Ep 17: Why working mums were set up to fail

Ep 17: Why working mums were set up to fail

Have you ever felt like the rules changed the moment you became a mum? For years, you were told to work hard. Get the grades. Go to university. Build the career. Be ambitious. Aim higher. Push yourself. You did everything you were taught to do. Then you had children - and suddenly the message changed. Be more present. Slow down. Don't miss the milestones. Put your family first. In this episode of Boss Mom Era, we talk about the uncomfortable truth that many working mums are trying to live between two completely conflicting sets of expectations. An entire generation of women was raised to be independent, ambitious and successful, while still carrying the bulk of the childcare, housework and mental load at home. The result? Exhaustion, guilt, burnout and the constant feeling that you're falling short everywhere. If you've ever wondered why you're struggling to reconcile the woman you worked so hard to become, with the mother you're expected to be - this episode is for you. Because maybe you're not failing. Maybe you've spent your whole life being told to put your foot on the accelerator - only to be criticised for not slamming on the brakes the moment you became a mum. And maybe it's time we started talking about that.

Ep 16: Rebuilding confidence after mat leave

In this episode, we're diving into one of the most common, yet least talked about challenges working mums face: the loss of confidence after maternity leave. From imposter syndrome and identity shifts to feeling out of practice and carrying a heavier mental load than ever before, I unpack why confidence often takes a hit after becoming a parent. You'll learn why confidence and competence are not the same thing, the myths that keep mums stuck in self-doubt, and practical strategies to rebuild trust in yourself without trying to become the person you were before children. Whether you've recently returned to work, are preparing for your return, or are still finding your footing months - or even years later, this episode will remind you that you're not starting from scratch. You're rebuilding from experience, strength and growth. - I'm Kirsten Hackney - a Certified Professional Coach for Corporate Mothers, with 12+ years working in the corporate professional services industry. I partner with organisations to retain and empower their maternity returners, and also work privately with clients. To find out how I can help you or your organisation, email kirsten@coachingcorporatereturners.com or visit my website. [www.coachingcorporatereturners.com] For podcast collaborations or topic suggestions for upcoming episodes, email: kirsten@bossmom-coaching.com

Ep 15: Your dreams don't die

Have you ever felt a dream, goal, or idea keep resurfacing in your mind no matter how busy life gets? As working mum's it's easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of school runs, work deadlines, laundry and family responsibilities. Somewhere along the way, many women convince themselves that their dreams can wait, or that wanting more means they're being ungrateful for what they already have. But what if those dreams keep calling you for a reason? In this episode, I explore: - Why your dreams are often clues to the next stage of your growth - How motherhood can awaken a deeper sense of purpose and ambition - The hidden cost of ignoring your aspirations - Common myths that hold working mothers back - Practical ways to reconnect with your goals, even in a busy season of life Whether your dream is a promotion, a career change, starting a business, becoming a more confident version of yourself, or simply creating a life that feels more aligned, this conversation is for you. Because you don't have to choose between being an incredible mother and pursing your own fulfilment outside the family. I'm Kirsten Hackney - a coach for working mums, supporting them achieve their goals despite the unique challenges and pressures that come from motherhood. Get in touch for a free consultation to see how I can support you to level up your career or business. Insta: @boss.mom.coaching Email: kirsten@bossmom-caoching.com Website: www.coachingcorporatereturners.com [www.coachingcorporatereturners.com]

Ep 14. You don't know what your real goal is

What if the goals you're chasing... aren't actually the things you truly want? In this episode, we unpack the powerful idea of the 'goal behind the goal' - and why so many mums end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled despite constantly striving for more. We explore how goals like losing weight, being more productive, keeping the house perfectly organised, earning more money, or 'having it all together' are often driven by much deeper emotional needs like peace, confidence, freedom, security, self-trust and feeling like yourself again. You'll learn: - Why surface-level goals often leave us feeling empty even after we achieve them - How to identify the deeper emotional need underneath your goals - Common mistakes people make with goal setting that lead to burnout and frustration - How to create goals that actually align with your real life values, and season of motherhood. This episode is a reminder that personal growth isn't about constantly fixing yourself - it's about becoming more honest about what truly matters to you. Plus, I'll leave you with a simple but powerful coaching challenge to help you reconnect with what you're really searching for underneath your goals. If you're an ambitious working mum trying to balance motherhood, career, business and your own identity without losing yourself in the process - this conversation is for you. - I'm Kirsten Hackney - a coach for working mums to support them to reduce the overwhelm, mum guilt and priority juggling and empower them to increase their confidence, clarity and set clear boundaries - creating space for them to become more energised and level up in their career or business. I also work directly with organisations, to retain and empower their maternity returners through my signature 90 day Maternity Comeback Coaching programme. Email kirsten@coachingcorporatereturners.com Website: www.coachingcorporatereturners.com [www.coachingcorporatereturners.com]

Ep 13: The '3 hour mum'

In this episode, I unpack the controversy around the viral '3 hour mum' conversation sparked by Emma Grede - and why I think the internet completely missed the deeper issue underneath it. What does it really mean to be a 'good mother' in modern life? Because the debate was never really about hours. It was about: - Mum guilt - Emotional labour - Ambition x motherhood - Burnout - Boundaries - and the pressure women feel to constantly prove their love through sacrifice and exhaustion. As a working mum myself, I share my honest thoughts on why so many ambitious mothers feel emotionally torn between career success and being present with their children - and while being physically available 24/7 does not automatically equal better parenting. If you've ever felt guilty for working, wanting more for yourself, needing space, or trying to balance ambition with motherhood.. this episode is for you. - I'm a life coach for ambitious working mums, supporting them to reduce the mum guilt, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion, by setting strong boundaries and teaching techniques to enable you to have the confidence, clarity and feel more energised to level up in your career or business. I also work directly with organisations to retain and empower their maternity returners. Visit my website [www.coachingcorporatereturners.com] or socials for more information. kirsten@bossmom-coaching.com