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Do you find yourself apologising for leaving work on time? For missing the team drinks? For not always being available?
You don’t need to make up for being a mother. And yet, so many of us feel we have to hide our family commitments or work twice as hard to prove we’re still capable.
In this special compilation episode, Zoe brings together three powerful conversations with Vanessa Kingori, the first woman to lead British Vogue's publishing business; Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American; and Michelle Kennedy, founder of Peanut.
Each shares a different perspective on motherhood and ambition, from challenging workplace double standards to protecting family time and finding the confidence to say what you need.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting a fulfilling career, or worried that setting a boundary might make you seem less committed, this episode is for you.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Vanessa chose to make her pregnancy more visible after being advised to keep motherhood quiet
The double standards mothers and fathers face at work
How Emma protects her time and models boundaries for her team
Letting go of the pressure to balance everything perfectly
Why Michelle struggled to protect bedtime, even as a founder
Recognising what your working environment is doing to your confidence
You’ll leave with one question to reflect on: what is one thing you’re going to do differently?
If this episode helps you feel more confident and less apologetic, please share it with a mother who needs to hear it.
Watch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe.
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If you enjoyed this episode, you can listen or watch the full episodes on the guests here:
Vanessa Kingori: The NEW Career & Motherhood Playbook From The Woman Who Ran British Vogue Whilst Pregnant or watch on YouTube
Emma Grede: "Your kids don't need you to be their everything" or watch on YouTube
Michelle Kennedy: How to Turn Your Hardest Motherhood Struggles Into a Career With Purpose
Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet
Connect with Zoe:
Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’
This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:
Headline sponsor: Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.
Grape Tree Feel Good Foods. Buy online at Grapetree.co.uk or find your local store
Key topics: Working mothers • Motherhood and ambition • Workplace boundaries • Working mum guilt • Women in leadership • Motherhood penalty • Career confidence • Self-worth • Work and family life