The Working Mumma podcast supports your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can feel confident & capable while juggling the demands...
Raising an autistic child and rebuilding your career - Porscia Lam's story
Returning to work after a career break is challenging for any parent, but what happens when that break is dedicated to being a full-time carer for a child with autism? In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Carina sits down with Porscia Lam—former corporate lawyer, mother of two, and author of The Unlocking: An Autism Story—to discuss her journey of parenting an autistic child, navigating early autistic intervention therapy using ABA, and re-entering the workforce after a three-year career break.
In This Episode, we chat about:
Early signs of autism and the diagnosis journey (during Melbourne's record lockdown)
The impact of early intervention therapy and ABA therapy
The emotional and financial realities of taking a career break as a full-time carer
Returning to work after a long career gap—what worked, what didn’t
The stigma around career breaks and how to position yourself when re-entering the workforce
How to support parents of neurodivergent children
Whether you’re a working mum, a parent of a neurodivergent child, or someone navigating a career break, Porscia’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy. Her insights provide not only hope, but practical strategies for navigating work and family life.
Links & Resources
Connect with Porscia
Buy Porscia’s book, The Unlocking: An Autism Story
Connect with Porscia: porscialam.com or @porscialam
Connect with Carina and Working Mumma
Follow on @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn
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51:44
How to cope returning to work after maternity leave
Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence.
In this episode, I share:
How to prepare before your first day back
The key conversations to have with your employer
Managing work expectations and setting boundaries
Dealing with mum guilt & adjusting to the emotional ups and downs
Building a sustainable work-life routine without burnout
Whether you're heading back to work soon or in the early days of your return, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate this transition with confidence.
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with another working mum who needs support in her return-to-work journey!
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn
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28:41
Why flexibility works and is needed for working mums with Dr. Ellen Ford
Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit?
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibility. We explore:
Why companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates and what’s driving this push
The myth of increased productivity in the office vs. hybrid work models
How forced office work impacts working parents—especially women
The unintended consequences for businesses—from talent loss to employee disengagement
How to have a conversation with your employer if you’re being forced back into the office full-time
Tactics for negotiating a hybrid work arrangement that benefits both you and your employer
If you're navigating a return-to-office mandate, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you advocate for flexibility and protect your work-life balance.
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/
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45:20
How to let go of mum guilt and the pressure to ‘Do It All’
Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career?
In this episode, I'm tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family.
I break down:
Why we feel mum guilt (and why it’s not your fault)
How guilt holds us back from thriving at work and at home
5 Practical tips to help you reflect and manage the guilt
Why you need to focus on what really matters to you and your family - it's much simpler than you may think
Learn how to drop the guilt and reclaim your confidence as a working mum!
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn
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23:10
Tips for job search, resume writing and interviews with HR expert Ash Battye
Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change?
In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career Pursuit. Ash has over a decade of experience in recruitment and HR and is passionate about helping businesses find the right talent while supporting job seekers—especially mums—on their return-to-work journey.
We chat about:
The biggest challenges working mums face when job hunting after maternity leave
How to update your resume to stand out (and address career gaps)
Practical strategies for nailing your job interview
How to change careers and find flexible, family-friendly employers
Whether you’re job hunting, considering a career change, or just want to feel more confident in your career after having children, this episode is packed with practical insights to support your journey.
Listen now and take the next step in your career with confidence!
SHOW LINKS
Connect with Ash on Instagram or her website careerpursuit.com.au
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/
Subscribe & Review
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The Working Mumma podcast supports your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can feel confident & capable while juggling the demands of motherhood and a career
I’m your host, Carina O’Brien, founder of Working Mumma and fellow working mum with 2 young boys. Join me as I explore life returning to work after maternity leave and as a working mum with a mix of solo episodes, amazing interviews with experts, and women sharing their experiences of juggling life and motherhood. Each episode is focused on supporting women to have the resources, mindset, tools, and confidence to support you in successfully managing the juggle.
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