Big Careers, Small Children

In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Louise Donaghey FRAeS, Group Head of Engines at International Airlines Group GBS, who will soon be one of Leaders Plus’ Senior Leader Mentors, about her remarkable career in aviation, leadership in male-dominated environments, and her experience of being the sole breadwinner in her family for nearly two decades.

Louise shares candidly about managing the pressure of high-stakes roles while raising two children, how she learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength, and what it really takes to stay present as a parent when the stakes at work are high. Her story is full of honesty, practical wisdom, and powerful reframing of success, motherhood, and leadership.

Together, they explore:

✔️ What it means to lead as the sole breadwinner in a family

✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness

✔️ How to deal with judgement from others (especially fellow parents)

✔️ Practical strategies to be present with your children while succeeding at work

✔️ How to shut out guilt and define success on your own terms

✔️ Why ambition can grow because of parenting, not in spite of it

✔️ The value of scaring yourself with roles that stretch you

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to balance career ambition and caring responsibilities
• Why perfection is a myth and authenticity matters more
• How to handle judgment and stay confident in your choices
• Strategies for setting boundaries and managing your energy
• The mindset shift needed to thrive as a working parent and leader

Show Notes:

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:

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:

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:

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: