#223 Marilla Akkermans - Swim in the Doubt: The Trust Behind a Four-Day Work Week and 90% Retention

What if the key to 90% staff retention was radical trust from day one? Marilla Akkermans launched Equality Media and Marketing while raising her first child, after experiencing her own worth drop when she became a mother. She decided to build something different: a business with a four-day work week that actually works, 19 inclusive care policies, and trust given upfront, not earned. In this conversation, Marilla shares how they ran a three-month trial of the four-day work week to prove it could work for everyone involved, why efficiency should be rewarded with time back (not more work), and why tracking mouse movements is lazy leadership. She gets real about the grit required, swimming in doubt, and her vision for true equality in an industry where women make up 51% of the workforce but only 30% of leadership. This one's for anyone who's ever thought: there has to be a better way. ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation! Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership