Bump to Business Owner

Trigger warning: this episode briefly mentions neonatal intensive care, so if it's not the right time for you, please listen to an episode from the archive. Caroline is expecting baby number three! And there are questions: will you switch off? Will you take "proper" maternity leave? This week, Caroline explains why her mat leave plan is a bit different, and why that's OK. Upsource, the award winning Virtual Assistant agency, launched six years ago, whilst Caroline was pregnant with baby #2 in lockdown. She designed the business around school runs, mummy days and the times when her kids need her most, rather than for a single year of maternity leave and back to the 9-5. She talks honestly about what she's putting in place this time, from a new fractional COO and new tech to a team who are even more invested. Last mat leave she left a team of 5, now the Upsource team is 40+, there's still a lot to feel nervous about! More big announcements: After three and a half years and more than 100 episodes, Bump to Business Owner is closing. Caroline explains why, what's next, and why - don't worry! - this isn't the last episode just yet. Topics "I didn't build a business for one year": rethinking maternity leave as a founder Why "just switch off" isn't as simple as it sounds How Caroline is preparing Upsource to run without her The fear of being missed, and the fear of not being missed Why being pregnant the third time around feels so different Why she's closing the Bump to Business Owner podcast, and what's next Chapters: 00:00 Why founder maternity leave is not a simple switch-off 02:40 Parenting needs extend beyond the newborn year 05:38 What changed between maternity leaves 07:58 Recruiting, pregnancy, and building leadership capacity 10:39 Preparing Upsource with a fractional COO and new systems 12:30 Trusting the team while facing financial pressure 15:49 Experience, support, and learning to rest 17:45 Letting go of meetings and daily decisions 18:51 Using AI and automation to reduce admin 20:51 What Caroline is letting go of 21:41 Why Bump To Business Owner is closing 24:55 Refocusing on Upsource and the assistant community 27:16 The stories behind the final podcast series 28:53 What comes next on Substack Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Substack: https://carolinemarshallupsource.substack.com/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

As a child, Nikki dragged her parents round holiday karaoke bars so she could sing My Heart Will Go On. At 14 she found a drama school prospectus in the school library and decided that's where she was going. Her careers adviser told her to come back with a better idea. She did go to drama school. After years of auditions, near misses and temping to pay the bills, she landed roles in Hairspray and Fame. Then, wanting to settle down and start a family, she put performing on the shelf. She and her husband Simon started Jam Pot from home with a new baby, and grew it to around 40 freelancers before selling it in 2023. Nikki and Caroline go back a long way, and their stories share a lot: performing, assistant work and running an agency, all while raising a family. In this episode Nikki talks about what it's really like to sell a business, why she kept the door to performing open, and how she made her West End debut 18 years after leaving drama school. They also talk about job shares, and why they could bring so many talented parents back to the stage. Topics: The careers adviser who told her to come back with a better idea Why years of auditions are the best training for running a business "Nobody will care about your business as much as you do" Knowing when your business isn't fun anymore What selling a business is really like, including the tax bill nobody warns you about Lasting two weeks of doing nothing in Bali before starting a new business Making her West End debut at 44 How job shares could bring parents back to the stage You don't have to be just one thing Chapters: 00:36 Introduction to Nikki 02:31 Returning to the stage in Titanique and her feelings about it 03:35 Nikki's journey from theatre to agency owner 05:32 Early confidence and love for performing as a child 07:31 Challenges of scaling a business as a woman and mother 09:30 Auditioning experiences and early career challenges 12:34 The importance of fair pay and high standards in agencies 15:30 Transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship 16:34 Lessons learned from selling Jam Pot 20:13 Industry reform ideas: job shares and flexible work 25:19 Building a team and scaling the business 30:40 The emotional aspect of business decisions 35:21 Balancing motherhood and career ambitions 35:47 The future of Nikki's ventures and industry change 40:36 Advice for entrepreneurs and industry advocates 45:32 The importance of adaptability and persistence 45:34 Closing thoughts and key takeaways 50:34 Reflections on success, failure, and future plans Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Nikki Wheeldon Nikki Wheeldon is a two-time exited founder, speaker coach, business adviser and West End performer. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and performed in Hairspray, Fame and the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony before moving into business. With her husband Simon, she founded Jam Pot, a flexible business support agency that they grew over seven years and sold in 2023. She now runs Vocal Lab, which brings her business and performing experience together to help founders, leaders and teams communicate with confidence. Nikki made her West End debut as Molly Brown in Titanique the Musical this year. She is also a mum of two and campaigns for more job shares in theatre so that parents can return to the stage. Nikki Wheeldon's Links: Website: https://vocolab.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiwheeldonhq/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twocanjobshare/ Tintanique The Musical: https://london.titaniquemusical.com/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about baby loss, extreme premature birth, NICU and PICU stays, an infant cardiac arrest, birth trauma, PTSD and parental mental health. Please listen when it feels right for you, and look after yourself. In 2015, Lottie King went into extremely premature labour with twin boys, Leo and Oscar. Leo died shortly after birth. Oscar spent more than 100 days in neonatal care and then years in and out of hospital, so Lottie left her PR career to become his full-time carer. Lottie talks to Caroline about the years after NICU. She describes how EMDR finally helped, and how a body that kept reacting to triggers led her into neuroscience. She also shares the reality of building Leo's Neonatal, her charity supporting NICU families in the North East, and NICU Neuroscience, which trains the professionals who care for them. Resources: EDMR: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/emdr/ Dr Gabor Maté: https://drgabormate.com/ Binaural beats playlist: https://www.youtube.com/live/IE2gBsIoT_M?si=4Hb1URcHHv701kI0 Topics: Why you're not "over it" a few weeks after leaving NICU The guilt NICU mums carry about their older children When talking therapy stops helping: Lottie's experience of EMDR Your brain says you're safe but your body doesn't agree Losing friends after a life-changing event, and finding the ones who get it Building a charity from scratch, and nearly closing it more than once Why NICU staff need support too Lottie's three wishes for NICU families Finding joy again Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lottie's NICU journey and charity work 02:09 The emotional impact of NICU and long-term trauma 03:57 Lottie's background before NICU and her career shift 07:01 The importance of trauma-specific mental health support 10:01 The environment of NICU and its psychological effects 14:54 Building community among NICU parents 20:03 Neuroscience of trauma and nervous system regulation 25:03 Supporting healthcare staff mental health and resilience 29:57 Funding, sustainability, and expanding NICU support programs 34:57 The evolution of Leo's Neonatal and future plans 40:09 Practical steps for trauma-informed neonatal care 44:56 The importance of early intervention and support 49:59 Joy, healing, and finding balance after trauma Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lottie King Lottie King is the founder and CEO of Leo's, a charity based in the North East of England that provides dedicated mental health support to families impacted by neonatal care, baby loss, pregnancy after loss or neonatal care & child development support to babies / children who have spent time in the NICU. She also delivers neuroscience based training to clinical teams globally that care for neonatal families under NICU Neuroscience, which helps fund the vital work delivered by Leo's. Lottie is also a student at King's College London studying an MSc in the Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health. Lottie King's Links: Website: https://leosneonatal.org/ Website: https://www.nicuneuroscience.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-king1942/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leosneonatal/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicu_neuroscience Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline Marshall shares her personal journey through redundancy, motherhood, and building confidence. She offers practical insights on overcoming challenges, external validation, and the importance of time and perspective in healing. This podcast is the third in a three part series all about redundancy. You can hear Part 1, here https://pod.fo/e/433a31 And Part 2, here https://pod.fo/e/4392e1 Key topics: Redundancy and its impact on confidence The role of motherhood in personal growth External validation and awards as confidence boosters The importance of time in healing and perspective Practical tips for overcoming setbacks Chapters: 00:30 Introduction 00:43 Regaining confidence post-redundancy 05:13 The role of time in healing 07:22 External validation and its impact 11:36 Empowerment through saying no 13:23 Therapy and coaching 15:33 Perspective and self-development 17:54 Validating feelings and moving forward Resources: The Women's Chapter Amanda Johnson, VA Training Academy The Mother of All Jobs, Christine Armstrong Work Like a Woman, Mary Portas Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline Marshall shares her personal experience navigating unfair redundancy, highlighting the importance of support networks, strategic responses, and self-care during career crises. This podcast is the second in a three part series all about redundancy, you can hear Part 1, here: https://pod.fo/e/433a31 Key topics: Handling unfair redundancy Building a support network Negotiation strategies in redundancy Self-care and mental health during career crises Practical tips for your redundancy process Chapters: 00:30 Introduction 01:03 The emotional impact of redundancy 02:25 Navigating the initial shock 04:08 Seeking support and guidance 06:56 Finding clarity and direction 08:11 The importance of self-care 10:38 Building a support network 11:14 Preparing for negotiation 14:16 The negotiation process 17:36 Moving forward after redundancy 19:30 Caroline's tips for navigating redundancy Resources: The Source, Dr Tara Swart Pregnant Then Screwed Insight Timer Headspace The Dose Effect, T.J. Power Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline Marshall shares her personal redundancy story, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and systemic issues in startups. This episode offers insights into navigating redundancy with dignity, supporting women and mothers, and understanding systemic flaws. This podcast is the first in a three part series all about redundancy: stay tuned for advice on how to manage the process, and how to recover from it. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Redundancy and Caroline's personal journey 03:36 The impact of redundancy on women and mothers 08:41 Navigating workplace challenges during pregnancy 14:19 Caroline's redundancy experience 19:31 Fairness and kindness in business Resources: Mambition podcast episode Rachel Childs episode Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In this episode, Caroline Marshall interviews Sophie Catto and Nicole Goodwin, leaders of AllBright everywoman, about supporting women in their careers, motherhood, and leadership. They discuss the impact of motherhood on career confidence, the importance of community and corporate support, and initiatives like Motherhood Works to empower women at key life stages. Resources: The All Bright Yellow Nest Topics: Why purpose is so important for women in their careers How motherhood impacts ambition and definitions of success Merging two businesses with different MOs but the same purpose Why you should never miss a sports day - and make sure it's in your calendar How businesses can support women and mums practically Their manifesto and the upcoming Motherhood Works event Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Albright Everywoman 01:45 The Impact of Motherhood on Careers 08:47 Career Journeys and Personal Growth 15:39 Understanding Women's Challenges in the Workplace 21:47 Creating Supportive Work Environments for Women 23:54 Navigating Workplace Flexibility and Challenges 26:00 The Role of Male Allies in Supporting Women 30:07 Balancing Work and Family Life 30:29 Understanding the Motherhood Penalty 35:46 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs 37:25 The Importance of Community and Networking 44:46 Finding Personal Joy Amidst Motherhood Responsibilities Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Nicole Goodwin Having started her career as an investigative journalist, Nicole Goodwin is a business leader with over 20 years' experience creating and scaling international, content-driven events and membership programmes. As Joint Managing Director of AllBright everywoman, she leads a passionate team dedicated to supporting, connecting and advancing women in business - through world-class learning, corporate partnerships, awards and curated experiences that build powerful networks. Prior to her eight years at everywoman, Nicole held senior leadership roles as MD and GM at leading global businesses and publishing houses, including C5 and IQPC. Nicole Goodwin's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-goodwin-6a88982/ About Sophie Catto Sophie Catto is Joint Managing Director of AllBright everywoman, the leading global learning, leadership and community platform dedicated to advancing women in business. With over 18 years' experience across media, publishing and purpose-driven organisations, Sophie specialises in building communities, creating strategic partnerships and driving sustainable growth. She leads AllBright everywoman's global community, events, experiences and partnerships, with a focus on deepening engagement, expanding impact and creating opportunities that help women thrive at every stage of their careers. Throughout her career, Sophie has worked at the intersection of commercial strategy, storytelling and community-building, helping organisations connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Prior to joining AllBright everywoman, she held senior commercial leadership roles at Condé Nast, including Associate Publisher of House & Garden and The World of Interiors, and Commercial Creative Director of Tatler. Passionate about the power of connection and collective progress, Sophie is committed to creating platforms, experiences and communities that support women to grow in confidence, leadership and ambition. Sophie Catto's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-catto-1a317824/ Allbright Everywoman's Links: Website: https://allbrighteverywoman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allbrighteverywoman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allbrighteverywoman/ Motherhood Works: https://theallbright.co/motherhood-works/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In our final episode in our collaborative mini series with Lucy Legal, Caroline chats to Rachel Childs. Rachel is a relationship coach and founder of Parents That Work, and shares insights on maintaining connection, equality, and emotional support in relationships after parenthood. This episode explores the impact of COVID, gender norms, and practical strategies for healthier partnerships. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis Episode 106 - How to use AI for female founders and mums with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Resources: Beyond Baby Talk book Topics: Impact of COVID on family life Gender norms and maternal gatekeeping Shared parenting and mental load Conversations about finances and careers Supporting emotional well-being in relationships Chapters: 01:00 Navigating the Landscape of Parenting Support 05:10 Career Transitions and the Impact of Parenthood 07:39 The Role of Gender Equity in Parenting 09:46 The Challenges of Managing Multiple Children 14:54 Understanding Relationship Dynamics in Parenthood 17:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Parenting 20:14 The Future of Work and Parenting Dynamics 24:22 The Pressure to Parent Equally 28:04 The Reality of Parenting Dynamics 32:09 Transforming Antenatal Conversations 35:04 Navigating Financial Decisions in Parenthood 39:02 Emotional Support and Communication in Relationships 41:58 Maternal Gatekeeping and Its Impact 47:27 The Path to Parental Equity 51:42 Building a Supportive Community for Parents Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Rachel Childs Rachel Childs is a relationship coach, author, podcast host and founder of Parents That Work, helping couples navigate the transition into parenthood without losing their connection, ambition, or sense of teamwork. After a career in corporate talent development, Rachel moved into coaching and relationship work, combining professional expertise with her own lived experience of unequal parenting and the realities many couples face after having children. She is certified in Hogan Assessments, a Bringing Baby Home Educator, and a Transformational Coach. Through Parents That Work, Rachel supports couples in building stronger parenting partnerships rooted in equality, communication, and emotional connection. Helping families move away from resentment, burnout, and the "default parent" dynamic so many experience in the early years. Rachel is also the creator of The Team Blueprint, author of Beyond Baby Talk, and host of the podcast Equalish, where she explores modern relationships, invisible labour, shared parenting, careers, and why equality in family life can feel far harder in practice than in theory. Rachel Childs' Links: Website: www.parentsthatwork.co.uk Podcast: https://podfollow.com/1840151862 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelchilds-couplescoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parents_that_work/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline and Lucy Legal explore the multifaceted use of AI in business and daily life, addressing misconceptions, legal considerations, and practical applications. They discuss how women are navigating AI's challenges and opportunities, emphasising responsible use and strategic integration. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Resources: Episode 33 - "Where are the women in this space?" with Lauren Ingram of Women of Web3 Fiona Young, Carve AI Topics: AI's role in business and life Legal considerations: privacy and IP Women navigating AI challenges and opportunities Chapters: 01:00 Exploring AI's Impact on Business and Creativity 02:25 Gender Perspectives on AI Usage 04:35 AI as a Complementary Tool in Business 08:00 The Role of AI in Legal and Business Strategy 12:04 Navigating AI's Limitations and Misconceptions 16:58 FOMO and the Reality of AI in Business 23:58 Efficient AI Integration in Business Workflows 27:32 Balancing Automation with Human Touch 30:14 Legal Considerations in AI Usage 34:42 Privacy, Data Protection, and AI 38:59 Intellectual Property and AI Co-Creation Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the fifth in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around. Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realized that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it. Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Sophia Jarvis, CEO of Mia Wealth, shares her journey through high-risk pregnancy, neonatal intensive care, and building a fintech startup while navigating motherhood. Discover insights on balancing ambition, personal resilience, and innovative approaches to children's financial futures. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Topics: Sophia's career in wealth management and transition to fintech Her high-risk pregnancy and NICU experience with twins The founding and mission of Mia Wealth Challenges of fundraising while pregnant and with twins Maternal mental health and support systems Resources: Sophia's Angel Doctor Meena: www.maternitywellnessclinic.com Nugget Savings: www.nuggetsavings.com Chapters: 01:00 Introduction to Sophia Jarvis and Mia Wealth 03:37 The Journey of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 06:12 Transitioning from Wealth Management to Fintech 08:57 The Birth of Mia Wealth: A Solution for Children's Financial Futures 11:10 Navigating Pregnancy and Business Challenges 13:56 Experiences with NICU and Maternal Mental Health 26:45 Navigating Maternal Mental Health Challenges 29:31 The Importance of Support Systems 32:10 Balancing Motherhood and Business 39:44 Surprises in Building a FinTech Company 44:35 Defining Success and Future Aspirations Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Sophia Jarvis Sophia Jarvis is the co-founder and CEO of Mia Wealth, a family investment app on a mission to change the way we give gifts to children, turning presents into long-term financial futures. With over a decade in wealth management across London and Dubai, and a CFA under her belt, Sophia left behind a successful and secure career to build a business designed to help families create lasting legacies for the next generation. But Mia Wealth isn't just a fintech story, it's a deeply personal journey. Sophia launched and raised her pre-seed round whilst pregnant and then navigated the first year of building a startup alongside becoming a mum to twin girls. Sophia Jarvis's Links: Website: https://miawealth.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-jarvis-cfa-361772b/ Instagram (Mia Wealth): https://www.instagram.com/miawealthapp/ Instagram (Sophia): https://www.instagram.com/sophiajarvis__/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In this conversation, Caroline Marshall and Lucy Legal discuss the often unspoken realities of maternity leave for business owners. They explore the differences between expectations and reality, the challenges of maintaining identity while navigating motherhood, and the importance of flexibility in work-life balance. The discussion also touches on shared parental leave experiences, the impact of different children on parenting, and the struggles of returning to work after having a baby. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for open conversations about the complexities of motherhood and the choices women make. Please note, Lucy and Caroline are both UK based, the advice you'll hear is based on their experience so may not be as relevant for overseas listeners. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Topics: Expectations vs. reality of maternity leave Emotional challenges and identity loss Practical planning and flexibility tips Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Reality of Maternity Leave 07:29 Flexibility in Business Ownership 15:16 Shared Parental Leave Experiences 21:09 Returning to Work After a Baby 28:46 Navigating Loneliness in Motherhood 35:00 Identity Crisis: The Transition into Motherhood 44:03 Establishing Boundaries as a Business Owner and Mother 54:53 Embracing Change and Letting Go Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the third in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around. Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realized that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it. Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Trigger Warning: Discussion of Sudden Infant Collapse and PTSD In this special episode Lucy interviews Caroline as she reflects on her journey through motherhood, entrepreneurship, and overcoming challenges, sharing insights on balancing business and family, mental health, and the importance of community support. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Topics: Motherhood and career balance Building and scaling a virtual assistant agency The emotional journey of motherhood during a pandemic The importance of mental health and therapy Strategies for business continuity during maternity leave Chapters: 01:00 Reflections on Motherhood and Career Choices 02:58 The Birth of a Podcast: Caroline's Journey 05:37 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career Paths 07:49 Building Upsource: From Idea to Agency 10:38 Balancing Business and Motherhood 13:32 The Evolution of Virtual Assistants 15:24 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 22:56 Manifestation vs. Hard Work in Client Acquisition 25:16 Navigating Maternity Leave and Client Management 31:04 Identity Shifts: Balancing Motherhood and Business 36:43 The Pressure of Societal Expectations on Mothers 42:37 Navigating Parenting Pressures 45:00 Trauma and Resilience in Parenthood 49:00 Managing Expectations in Parenting 52:46 The Challenges of Parenting Under Twos 54:40 Planning for Breaks in Business 56:32 Reflections on Motherhood 59:25 Future Aspirations for the Podcast Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is the second in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around. Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realised that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it. Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In this episode, Caroline Marshall and Lucy Legal discuss the transformative journey of designing a career around family rather than conforming to traditional work structures. Lucy shares her experiences transitioning from a conventional legal career to creating a flexible business that aligns with her values as a mother. They explore themes of success, personal challenges, societal expectations, and the courage it takes to pursue a different path in life and work. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. For Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please go back and listen to Episode 17 . Topics: The journey from traditional law career to family-centered business Redefining success and work-life balance Setting boundaries and managing expectations The role of support systems and childcare in entrepreneurship Overcoming societal norms and gender stereotypes Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 06:14 The Shift from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Life 08:23 Navigating Personal Challenges and Career Decisions 10:55 Building a Business with Family in Mind 13:31 The Courage to Take the Leap 16:11 Overcoming Societal Expectations 20:09 Reflections on the Journey 22:05 Leveraging Audiences for Success 23:32 The Right Place at the Right Time 25:28 Navigating Business and Motherhood 34:01 The Freedom and Challenges of Entrepreneurship 38:01 Understanding Mum Guilt and Childcare Decisions 42:30 Redefining Success 47:16 The Juggling Act of Parenthood and Work 53:04 Finding Balance in Chaos 57:28 Creating Boundaries for a Fulfilling Life 60:27 Rediscovering Joy Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the first in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around. Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realised that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it. Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Amy Grilli shares her inspiring journey from teacher to co-founder of Five Hour Club, a platform revolutionising flexible work for parents. Discover how her viral LinkedIn post sparked a movement, the importance of flexible careers for mums, and practical tips for balancing work and family. Topics: The origin of Five Hour Club and its mission Amy's personal career journey and challenges as a mum The impact of her viral LinkedIn post and movement creation The importance of flexible, part-time, and remote work options Strategies for managing identity, ambition, and family responsibilities Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:46 The Challenge of Finding Flexible Work for Parents 04:29 Identity Crisis: Balancing Motherhood and Career 07:36 The Viral LinkedIn Pos 10:12 Creating the Five Hour Club 12:59 Building a Job Board for Flexible Careers 15:54 Working with Employers: Educating on Flexibility 18:35 Success Stories and Future Plans 24:32 The Role of Team Leadership in Success 25:41 Balancing Work and Parenting 28:53 Finding Identity and Joy in Motherhood 30:13 Navigating the Default Parent Dynamic 33:42 Intentional Parenting and Career Choices 40:16 Creating Opportunities for Parents in the Workforce Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Amy Grilli Amy Grilli is the co-founder of Five Hour Club, a fast growing platform and movement rethinking how work works for parents. Before that, Amy was a teacher, a literacy specialist, and then like so many women, she stepped back from her career to raise children, becoming what so many of us women and mums relate to as the default parent. After years out of traditional work, Amy found herself standing at the school gates, feeling like she no longer belonged in her professional identity. She even considered removing herself from LinkedIn entirely due to the shame of her career gap. Instead, she wrote a post. That post went viral, reaching millions, sparking tens of thousands of conversations and revealing something powerful. This wasn't just Amy's experience. It was a global problem. From that moment, Amy and her co-founder Emma Harvey turned insights into actions, surveying thousands of parents launching a job board within two months and building Five Hour Club, a platform championing five hour careers designed to fit around school hours without compromising ambition. In just one year, they've shaped over 140 roles partnering with forward thinking employers and starting to challenge the very structure of the nine to five. Amy Grilli's Links: Website: https://fivehourclub.com/ LinkedIn (Five Hour Club): https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-hour-club/ LinkedIn (Amy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygrilli/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivehourclub/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline reflects on the challenges of maintaining momentum in business, especially during tough times, and shares practical tips on resilience, human connection, and self-care. She emphasises the importance of showing up, normalizing rest, and pivoting when needed, all while celebrating her podcast milestone. Topics: Consistency is key - keep showing up even when it feels hard Normalise taking rest and personal days to recharge Build human connection to support mental health and business growth Pivot and change your mind without guilt, explore new paths Chapters: 00:30 Celebrating 100 Episodes 02:27 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship 05:14 The Importance of Human Connection 08:08 Finding Balance and Taking Breaks 10:41 Embracing Change and Flexibility 13:03 The Reality of Service-Based Businesses 16:07 Normalizing Personal Days 18:01 The Journey of Female Entrepreneurship Resources: Female Founders Rise Report: https://therisereport.co.uk/ Positive Entrepreneurship Report: https://positiveentrepreneurship.co/report/ Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In this episode, Caroline Marshall interviews Olivia and Tanyka Davson, sisters and co-founders of Cubbi, the UK's first parental leave discount platform. They share their journey from no-code MVP to national platform, navigating entrepreneurship during early motherhood, pitching on Dragon's Den, and building a mission-led business that supports new parents financially and emotionally. Topics: Building a no-code MVP during early motherhood Securing brand partnerships and investment Navigating pregnancy and entrepreneurship The impact of AI tools on startup development Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Cubbi and Its Founders 01:58 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 04:36 Financial Challenges of Parenthood 07:15 Building a Business with No-Code Tools 12:51 The Experience of Pitching on Dragon's Den 15:35 Navigating Investment Challenges 19:44 Preparing for Dragon's Den 22:37 Navigating Maternity Leave as Entrepreneurs 27:28 Balancing Parenthood and Business 29:20 The Importance of Community Support for New Parents 33:21 Rediscovering Joy Amidst the Chaos 35:30 Connecting with Cubbi Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Cubbi, Olivia and Tanyka Davson Today we're welcoming Olivia and Tanyka Davison. They are sisters and co-founders of Cubbi, the UK's first parental leave discount platform designed specifically for new and expecting parents. Cubbi works like a student discount or blue light card, but for the perinatal window, offering verified new parents discounts across baby, maternity, food, fashion, wellness, and everyday spending. From Boots and Nike to Tommy Tippie and free coffees at Boston Tea Party. Cubbi now connects parents with over 200 brands at a time when income drops and costs rise. The idea came when Olivia's first baby was just eight weeks old, sleep deprived, pacing coffee shops with a crying newborn and feeling the financial pressure of maternity leave, she realized something. Why were new parents paying full price at one of the most expensive and vulnerable points in their life? She phoned her sister, Tanyka, and that conversation became Cubbi. What started as a scrappy no-code MVP built by two sisters has grown into a national platform with thousands of downloads and investments secured in Dragon's Den. And in perhaps one of the most iconic Found-A-Mum moments we've seen on this podcast, Olivia pitched Cubbi to the Dragons at nine months pregnant, just a week before her planned C-section. Cubbi's Links: Website: https://www.cubbi.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cubbiapp/ LinkedIn (Tanyka): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyka-davson-315766134/ LinkedIn (Olivia): https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-davson-1998ab82/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubbi.uk/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Rosie Nixon, former editor-in-chief of Hello Magazine, shares her journey from high-profile journalism to coaching and retreats. This episode explores her career pivots, overcoming burnout, and redefining her identity and values in midlife. Topics: Career transition from magazine editor to coach Overcoming burnout and stress management The importance of values and self-awareness in reinvention Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Rosie Nixon's Journey 08:14 The Impact of Motherhood on Career Identity 11:10 Balancing Work and Family Life 14:07 Experiencing Burnout 16:37 Redefining Identity Beyond Work 19:19 Creating Supportive Work Environments for Women 30:53 Embracing Change 37:09 Planning Your Next Steps 40:45 Navigating New Opportunities 46:30 Finding Happiness in Simple Moments Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Rosie Nixon Rosie is a woman whom many of us will associate with red carpets and the glossy front covers of Hello Magazine, where she served as editor in chief for nearly 15 years. Not only that, Rosie is a mother of two, a bestselling author, a qualified coach, podcaster, and founder of Rosie's Reinvention Retreats, who has consciously redesigned her life and work around her wellbeing, values, and family. After decades in top roles at Hello, Glamour, Red, and Grazia, Rosie stepped away from the high-profile big job and into a new phase one that allows her to support other women through career pivots, burnout, and midlife transitions. Rosie Nixon's Links: Website: https://www.rosienixon.co.uk/ Retreats: https://www.rosienixon.co.uk/reinvention-retreats LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-nixon-89b99519/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiejnixon/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

How was your first Christmas with a baby? Mine was…not as I had hoped. And I think that's the same for everyone. Your life has changed fundamentally, but Christmas just keeps being Christmas, with the same old family dynamics. And I found that rough, I definitely had a Christmas Crash - if that is/was you too, you're not alone Christmas is a triggering time for everyone, and we all need to do what we gotta do to get through it. I'm sharing what I've learnt for how to manage (mitigate?) Christmas, Bailey's in hand, from the practical - I order my tree in September, yes I am that guy - to the emotional. Set the bar extremely low, your kids don't know any different. They don't know Elf on the Shelf is supposed to come with presents. Resources: TJ Power the DOSE Effect Kim Hartwell meditation Jo Woodhurst, Head of Nutrition at Ancient + Brave meditation Takeaways: Christmas is triggering for everyone, in different ways Don't put so much pressure on yourself Plan ahead as much as possible Ask for help Remember to rest when you can Set the bar low for your family Merry Christmas! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Introduction and Reflections on Motherhood at Christmas 03:21 Navigating the Challenges of Early Motherhood 06:06 Planning and Preparing for Christmas 08:43 Balancing Family and Business During the Holidays 11:46 Self-Care and Managing Expectations 14:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Listeners Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

There's a lot of expectation when you become a mum: how it will be, the friends you will make, the support you'll have, what work will look like; what Christmas will look like. The gulf between our expectations and reality is very real, and Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall is here to tell you: you're in the messy middle, and that's OK. Dr Tuesday shares her tools for navigating the huge pressure we put on ourselves as mums, particularly at this time of year, and how we can be more human to ourselves. We're in the messy middle, we're in the identity shift, we're amidst changing dynamics, so let's be a bit kinder to ourselves. If you're ready to let go of the pressure, and rediscover your joy, listen in. Takeaways: The unique challenges millennial mums face The motherhood identity shift Changing relationships, and expectations in friendship What Dr Tuesday focuses on to manage Xmas pressure What support might look like for you Creative rest through work How to rediscover your joy when it feels lost Chapters: 00:00 The Pressure of Perfectionism in Motherhood 02:45 Navigating Identity Shifts as Millennial Mothers 05:32 The Clash of Career and Motherhood 08:11 The Challenge of Finding Community 10:54 The Impact of Social Media on Expectations 13:29 The Journey of Self-Discovery 13:57 The Struggles of Being the First Among Friends 16:52 The Reality of Motherhood and Friendship 19:44 Finding Your Tribe in Unconventional Ways 22:47 Navigating Children's Interests and Activities 23:54 The Pressure of a Perfect Christmas 27:36 Creating Meaningful Holiday Traditions 31:41 Slowing Down to Appreciate the Moment 34:38 The Journey of Motherhood and Identity 39:31 Finding Support and Self-Care as a Mother 43:17 Rediscovering Joy in Everyday Life Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall Dr. Tuesday is a psychologist, speaker and mum of three. With a doctorate in psychology and a career dedicated to maternal mental health, identity and self-trust, Dr. Tuesday helps mothers unpick the perfectionism and pressure that can so easily take hold, especially at Christmas. Together we explore how the festive season can amplify the invisible load for business-owning mums, the expectation to create a magical Christmas, keep everything spinning at work, and somehow stay calm, grateful, and joyful while doing it. This episode is for anyone feeling the pressure of performance and the exhaustion of the Christmas hustle. It's a conversation about letting go, coming back to what matters, and finding peace in the messy middle, both in business and at home. Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall's Links: Website: https://www.iamdrtuesday.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tuesday-watts-overall-303877325/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdrtuesday/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

What do you do when your boss tells you your pregnancy is "inconvenient"? Start your own business. Alice Holland-Lu used her 15 years of experience in luxury fashion to launch her own brand, based on her own experiences and struggles as her body changed throughout pregnancy and beyond. Alice has built a hyper-local business model, a community and an emotionally-led brand, whilst carting her kids to the factory after school. What else can you do when you only have 2 days a week of childcare? Our conversation is full of advice for women in the trenches whilst building a business during the early years of motherhood: we should all be bringing our kids on the business journey too. Takeaways: Childcare costs whilst your business isn't paying you a salary The perks of a hyper-local business model Community building Whether fundraising is right or even possible for mums Alice's advice for women in the trenches 3 lessons she's learnt from building a business in the early years of motherhood And why we should be bringing our kids on our business journey too Resources: Muddy Stilettos Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Alice Holland-Lu and Her Journey 01:45 Transitioning from Fashion Professional to Founder 04:01 The Challenges of Motherhood and Career 06:37 The Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Mental Health 09:16 The Birth of a Fashion Brand: Female Archetypes 12:21 Innovating for Real Bodies: The Design Philosophy 14:32 Navigating the Fashion Industry and Building a Brand 17:23 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Customer Connection 22:47 Embracing Authenticity in Fashion 25:48 The Ethical Fashion Movement 30:08 Designing for Real Women 33:28 Navigating Life Changes Together 36:28 Building Community Through Connection 39:33 Challenges of Female Entrepreneurship Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Alice Holland-Lu Alice Holland-Lu is the founder of the Female Archetypes, a fashion brand built to support women's changing bodies through every life phase, from pregnancy to menopause and beyond. After 15 years in the fashion industry, Alice launched her business following two difficult pregnancies of traumatic birth and postnatal depression, which left her feeling a stranger in her own body. Nothing fit, literally or emotionally, and the seed of a business idea was planted. Her garments adapt from size UK 8 to 18 with thoughtful design features like breathable mesh, deep pockets, and underarm ventilation, supporting both form and function for real life with kids. Alice Holland-Lu's Links: Website: https://thefemalearchetypes.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicehollandlu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefemalearchetypes/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/