Leaders With Babies

Leaders Plus

Too often, ambitious men and women feel they must choose between pursuing a leadership career they love and enjoying their young family. It doesn't have to be this way. Leaders with Babies is a brand-new podcast from Leaders Plus, an award-winning soci...

  • 45 minutes 1 second
    {CEO Series} Dr Nara Daubeney - How To Let Go of Guilt and Redefine Success as a Working Parent

    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 terms
    • Why motherhood and leadership are not in conflict
    • The mindset shift that helps you build a sustainable career
    • How to set boundaries and run your life like a system
    • The role of authenticity, values, and reflection in leadership

    Show Notes:


    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

    Episode 146 - Dr Jasmin Islam: How to Set Boundaries & Ask for What You Need When Balancing Career & Family

    3 April 2025, 4:30 am
  • 51 minutes 13 seconds
    Nadia Bunyan MCIPD & Tatiana Pignon - How to Successfully Implement a 4-Day Week Without Sacrificing Impact

    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:


    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] Lizzie Penny & Alex Hirst – How Workstyle (Rather Than Flexible Working) Could Change the Way You Work Forever

    27 March 2025, 4:15 am
  • 47 minutes 55 seconds
    Jo Taylor & John Pyle - International Careers & Parenthood: How to Thrive When Pursuing a Global Career and Raising a Family

    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.

    20 March 2025, 5:00 am
  • 38 minutes 13 seconds
    Dan Reed - The Power of Authenticity And How Parenthood Can Strengthen Leadership

    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:


    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: (C-Suite Series) Steph Hind - How to Balance Leadership, Parenting, and Wellbeing Without Sacrifice

    13 March 2025, 4:15 am
  • 41 minutes 22 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Steph Hind - How to Balance Leadership, Parenting, and Wellbeing Without Sacrifice

    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 LinkedIn
    • Learn 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:


    6 March 2025, 4:15 am
  • 47 minutes 29 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL - How to Overcome Guilt and Build a Successful Career as a Parent

    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 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.

    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:


    27 February 2025, 4:15 am
  • 37 minutes 42 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms

    In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jane Hollinshead, Chief People Officer at Canary Wharf Group, about her squiggly career journey and how she navigated career changes, flexible working, and leadership progression while raising a family.

    Jane shares her experience of being one of the first part-time lawyers in the 1990s, how she approached career transitions with confidence, and why she believes more professionals should embrace career phases rather than a rigid career ladder.

    Together, they explore:

    ✔️ How Jane successfully navigated a non-linear career path to reach the C-suite.

    ✔️ Practical tips for requesting flexible working in a way that benefits both employees and employers.

    ✔️ Why career off-ramps and on-ramps are natural and necessary for long-term success.

    ✔️ How to develop the resilience and confidence to take career risks.

    ✔️ The importance of networking, self-reflection, and external perspectives when considering a career shift.

    Whether you’re thinking about a career change, aiming for senior leadership, or simply seeking reassurance that your career doesn’t have to be a straight line, this episode is full of practical wisdom and inspiration.

    In This Episode You Will Learn:

    • Why a squiggly career can be a strategic advantage.
    • How to confidently ask for flexible working—and avoid common mistakes.
    • The mindset shift needed to re-enter the workforce or pivot sectors.
    • How career progression is possible at any stage of life, not just in your 30s or 40s.
    • How to future-proof your career by continuously building new skills and experiences.

    Show Notes:


    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:


    13 February 2025, 4:15 am
  • 36 minutes 12 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Heather Black - How Upskilling Can Unlock a Flexible and Fulfilling Career

    In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Black, Founder and CEO of Supermums. Heather is passionate about helping parents build flexible, fulfilling, and well-paid careers after parenthood.

    She shares her own journey of transitioning into tech, how she launched Supermums to support others, and why upskilling can be a game-changer for working parents looking for more career flexibility.

    Together, they explore:

    • How Heather transitioned into tech and why she believes more parents should consider it.
    • The value of upskilling and how it can open doors to new career opportunities.
    • Practical steps for navigating a career change and building confidence in a new sector.
    • How to choose the right employer and avoid toxic workplace cultures.
    • The hidden job market and how networking can help land the right role.

    We hope you enjoy the episode!

    About Heather Black

    Heather Black is the founder and CEO of Supermums. She is the mum of two little girls and lives by the sea in East Sussex whilst working remotely. She helps parents to achieve flexible well-paid careers after parenthood and has supported 1000 trainees globally to successfully relaunch their careers. In 2010 she became an accidental Salesforce admin for her non-profit and loved it so much that she decided to upskill as a Salesforce Consultant in 2012 helping other non-profits to implement a CRM. She realised her career path could work for other mothers so she launched Supermums in 2016 to bring more women into the sector. Find out more about what a Salesforce Career can offer you here https://supermums.org/what-is-a-salesforce-career/

    Show Notes:


    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:


    6 February 2025, 4:15 am
  • 42 minutes 10 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Sylwia Wolos - Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor on How to Thrive in a C-Suite Role While Raising a Family

    In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Sylwia Wołos, Chief Strategy Officer at Ground Truth Intelligence and a Senior Leader Mentor on the Leaders Plus Fellowship Programme.

    Sylwia shares her inspiring journey of building a successful career in the demanding field of risk management and compliance while raising three children. She discusses the challenges of navigating the C-suite as a working parent, tackling gender inequality in senior leadership, and breaking the stigma around balancing ambitious careers with family life.

    Together, they explore:

    • How Sylwia’s upbringing in Poland fuelled her passion for combating financial crime and corruption.
    • Practical strategies for managing priorities and setting boundaries as a senior leader and parent.
    • The importance of rethinking success and adapting career goals to align with personal values.
    • Why parents shouldn’t apologise for balancing family and work responsibilities.
    • Tips for effective networking, even as an introvert, and the transformative impact of mentoring.

    This heartfelt and insightful conversation offers valuable advice for ambitious working parents striving to progress their careers while prioritising their families.

    We hope you enjoy the episode!

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • How to lead with compassion and embrace flexibility as a parent and leader.
    • The significance of redefining success and pursuing a career on your own terms.
    • Why mentoring is beneficial for both mentors and mentees.

    Show Notes:


    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:


    30 January 2025, 4:30 am
  • 39 minutes 34 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Verena Hefti MBE - Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Journey of Leaders Plus and How to Navigate Career Progression for Working Parents

    In this special 200th episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, our Programme and Impact Manager, Helen Fraser, takes the interviewer’s seat to chat with Leaders Plus Founder and CEO, Verena Hefti MBE. Verena reflects on the journey of starting Leaders Plus, the lessons learned from interviewing 199 inspiring guests, and the challenges and triumphs of combining an ambitious career with family life.

    In this candid conversation, Verena shares how her own experiences of returning to work after maternity leave led her to create an award-winning social enterprise that supports working parents to progress their careers without sacrificing family life. She discusses the importance of role models, the challenges of setting boundaries, and how Leaders Plus is driving real change in the workplace.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • How Leaders Plus was founded and the impact it has had on working parents.
    • The challenges working parents face in progressing their careers and how to overcome them.
    • The power of setting boundaries and finding a balance that works for you.
    • Practical tips for combining career progression with family commitments.
    • How Leaders Plus is shaping employer policies and driving cultural change for parents in leadership.

    Verena also reflects on receiving an MBE, what it means for the organisation, and the importance of focusing on purpose-driven leadership.

    We hope you enjoy this milestone episode!

    Show Notes:

    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.

    • 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.

    More BCSC episodes we think you'll love:


    23 January 2025, 4:15 am
  • 44 minutes 13 seconds
    (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood

    Are you ready to redefine career success while raising a family?

    In the first episode of the C-Suite series, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women and author of the upcoming book Flex: Smart Strategies to Build A Successful Career Around Your Life. With over 17 years of recruitment experience, Elizabeth is passionate about empowering professionals to find fulfilling, flexible, and part-time work that fits their lives, and helps close the gender pay gap.

    Elizabeth shares her insights on how flexible work can unlock opportunities for ambitious parents, why intentional time management is a game-changer, and how to stand out in the job market with a CV that shines, even in the era of AI.

    This practical and inspiring conversation is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of combining a high-powered career with parenthood.

    We hope you enjoy the episode!

    Show Notes:


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How flexible and part-time roles can support your career and personal goals.
    • Practical tips for writing a standout CV that highlights your impact.
    • The power of intentional time management to achieve your dreams.
    • Why negotiation is essential when securing flexible work arrangements.

    More BCSC episodes you might love:


    Discover more about the multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowship, designed to support ambitious working parents on the path to senior leadership. Learn more at Leaders Plus.

    Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

    16 January 2025, 4:15 am
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