The Mothering Project

Are you sitting on a dream, wondering if it’s too late or too big?Ciara Gallagher’s story is the reminder you didn’t know you needed. From traffic control to building a thriving beauty business, this conversation is all about bold moves, backing yourself, and learning as you go — not before you start.We dive into the real journey behind the highlight reel — the pivots, the burnout, the risks, and the little moments that quietly changed everything.If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something more, this episode will meet you right there.In This Episode Ciara’s unexpected leap from traffic control into beauty entrepreneurship  How spotting trends (before they explode) can change everything  The role of self-awareness in leadership and building a team  What it really takes to develop products from scratch  Why mentorship and connections aren’t optional — they’re essential  Burnout, boundaries, and building a business that doesn’t break you  The mindset shifts needed to grow and scale sustainably  Trusting your intuition (even when it doesn’t make logical sense) Resources & LinksBrow Era Products — Ciara’s brow product range https://browera.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjd2mt3wtV-a2ipafR1XxjEfXBFhS0D2DFYxq92up0h7p8ecufConnect with Ciara Instagram — follow her journey, business insights & behind-the-scenes - Instagram Browera - https://www.instagram.com/browera/

Sometimes life still looks completely normal on the outside… but internally something has shifted.In this solo episode, I’m talking about the quieter signs that often appear before a change in career, pace, identity, or priorities — the things many women feel before they fully understand what is happening.This isn’t about dramatic reinvention. It’s about recognising what keeps returning, what feels heavier than it used to, and why uncertainty often shows up before clarity does.If you’ve been questioning things quietly, this episode may feel very familiar.In this episode: The subtle signs life may be asking you to change  Why certainty rarely comes first  How heaviness can be useful information  Why small moves often matter more than big plans  The truth about identity wobble during growth  Why pace change can matter more than career change  How to trust what keeps returning00:00 Why change often starts quietly 00:24 The subtle signs many women overlook 01:10 Why questioning your life matters 01:36 Sign one: don’t wait for certainty 02:34 When heaviness is information 03:55 Starting before confidence arrives 04:48 Why quiet building matters 05:41 Let values lead before titles 07:42 Identity wobble is normal 08:32 Small experiments create movement 09:29 Sometimes it’s pace, not career 10:37 Most people feel less certain than they look 11:49 Trust what keeps returning 13:10 Why your next chapter may already be beginningMy website : https://www.christina-byrne.com/

This week on The Mothering Project, I’m joined by Thy Nguyen /Monzo for a really honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and what happens when life asks you to begin again in a different way than you expected.Thy shares her journey from running a yoga studio to stepping into work that looked very different, navigating motherhood, the pressure of business ownership, and the emotional reality of closing something she had once poured so much of herself into.We talk about what COVID shifted — practically and personally — and the way motherhood can bring both clarity and conflict: what matters, what no longer fits, and how hard it can be to hear your own voice underneath the noise of everyday life.There’s also a powerful conversation around mental load, self-awareness, and the invisible work women often carry — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.What I loved most in this conversation is Thy’s honesty: about not getting it right all the time, about learning through change, and about giving yourself permission to evolve without guilt.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt themselves changing and wondered what to hold onto — and what they may need to let go of 💛🎙️Thy - Yoga  https://www.instagram.com/yogawiththy/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVhzv0ICVaR/?igsh=eWRtZGpoNnVoc2Uy

Some conversations stay with you because they hold both strength and softness at the same time — and this is one of them.In this episode, Carla shares the story behind leaving corporate life, backing herself, and building a Pilates business that reflects not just ambition, but who she was becoming underneath it all.We talk about the courage it takes to begin again — professionally, personally, and emotionally — and how life can ask us to keep evolving even when we would rather stay certain.Carla speaks openly about opening a studio during COVID, navigating pressure, motherhood, relationships, leadership, and the quieter inner shifts that often happen alongside visible success.There is something deeply relatable in this conversation for any woman who has ever questioned whether she is allowed to want more, change direction, or rebuild parts of her life without apology.It is a conversation about resilience, yes — but also identity, self-trust, and learning that growth often asks us to let old versions of ourselves soften.In this episode we explore: Leaving corporate life and backing yourself  Building a business through uncertainty  Motherhood and ambition sitting side by side  Divorce, relationships, and personal evolution  Leadership and holding space for others  Why self-care often looks simple, not perfect  Creating a business that feels aligned with who you are now A few moments that stayed:“I back myself to give everything a go.” “Marriage is a chapter, not a failure.” “Walking is my daily self-care ritual.”Connect with Carla:Carla Instagram - InstagramHiit Pilates - InstagramHIIT Pilates Studio | Reformer Pilates SydneyAnd in case any of you listening want a change of life or career, See this amazing Pilates Reformer Course. Reformer Pilates Teacher Training | HIIT Pilates Academy (Online & In-Studio) — HIIT Pilates Studio

Sometimes life can look completely normal on the outside… while internally, something is quietly shifting.In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on that kind of season — the one where change is happening, but not always in ways other people can see yet.I share a little of what this season has felt like for me: building the podcast, growing my work, getting clearer on what I want to create, and learning to trust what is forming even when there is not yet obvious proof.Because not every meaningful shift arrives with dramatics. Sometimes the strongest change happens quietly — in ordinary weeks, small decisions, and moments where you begin to trust yourself differently.If you are in a season where something feels like it is moving, even if life still looks the same, this episode is for you.Key Topics what quiet change can feel like before anything looks different externallybuilding something before you fully know what it will becometrusting your own timingthe role values play when life feels uncertainallowing identity to evolve without forcing itTakeawaysChange often begins long before it becomes visibleYou do not always get proof straight away that something is workingInternal clarity matters just as much as external progressQuiet seasons can still be deeply productiveI would really like if you haven't already if you liked and shared with anyone who you think would enjoy it! 

Before you read the show notes, I wanted to say a HAPPY St Patricks Day to all! In this thoughtful and honest conversation, I sit with Julie Parker — founder of Beautiful You Coaching Academy — to explore the many transitions women navigate across motherhood, work, identity, and wellbeing.Julie shares her own journey from social work into life coaching, reflecting on what led her to build a successful coaching academy and the values that have shaped both her business and life along the way.Together, we discuss the realities of balancing motherhood with ambition, the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and modern womanhood, and why support systems matter so deeply when women are building something meaningful.This episode also explores the power of coaching as a space for accountability, reflection, and growth — particularly during seasons of change — and the importance of understanding your core values when making decisions about work, family, and the life you want to create.A grounded and generous conversation about growth, freedom, and the reminder that you do not have to do it alone.In this episode:Julie’s path from social work into coachingBuilding a coaching business through trust and relationshipsMotherhood, menopause, and identity shiftsWhy core values matter in life and businessDaily wellbeing and personal ritualsSupport, partnership, and sustainable ambitionA few standout moments:✨ “It’s all about relationship building.” ✨ “Find out your core life values.” ✨ “You don’t have to do it alone.”Beautiful You - Instagram Website: Home - Beautiful You Coaching Academy Linked in - Julie - Julie Parker | LinkedIn  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 02:53 Navigating Womanhood: Menopause and Motherhood 06:06 The Journey to Life Coaching 08:57 Building a Coaching Academy 11:54 The Evolution of Coaching and Client Relationships 14:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching 17:48Finding Balance and Freedom in Life 20:55 Self-Care Practices and Wellbeing 28:26 Morning Rituals and Spiritual Practices 33:58 Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:01 The Importance of Support Systems 43:36 Chasing Dreams and Core Values 

In this episode I explore something that sits quietly underneath so many of the things we want to do in life — the fear of being seen.It’s not always the fear of failure that stops us. Often it’s the fear of judgement. The moment we put an idea, a project or our voice out into the world and wonder what people might think.I share some reflections on what this has looked like for me while starting this podcast — the internal conversations, the courage it takes to press publish, and why visibility can feel so uncomfortable.My whole career has been centred around people — understanding the human side of leadership, work and life — and this podcast is really an extension of that curiosity.This episode is an honest conversation about visibility, authenticity, and what it takes to move forward even when the fear is still there.Keywordsfear of being seen, visibility, podcasting, authenticity, personal growth, courage, overcoming fear, self-expression, leadership, motherhood, becomingKey Topics• The fear of being seen and judged • Why visibility can feel uncomfortable • What actually goes into starting a podcast • Pressing publish and embracing vulnerability • Authenticity and the human side of growth • Practical ways to move through visibility fearsTakeaways• The fear of being seen is often about vulnerability rather than failure. • Starting something visible requires courage. • Remembering your deeper purpose can help you move through self-doubt. • Not everyone will understand what you're building — and that’s OK. • Taking small steps builds confidence over time. • Pressing “publish” is often the hardest step, but it’s also where growth begins.Chapters00:00 Introduction — The quiet fear of visibility 00:40 Why being seen can feel uncomfortable 01:55 A moment where I felt that fear 03:20 Why I started this podcast 06:20 What it really takes to start a podcast 08:40 The courage it takes to press publish 10:10 What I’ve loved about creating the podcast 12:10 How I move through the fear of being seen 15:20 Becoming comfortable with visibility 16:45 Final reflectionMy Website - Home | The Human ProjectInstagram : (1) Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Sorcha Hunter, founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a successful business operating in the construction and labour hire industry — a space traditionally dominated by men.Sorcha shares the real, behind-the-scenes experience of building and running a business in a demanding industry. From managing staff and navigating client expectations to handling the inevitable curveballs that come with business, she speaks openly about the moments that once caused stress and overwhelm.As a female founder in a male-dominated field, Sorcha has worked hard to establish credibility, stay ahead of industry demands, and continually adapt. We talk about the practical things she has done to keep up — developing strong problem-solving skills, learning to stay calm under pressure, and building strong relationships in her industry.Alongside running Hunter Labour Hire, Sorcha is also the founder of SOS Mentors, a mentoring initiative that supports start-ups and emerging business owners by sharing practical knowledge and guidance drawn from her own business journey.Sorcha is also a mother, navigating the unpredictability that comes with raising a family while running a company. That experience brings a different kind of perspective to leadership — one grounded in patience, adaptability, and resilience.A big part of Sorcha’s ability to stay steady is how she looks after herself. She shares how prioritising self-care through yoga and  gym training helps her regulate stress, maintain energy, and stay clear-headed when challenges arise.Over time, the moments that once caused “freak-outs” have become opportunities to pause, learn, and respond with calm and confidence.This conversation explores how resilience is built — not through perfection, but through experience, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep showing up.About SorchaSorcha Hunter is the founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a thriving labour hire business operating within the construction industry.As a female founder in a male-dominated sector, Sorcha has built a reputation for strong leadership, practical problem solving, and resilience in the face of business challenges.She is also the founder of SOS Mentors, where she supports start-ups and early-stage business owners through mentoring and guidance based on real-world experience.Alongside her business ventures, Sorcha is a mother and prioritises self-care through practices such as yoga and regular gym training, helping her maintain balance, perspective, and resilience in both business and life.What We Talk About• Building a business in a male-dominated industry • Managing staff and team dynamics • Navigating client challenges and setbacks • Balancing motherhood and leadership • The mindset needed to stay calm in business • Supporting new entrepreneurs through SOS Mentors • The role of self-care, yoga, and fitness in sustaining resilienceYou can find Sorcha    HLH- Instagram   SOS Mentors - InstagramLinked in : Sorcha Hunter | LinkedIn ; HLH Group | Hunter Labour Hire: Posts | LinkedInWebsite : Labour Hire & Construction Recruitment Agency Sydney

In this conversation, Tara and I explore the tension so many ambitious mothers feel — wanting to build something meaningful, while also wanting to be present.We talk about failed starts, redefining success, building flexibility on purpose, and the emotional reality of growing a business alongside a family. Tara shares how she’s learned to prioritise self-care, lean into support networks, and build boundaries without apology.This episode is really about becoming — who you’re becoming as a leader, a mother, and a woman — and how to do that without burning yourself out. Key TopicsThe journey from failed careers to business ownershipWhy support networks and mentorship matterWork-life integration vs. work-life balanceLeadership as a motherSelf-care as a non-negotiableThe future vision for Kindred and community impact Key Frameworks DiscussedThe Power of Support NetworksWork-Life Integration StrategiesSelf-Care as Leadership PracticeAction TakeawaysTake time to consciously envision your career and life before making major changes.Build boundaries early — and don’t apologise for them.Start small with self-care. It doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful.Seek mentorship and community — success is rarely solo.Where you can find Tara! https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarakindredppl/Instagram

Christina explores burnout through a more nuanced lens — not as dramatic collapse, but as quiet self-abandonment. She unpacks how identity tied to capability, over-functioning, and subtle internal misalignment erode self-trust over time.Through personal reflection on motherhood, ambition, and her quiet shift into self-employment, Christina reframes boundaries as an act of self-respect rather than selfishness — and invites listeners to examine where they may be overriding themselves.This episode challenges high-functioning women to reconsider what they’re calling burnout — and whether it’s actually boundary erosion.burnout, boundaries, self-trust, identity, motherhood, over functioning, high-achieving women, guilt, self-abandonment, work-life alignment, emotional resilienceInstagram https://www.christina-byrne.com/Key TopicsBurnout as moral and identity friction — not just exhaustionThe link between capability identity and overcommitmentMotherhood guilt and endlessly available patternsBoundary erosion as a slow loss of self-trustWhy changing environments doesn’t fix internal misalignmentUntangling worth from performancTakeawaysBurnout isn’t always collapse — it’s often quiet resentment and internal misalignment.High-functioning women override themselves in socially acceptable ways.Identity tied to being “capable” can drive chronic overcommitment.Guilt is often the discomfort of holding a boundary — not proof you’re wrong.Endlessly available is not the same as emotionally attuned.Every time you override your own “no,” you weaken self-trust.Real change begins when you stop negotiating with yourself.

**** This conversation was recorded before Fionnuala’s little bub arrived — in that tender, anticipatory season before motherhood expands again. It’s a beautiful listen knowing what was on the horizon, and we’ll be recording a Part 2 to reflect on the lived reality once she’s in it.****What happens when you stop ignoring the inner nudge and finally trust it?In this episode, I sit down with Fionnuala to explore the real edges of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and identity. This is an honest conversation about pivoting from corporate life, building a soulful business, and learning to honour your energy through changing seasons.No hustle narrative. No perfection. Just truth.In This Episode We Explore:Trusting your intuition when logic feels louderBuilding boundaries that protect your energy and prevent burnoutStructuring your business around seasons — including pregnancy and maternity leaveReleasing guilt around rest and self-investmentWhy mentorship and community are essential, not optionalThe role of shadow work and mindset in sustainable growthMoving from grind to grace in business and lifeThe power of retreats and in-person connectionEntrepreneurship isn’t just strategy. It’s nervous system work. It’s identity work. It’s season work.If you’re a mum navigating transition — or a woman feeling the pull toward something new — this conversation will meet you there.Timestamps 00:00 – Listening to the inner voice 02:04 – Fionnuala’s journey into entrepreneurship 05:15 – Trusting purpose over traditional work 08:14 – Boundaries and avoiding burnout 12:29 – The importance of mentorship and community 17:55 – Growth through entrepreneurship 20:42 – Shadow work and mindset shifts 23:11 – Advice for aspiring mama entrepreneurs 27:50 – Preparing your business for maternity leave 31:10 – Retreats, community, and future plans in Ireland 37:11 – Transitioning out of corporate 41:22 – Embracing seasons and staying grounded 47:24 – Closing reflectionsYou can find Fionnuala - Instagram , Instagram

In this episode of The Mothering Project, I talk about the mental load — the unseen, ongoing thinking that keeps homes, families, and workplaces running.Not just the tasks. But the anticipation. The remembering. The emotional temperature-checking.The part that rarely gets acknowledged.I share some of my own experiences — from early motherhood to returning to work — and explore why this kind of invisible responsibility is so exhausting. We look at how easily it becomes internalised as “I should be coping better,” when in reality, it’s sustained responsibility without relief.This conversation also touches on the cultural layer — why mental load disproportionately sits with women, and why naming it matters.Nothing here needs fixing. But it might help to hear it said out loud.• Mental load isn’t just tasks — it’s anticipation and emotional management. • It’s not about who does more, but who carries the thinking. • When your brain is always scanning, it never truly rests. • Exhaustion doesn’t mean weakness — it often means responsibility without relief. • Irritability and numbness can be signals, not personality flaws. • Naming what you’re carrying reduces shame. • You don’t need to optimise harder — you need your inner world taken seriously. • Making the invisible visible can shift relationships and self-blame. • This isn’t just personal — there are structural and cultural layers at play. • Noticing what you carry is the first small act of change.

Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just a logistical shift — it’s an identity one.In this episode, I talk about going back four days a week and living with the constant tug between wanting to be present at home and wanting to stay credible, committed, and capable at work.The guilt. The internal negotiations. The pressure not to be the first to leave. The quiet grief for the version of yourself who could stay late without thinking twice.This isn’t an episode about “finding balance.” It’s about naming the tension — and recognising that the tug you feel isn’t weakness. It’s information.If you’ve ever felt stretched between career and motherhood, grateful but unsettled, ambitious but aching — you’re not alone in that.Nothing here needs solving. But it might help to hear it said out loud.In this episode, I explore:What returning to work actually feels like (not the Instagram version)The myth of “balance” and the reality of compressionThe inner dialogue of choosing between your child and your careerWhy not wanting to leave first says more about culture than commitmentHow guilt and exhaustion can be signals, not failuresThe small, steady steps I took toward doing work differentlyWhy this tension isn’t just personal — it’s structural

The place where it all started, the ideas and the questioning