E22 featuring Fiona H: Discovering that your children often need you more the older they get

In this conversation, Fiona, a Managing Director and Independent Non-Executive Director, discusses her experience as a working mother. She shares insights into her career path, the importance of role models, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Fiona also reflects on attitudes towards pregnant women in the workplace and the changing role of fathers. She highlights the need for flexible parental leave options and the impact of parenting decisions such as having a nanny and choosing whether to breastfeed on returning to work. In this conversation, Fiona discusses various aspects of parenting, decision-making, vulnerability, and work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of personal choice in parenting and advises that you are best placed to make decisions about your own family and that once a decision is made, be confident in sticking to it and ignore perceived judgment from others. She also reflects on the vulnerability experienced when returning to work after maternity leave and the need for support and understanding in the workplace. Fiona shares her experience of taking a role abroad and the challenges and rewards it brings to her family. Finally, she highlights the importance of appreciating individuals for their unique contributions and avoiding assumptions based on personal experiences.   Key takeaways The transition to parenthood is a unique journey for each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Having a supportive network, including family and role models, can greatly influence a person's experience as a working parent. Attitudes towards pregnant women in the workplace have evolved, but there is still progress to be made in achieving gender equality and eliminating judgment. The role of fathers in parenting has become more prominent, with many dads taking on supportive and involved roles. Flexible parental leave options can benefit both parents and children, allowing for a better work-life balance. Parenting is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong approach. It is important to respect and support each other's decisions. Returning to work after maternity leave can make individuals feel vulnerable. It is crucial for employers and colleagues to be understanding and provide support. Taking on new challenges, such as working abroad, can be a rewarding experience for both individuals and their families. It requires open communication and a willingness to adapt. Appreciating individuals for their unique contributions and avoiding assumptions based on personal experiences is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics 02:33 Career Path and Parenthood 09:30 Transitioning to Parenthood 11:48 Maternity Leave and Returning to Work 18:14 The Importance of Role Models 23:01 Attitudes Towards Pregnant Women in the Workplace 29:18 Supportive Family and Role Models 37:53 The Changing Role of Dads 42:08 Flexible Parental Leave 43:08 Challenges of Breastfeeding and Returning to Work 44:17 Different Approaches to Parenting 45:18 Limited Reading and Personal Parenting Advice 46:15 Vulnerability and Decision-Making 48:21 Self-Doubt and Delegating Responsibilities 50:31 Taking a Role Abroad 52:34 Balancing Work and Family Life 56:17 Appreciating Individuals and Avoiding Assumptions