Big Careers, Small Children
Big Careers, Small Children

Big Careers, Small Children

Leaders Plus

Overview
Episodes

Details

Big Careers Small Children helps ambitious parents progress careers they love whilst being present with their children. Through honest and informal conversation, senior leaders divulge what they have learnt on their own journey of combining big careers with young children to our host Verena Hefti MBE. Expect lots of aha moments, inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical support, so you can move forward in your career in a way that works for you and your family.This podcast is hosted by our social enterprise Leaders Plus. We believe that no parent should have to choose between progressing the career they love and enjoying their young children. Through the Big Careers, Small Children podcast and our award-winning Fellowship Programme, we have supported thousands of Leaders with young children to make brave decisions about their future. We unapologetically help more mums (and dads with significant caring responsibilities) to get to senior leadership positions, because only by helping parents to progress their career can we have true gender equality at the top and address the gender pay gap.Be part of our positive movement for change and sign up to receive our informative monthly emails at www.leadersplus.org.uk/newsletterWe hope you enjoy listening to our podcast and invite you to follow us on social media @leaders_plus #BigCareersSmallChildren

Recent Episodes

(C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms
FEB 13, 2025
(C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms

In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Jane Hollinshead, Chief People Officer at Canary Wharf Group, about her squiggly career journey and how she navigated career changes, flexible working, and leadership progression while raising a family.

Jane shares her experience of being one of the first part-time lawyers in the 1990s, how she approached career transitions with confidence, and why she believes more professionals should embrace career phases rather than a rigid career ladder.

Together, they explore:

✔️ How Jane successfully navigated a non-linear career path to reach the C-suite.

✔️ Practical tips for requesting flexible working in a way that benefits both employees and employers.

✔️ Why career off-ramps and on-ramps are natural and necessary for long-term success.

✔️ How to develop the resilience and confidence to take career risks.

✔️ The importance of networking, self-reflection, and external perspectives when considering a career shift.

Whether you’re thinking about a career change, aiming for senior leadership, or simply seeking reassurance that your career doesn’t have to be a straight line, this episode is full of practical wisdom and inspiration.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why a squiggly career can be a strategic advantage.
  • How to confidently ask for flexible working—and avoid common mistakes.
  • The mindset shift needed to re-enter the workforce or pivot sectors.
  • How career progression is possible at any stage of life, not just in your 30s or 40s.
  • How to future-proof your career by continuously building new skills and experiences.

Show Notes:


Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

More BCSC episodes you might love:


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37 MIN
(C-Suite Series) Heather Black - How Upskilling Can Unlock a Flexible and Fulfilling Career
FEB 6, 2025
(C-Suite Series) Heather Black - How Upskilling Can Unlock a Flexible and Fulfilling Career

In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Heather Black, Founder and CEO of Supermums. Heather is passionate about helping parents build flexible, fulfilling, and well-paid careers after parenthood.

She shares her own journey of transitioning into tech, how she launched Supermums to support others, and why upskilling can be a game-changer for working parents looking for more career flexibility.

Together, they explore:

  • How Heather transitioned into tech and why she believes more parents should consider it.
  • The value of upskilling and how it can open doors to new career opportunities.
  • Practical steps for navigating a career change and building confidence in a new sector.
  • How to choose the right employer and avoid toxic workplace cultures.
  • The hidden job market and how networking can help land the right role.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

About Heather Black

Heather Black is the founder and CEO of Supermums. She is the mum of two little girls and lives by the sea in East Sussex whilst working remotely. She helps parents to achieve flexible well-paid careers after parenthood and has supported 1000 trainees globally to successfully relaunch their careers. In 2010 she became an accidental Salesforce admin for her non-profit and loved it so much that she decided to upskill as a Salesforce Consultant in 2012 helping other non-profits to implement a CRM. She realised her career path could work for other mothers so she launched Supermums in 2016 to bring more women into the sector. Find out more about what a Salesforce Career can offer you here https://supermums.org/what-is-a-salesforce-career/

Show Notes:


Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

More BCSC episodes you might love:


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36 MIN
(C-Suite Series) Sylwia Wolos - Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor on How to Thrive in a C-Suite Role While Raising a Family
JAN 30, 2025
(C-Suite Series) Sylwia Wolos - Leaders Plus Senior Leader Mentor on How to Thrive in a C-Suite Role While Raising a Family

In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Sylwia Wołos, Chief Strategy Officer at Ground Truth Intelligence and a Senior Leader Mentor on the Leaders Plus Fellowship Programme.

Sylwia shares her inspiring journey of building a successful career in the demanding field of risk management and compliance while raising three children. She discusses the challenges of navigating the C-suite as a working parent, tackling gender inequality in senior leadership, and breaking the stigma around balancing ambitious careers with family life.

Together, they explore:

  • How Sylwia’s upbringing in Poland fuelled her passion for combating financial crime and corruption.
  • Practical strategies for managing priorities and setting boundaries as a senior leader and parent.
  • The importance of rethinking success and adapting career goals to align with personal values.
  • Why parents shouldn’t apologise for balancing family and work responsibilities.
  • Tips for effective networking, even as an introvert, and the transformative impact of mentoring.

This heartfelt and insightful conversation offers valuable advice for ambitious working parents striving to progress their careers while prioritising their families.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode, you will learn:

  • How to lead with compassion and embrace flexibility as a parent and leader.
  • The significance of redefining success and pursuing a career on your own terms.
  • Why mentoring is beneficial for both mentors and mentees.

Show Notes:


Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

More BCSC episodes you might love:


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42 MIN
(C-Suite Series) Verena Hefti MBE - Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Journey of Leaders Plus and How to Navigate Career Progression for Working Parents
JAN 23, 2025
(C-Suite Series) Verena Hefti MBE - Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Journey of Leaders Plus and How to Navigate Career Progression for Working Parents

In this special 200th episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, our Programme and Impact Manager, Helen Fraser, takes the interviewer’s seat to chat with Leaders Plus Founder and CEO, Verena Hefti MBE. Verena reflects on the journey of starting Leaders Plus, the lessons learned from interviewing 199 inspiring guests, and the challenges and triumphs of combining an ambitious career with family life.

In this candid conversation, Verena shares how her own experiences of returning to work after maternity leave led her to create an award-winning social enterprise that supports working parents to progress their careers without sacrificing family life. She discusses the importance of role models, the challenges of setting boundaries, and how Leaders Plus is driving real change in the workplace.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • How Leaders Plus was founded and the impact it has had on working parents.
  • The challenges working parents face in progressing their careers and how to overcome them.
  • The power of setting boundaries and finding a balance that works for you.
  • Practical tips for combining career progression with family commitments.
  • How Leaders Plus is shaping employer policies and driving cultural change for parents in leadership.

Verena also reflects on receiving an MBE, what it means for the organisation, and the importance of focusing on purpose-driven leadership.

We hope you enjoy this milestone episode!

Show Notes:

Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

  • Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
  • Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
  • Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
  • Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

More BCSC episodes we think you'll love:


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39 MIN
(C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood
JAN 16, 2025
(C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood

Are you ready to redefine career success while raising a family?

In the first episode of the C-Suite series, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women and author of the upcoming book Flex: Smart Strategies to Build A Successful Career Around Your Life. With over 17 years of recruitment experience, Elizabeth is passionate about empowering professionals to find fulfilling, flexible, and part-time work that fits their lives, and helps close the gender pay gap.

Elizabeth shares her insights on how flexible work can unlock opportunities for ambitious parents, why intentional time management is a game-changer, and how to stand out in the job market with a CV that shines, even in the era of AI.

This practical and inspiring conversation is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of combining a high-powered career with parenthood.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

Show Notes:


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How flexible and part-time roles can support your career and personal goals.
  • Practical tips for writing a standout CV that highlights your impact.
  • The power of intentional time management to achieve your dreams.
  • Why negotiation is essential when securing flexible work arrangements.

More BCSC episodes you might love:


Discover more about the multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowship, designed to support ambitious working parents on the path to senior leadership. Learn more at Leaders Plus.

Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

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44 MIN