Verity Brown is Group Managing Director, overseeing 4 media agencies for a marketing services group.

She’s mum to two children, now 7 and 4 (we recorded this a while ago) and quickly realised that she needed to create clear boundaries whilst also bringing her children into the picture to make it work. She’s an ambitious high-flyer who approached her return to work in a strategic and intentional way, rather as she would approach a pitch to a client.

As someone who is used to juggling multiple clients and a dynamic working environment, she thought she would step easily into managing the multiple channels of work and children and found it surprisingly challenging.

Honest, funny, reflective and bright – Verity brings a refreshing openness to her reflections on being a professional working mum and on motherhood in general. She also talks wisely about the role that work plays in making her a better mother.

And my favourite anecdote is one about embroidered brown moths – what’s not to love!

Gina Mellotte is a voice over artist who has, among her many accolades, been voice of the BAFTAs!

She is Mum to Frankie (9) and had the unusual experience of returning to work after 4 days. She is one of those people who brings energy into a room. She’s honest, thoughtful and wholehearted. Gina doesn’t shy away from bringing her truth to this episode – she’s an inspiration to all women (whether employed or self-employed) about the reality of being a professional working mum.

In this episode we explore the challenges of being self-employed and the fear that often accompanies taking time off work. Gina speaks frankly about the emotional and mental impact of taking such a short time off work and shares her reflections about how she might do it differently if she had that time again.

She also shares her insights around setting boundaries and being clear with clients about when she is or isn’t available. You’ll also enjoy listening to her fabulous voice!