is essential: Better pay and simpler systems would make shared leave viable for more families. Show Notes:Connect with Jess Abelscroft on LinkedInConnect with Darryl Abelscroft on LinkedInLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 208: Nadia Bunyan MCIPD & Tatiana Pignon - How to Successfully Implement a 4-Day Week Without Sacrificing Impact [Future of Work] Episode 185: Lucy Kemp - How AI Will Impact the Future of Work & How to Prevent...

In this forward-thinking episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dominic Holmes, Employment Law Partner at Kilgannon Law and Leaders Plus mentor. Dominic shares his expert insights on the evolving landscape of employment law, the future of flexible working, and how the UK workplace needs to adapt if we’re serious about equality and productivity. A working parent himself, Dominic reflects on going part-time early in his legal career and how that shift transformed his effectiveness both at work and at home. Together, they explore:✔️ Why flexible working should be the default, and what proposed legal reforms might mean for employees and employers alike. ✔️ How organisations can move beyond presenteeism and value output over hours worked. ✔️ The personal and organisational benefits of part-time leadership. ✔️ Why the current legal system still fails many working parents—especially women—and how to build a better one. ✔️ The real reason we need a cultural and mindset shift around productivity and long-hours culture. ✔️ How Dominic manages senior client relationships while working a four-day week. ✔️ What a fair, inclusive future of work might look like for the next generation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔹 Why reduced hours can make you a more focused and effective leader 🔹 How legal reforms could reshape employer obligations around flexibility 🔹 Why traditional “commitment” metrics fail working parents 🔹 The risks of defaulting to full-time roles without justification 🔹 Practical ways to challenge assumptions about career progression and presence Show Notes:Connect with Dominic Holmes on LinkedInLearn more about Kilgannon Law at kilgannonlaw.co.ukLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 208: Nadia Bunyan MCIPD & Tatiana Pignon - How to Successfully Implement a 4-Day Week Without Sacrificing Impact a href="https://www.leadersplus.org/184-big-careers-small-children-how-to-avoid-burnout-as-a-working-parent/" rel="noopener...

In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Rebecca Brosnan, CEO and Founder of The Halo Planner, and Non-Executive Director across several listed and non-profit organisations. Rebecca shares her remarkable journey from high-pressure executive roles in finance to building a flexible, international portfolio career, all while raising two young children without sacrificing ambition or family life. She talks openly about the messy reality of balancing senior leadership and motherhood, the importance of intentional planning, and why it’s possible (and necessary) to redefine success on your own terms. Together, they explore:✔️ Why building a successful board career with young children is possible — but messy. ✔️ The practical systems and mindsets that helped Rebecca balance senior leadership and parenthood. ✔️ How to plan your way to a thriving career without sacrificing presence at home. ✔️ Why NGO boards can be just as rewarding and impactful as corporate boards. ✔️ How to set boundaries without guilt and stay intentional with your time. ✔️ The role of support networks, planning tools, and saying no (without fear). ✔️ Practical steps for anyone wanting to start a portfolio career. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to create a portfolio career that aligns with your family priorities.The power of meticulous long-term and short-term planning for working parents.Why messy does not mean unsuccessful — and how to embrace it.How to balance ambition, purpose, and parenting without guilt.Why saying no is a leadership skill (and how to do it without burning bridges). Show Notes:Connect with Rebecca Brosnan on LinkedInLearn more about the Halo Planner at thehaloplanner.comFollow Halo Planner on Instagram: @thehaloplannerLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 209: {CEO Series} Dr Nara Daubeney - How To Let Go of Guilt and Redefine Success as a Working...

In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Louise Donaghey FRAeS, Group Head of Engines at International Airlines Group GBS, who will soon be one of Leaders Plus’ Senior Leader Mentors, about her remarkable career in aviation, leadership in male-dominated environments, and her experience of being the sole breadwinner in her family for nearly two decades. Louise shares candidly about managing the pressure of high-stakes roles while raising two children, how she learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength, and what it really takes to stay present as a parent when the stakes at work are high. Her story is full of honesty, practical wisdom, and powerful reframing of success, motherhood, and leadership. Together, they explore:✔️ What it means to lead as the sole breadwinner in a family ✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness ✔️ How to deal with judgement from others (especially fellow parents) ✔️ Practical strategies to be present with your children while succeeding at work ✔️ How to shut out guilt and define success on your own terms ✔️ Why ambition can grow because of parenting, not in spite of it ✔️ The value of scaring yourself with roles that stretch you What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to balance career ambition and caring responsibilitiesWhy perfection is a myth and authenticity matters moreHow to handle judgment and stay confident in your choicesStrategies for setting boundaries and managing your energyThe mindset shift needed to thrive as a working parent and leader Show Notes:Connect with Louise Donaghey on LinkedInLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 199: (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood Episode 203: (C-Suite Series) Jane...

In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dr Nara Daubeney, CEO & Co-Founder of Phaim Pharma and NHS Surgeon. Nara is also a mum of four. She shares her deeply honest and inspiring reflections on what it takes to build a big career and raise a thriving family without sacrificing either. From designing Easter hats at 5am to leading a clinical-stage biotech company, Nara brings warmth, clarity, and wit to a conversation about redefining ambition, letting go of guilt, and building systems that work for your life, not against it. Together, they explore:✔️ Why guilt is baked into motherhood and how to release it ✔️ How to balance ambition with presence during different parenting phases ✔️ Why support systems are essential (and how to build your own, even without nearby family) ✔️ What makes someone ready to be a CEO ✔️ How leadership and parenting challenges mirror each other ✔️ What teens really need from you, and how that shapes career decisions ✔️ Why perfection isn’t the goal, and how embracing imperfection is freeing What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to redefine success on your own termsWhy motherhood and leadership are not in conflictThe mindset shift that helps you build a sustainable careerHow to set boundaries and run your life like a systemThe role of authenticity, values, and reflection in leadership Show Notes:Connect with Nara Daubeney on LinkedInLearn more about Phain Pharma: www.phaim.co.ukLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 186: Nathalie Holdstock - How to Thrive as a Shift Worker When You're a Parent of Young Children Episode 179: Dr Sonia Damle – How to Navigate Shift Work as a Parent & the Benefits of Self-Rostering in the NHS & Beyond a...

In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Nadia Bunyan MCIPD, Director of People and Impact at Global Witness, and Tatiana Pignon, Associate Director at Autonomy. They discuss how to implement a 4-day working week in a way that supports both staff wellbeing and organisational performance. Nadia shares lessons from leading a successful 4-day week pilot at Global Witness, while Tatiana brings insights from supporting over 100 organisations through similar transitions. Together, they explore:✔️ What organisations get wrong when moving to a shorter week ✔️ How to build trust and ensure leadership models healthy behaviours ✔️ Why co-creating the model with staff matters ✔️ How a shorter week supports working parents ✔️ What to consider when navigating global teams, peak periods, and emergencies ✔️ The mindset shift needed to move away from presenteeism ✔️ Practical steps for organisations starting their 4-day week journey Whether you're a senior leader or a working parent curious about flexible working, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experience to inspire change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to move to a 4-day week without compromising impact ✔️ Why wellbeing and performance can go hand-in-hand ✔️ The role of culture, leadership, and trust in making it work ✔️ How flexible working can support inclusion and equity Show Notes:Learn more about Global Witness: globalwitness.orgLearn more about Autonomy: autonomy.workConnect with Nadia Bunyan on LinkedInConnect with Tatiana Pignon on LinkedInLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 190: Does the Four Day Week Really Work? Episode 178: [Future of Work]...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful international career while raising young children - without family support nearby? In the latest episode of Big Careers, Small Children, Verena Hefti MBE chats with our first-ever father-daughter duo: Life Sciences Consultant Jo Taylor, who currently resides in Switzerland, and her father, John Pyle, who spent 35 years in the oil industry. Both John and Jo have pursued global careers in senior leadership roles while navigating the challenges of parenting in different countries. Jo also brings a unique perspective as both a parent and a child who grew up moving across countries, offering insight into how the experience has evolved across generations. They share their personal experiences, the realities of raising a family abroad, and the strategies that helped them balance professional growth with family life. If you’re considering working internationally or are already managing career and parenting across borders, this episode offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and a challenge to the common assumptions about what’s possible. Together They Explore: How to handle worries or guilt about the impact of travelling with work or moving abroad on your children.Simple ways to signal to employers you're ready for a global role.How working internationally can make you a stronger, more flexible and resilient leader.The challenges and adjustments of relocating as a family, including the impact on the travelling partner. Why an international career can be life-changing and deeply fulfilling. What You'll Learn in this Episode: How to Build a Global Career as a Parent – Insights on pursuing senior leadership roles internationally while raising young children, including how to signal interest to your employer. Strategies for Thriving Without Family Support – Practical advice on managing childcare, work-life balance, and building a support network abroad. Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability – How to navigate cultural differences, career transitions, and unexpected challenges while raising a family overseas. Practical Tips for Parents Considering an International Move – Key factors to consider before relocating, from schooling to workplace culture and family dynamics, including the impact on your children and partner. 5-Minute Actions to Start Your International Career Journey – Practical, quick steps you can take today to explore opportunities and prepare for a global career move. Show Notes: Connect with Jo Taylor on LinkedIn.Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

In our first Series 15 episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Dan Reed, Director, Head of Digital at KPMG UK, about why being a parent doesn’t have to hold back your career, and how embracing authenticity at work can actually propel you forward. Dan shares his journey of juggling career progression with fatherhood, how therapy helped him overcome guilt and set boundaries, and why he refuses to hide his parenting role in the workplace. He also discusses why being open about family life has strengthened his leadership and career confidence, rather than limiting opportunities. Together, they explore: Why working parents shouldn’t have to choose between career success and family.The importance of setting work-life boundaries before burnout hits.How openly integrating parenthood into your professional identity can lead to leadership opportunities.The impact of finding “your tribe” and why mentoring matters.Why authenticity builds career confidence and can lead to promotions.Whether you’re navigating career growth, dealing with guilt, or looking for practical ways to set work-life boundaries, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration, and actionable advice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to be authentic at work without fear of judgment. ✔️ Why setting work-life boundaries early prevents burnout. ✔️ How being open about parenthood can create leadership opportunities. ✔️ The role of therapy, communication, and mentorship in career success. ✔️ How to build a career that fits your life, and not the other way around. Show Notes: Connect with Dan Reed on LinkedInFollow Dan on TikTok – Career Dad on TikTok (42,000+ followers)Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love: Episode 194: How to Create Counterbalance in Your Life & Career Episode 205:...

In this episode of the C-Suite Series of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Steph Hind, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Heka, an employee wellbeing platform. Steph shares her journey of scaling a business while raising two young children, the lessons she learned from not taking maternity leave with her first child, and how she ultimately restructured her leadership style to prioritise wellbeing, family, and sustainable success. Together, they discuss: Why burnout isn’t a badge of honour and how to avoid it.The challenges of running a company with your partner and setting boundaries.Why many women founders feel pressured to skip maternity leave, and how this must change.How parenthood can make you a more decisive and efficient leader.The practical steps leaders can take to switch off and be fully present with their families. This insightful and honest conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, entrepreneurship, and family life without wanting to sacrifice wellbeing in the process. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to set boundaries at work and at home - without guilt. ✔️ Why taking breaks makes you a better leader and business owner. ✔️ The power of switching off: Why Steph removed work apps from her phone. ✔️ How to manage the pressures of leadership while prioritising family. ✔️ Why parenthood can be an advantage in business and not a barrier. ✔️ How to build a supportive culture that values wellbeing and performance. ✔️ Practical strategies for avoiding burnout and staying present. Show Notes: Connect with Steph Hind on LinkedInLearn more about Heka Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship. More BCSC episodes you might love: Episode 199: (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthooda href="https://www.leadersplus.org/197-big-careers-small-children-why-self-care-for-parents-is-key-to-thriving-at-work-and-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of the C-Suite Series of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, experienced non-executive director, broadcaster, and author Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL about her journey of building a multi-million-pound business while raising a family. Susie candidly shares the realities of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, why she believes you can't have it all, and the importance of letting go of guilt and external expectations. She also reflects on setting boundaries at work, learning from business mistakes, and embracing life beyond career success. Whether you're navigating career progression, entrepreneurship, or just feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle, this episode is full of practical wisdom, humour, and reassurance. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The myth of "having it all" – why Susie believes balance is about letting go of perfection ✔️ How to manage guilt as a working parent and why your children will be fine ✔️ Practical tips for setting work boundaries and ensuring time for yourself ✔️ How to build confidence and push past workplace discrimination ✔️ Why women should stop underplaying their achievements ✔️ The power of flexible working and why she banned weekend emails ✔️ How caring responsibilities shape leadership and decision-making ✔️ Why networking, mentorship, and self-belief matter for career success About Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL:Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL is an experienced non-executive director, entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, broadcaster, and author. She founded and scaled Breakthrough Funding, a multi-award-winning business that she later sold to EY (Ernst & Young), where she became Executive Director for Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at HMRC and The British Library and is Executive Chair of Produced in Kent. In recognition of her contributions to small businesses, she was awarded a CBE in 2022 and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. Susie is also an advocate for female entrepreneurs, a sought-after speaker, and the author of Swimming On My Own. Find out more at www.susiews.com. Show Notes: Connect with Susie Warran-Smith on LinkedInLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter. Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more...