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Work It Like A Mum

How do I know if I'm ready to return to work after maternity leave? Can I *really* make all the pick-ups, drop-offs AND get to work on time? Am I ready for that promotion? How do I balance managing a large team and demanding kids? Is now the right time to start my own business? Can I flourish in a part-time job? And the biggest question of all, can I *really* have it all? Whether you're returning to work after your first maternity leave or juggling a high-flying career with teenagers that won't do their homework, this is the show for you.Work It Like A Mum is a new podcast giving you a weekly dose of inspiration, confidence, and step-by-step tips (plus lots of comradery) to help you flourish in your career after kids. Hosted by the Founder of Investing in Women, Elizabeth Willetts, we chat with remarkable women redefining our working world. They'll share their secrets on how they've achieved extraordinary things after children, set boundaries and balance, challenges they've faced (and how they've overcome them) to define their own versions of success. Every episode is brimming with ideas, tools, hints and tips you can put straight into practice so you, too, can have a career you adore. We cover it all - with raw honesty and a few laughs to ensure you are seen, heard, promoted and hired - whilst keeping your sanity at home! Listen now to get all the inspiration you need to Work It Like A Mum.

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Work It Like A Mum

What Employers Really Gain When They Invest in Women at Work

June 25, 2026 • Elizabeth Willetts

0:00 | 17:09

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the eighth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.

In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Lucinda Hewitt Coleman, Senior Talent Operations Manager at Oxera, to explore what employers really gain when they invest in women at work.

Drawing on her extensive experience in talent operations and people strategy, Lucinda shares why flexibility, inclusion and career development are not just the right thing to do, but a powerful business advantage. Together, they discuss the realities women continue to navigate at work, the importance of values-led leadership, and how organisations can create environments where everyone can thrive.

What We Cover:

Why conversations around equity and inclusion still matter
The confidence gap and hidden challenges women face at work
The impact of mental load and caregiving responsibilities
Making flexibility work for both employers and employees
Building trust, transparency and inclusive workplace cultures
The business benefits of investing in women
What organisations risk losing when inclusion isn't prioritised
The role of fair recruitment and values-led leadership
Understanding the realities of modern working lives
Reasons to feel optimistic about the future of work

Key Takeaways:

Equity requires ongoing commitment and action
Confidence and mental load continue to affect women's careers
Flexibility works best when built on trust and communication
Investing in women improves talent attraction, retention and engagement
Diverse teams drive stronger business performance
Culture and leadership matter as much as policies
Fair and inclusive practices create better outcomes for everyone
Understanding employees' experiences supports wellbeing and success
Values-led organisations are better equipped to attract top talent
Future generations are helping drive positive workplace change

Why Listen:

If you're an employer, people leader or professional interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights into the real business impact of investing in women. You'll gain practical perspectives on flexibility, talent retention, workplace culture and why supporting women at work benefits both individuals and organisations.

Show Links:

Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here

Connect with Lucinda on LinkedIn here

Visit Oxera’s website here

Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here

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