Creative Career Solutions for Parents

If you listen to just one thing today... make it this. No, seriously... even your favourite Netflix show can wait. On today's episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast, I am speaking to Davinia Tomlinson, CEO & Founder of Rainchq, a service which helps women to take control of their financial futures. Recorded in April 2020, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Davinia Tomlinson, a marketing and business development expert with 15 years experience within the investment management and professional services industries - talks to us about the importance of money mastery for women. Her mission is to empower women to achieve their financial goals and prepare for that rainy day. It's fair to say that we're certainly in "rainy day" territory at the moment - and hearing this information now is interesting. Acting on it now, however will be beneficial.. potentially even life changing. This episode is packed full of useful, actionable tips to help you take positive financial steps, regardless of what your situation is right now. Davinia talks about why it is especially important that women pay attention to their finances and invest, 3 top financial tips which are relevant during a pandemic and beyond, what she is worrying about and what she is celebrating and together... Davinia and Gina share some personal stories of (financial) influences in their lives... past and present. As a career coach and consultant, Gina is acutely aware that financial awareness and action can be intrinsically linked with how we imagine and execute our career development plans... so if you are thinking about finding a new job, keeping a current job and anything to do with what comes next - the informative and fun conversation here may be just what you need right now. To keep in touch with Davinia Tomlinson's work - you can connect with her via LinkedIn and / or via Rainchq on Instagram or the website.

Over the course of just a few weeks, our lives have changed in the most profound ways due to COVID-19. Freedom of movement which we generally take for granted is minimised and working from home is no longer something working parents are fighting for... it is something that is temporarily expected of all of us who can and are not key workers; albeit working with our children underfoot as schools are now closed. In this episode Gina Visram shares 5+ key insights into how we can navigate our temporary new morning with some positivity... even when it feels like we're in the middle of a bad summer blockbuster movie.Please note, Gina is not a healthcare professional and advice and ideas shared are targeted at those who have the mental bandwith to be able to take some purposeful, powerful steps. Naturally, that may currently exclude anyone in a particularly vulnerable state health wise, economically or otherwise - and if that applies to you, please seek the appropriate, qualified support that you need, in your locality. Beyond that, this episode is designed to make you nod with resonance, laugh in solidarity and help you exhale, with the assurance that you have some more tools to deal with the current challenges. Don't forget to comment via Limitless Coaching on Facebook (you may inspire a further episode), subscribe and leave a review on iTunes.

After an unintentional hiatus from the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast, Gina returns with an episode talking about what's next for the podcast AND shares a nugget of wisdom which has the potential to remove any blocks you have in relation to getting on with your next exciting venture / goal. Remember, if you like what you hear, do subscribe... there's lots more to come.

The New Year often feels pressured. Y'know... "New Year New You" and all that jazz. If you're someone who sets goals and makes resolutions and actually, especially if you are NOT... you may notice that with the dawn of a whole new decade in addition to it being a new year, there is an extra layer of expectation and pressure. In this episode, through reflection on this notion - I share 3 tips to deal with the pressure and expectation of the new year. Spoiler: A bonus suggestion is that you ride the wave of positive energy and good intentions instead of hiding from it. Listen now for more...

I'm back... and calling myself out for making excuses on a few important fronts, in the past couple of months. This episode includes a bit of a reintroduction about what the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast is all about (amid my rant!) and I am transparent about some of the excuses I have been making to myself in my own life. Excuses which need to stop! This episode is a bit of a cathartic rant and I hope it will give you some space to acknowledge where you are not playing full out but believe you should be as you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't. I also share one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard for content creators and creatives - advice from the awesome Denise Duffield-Thomas - so listen out for that and let me know if it rocks your world the way it continues to rock mine whenever I think about it.I got so carried away in this from the heart, no notes chat that I didn't get onto much of the "what you can do differently" aspect so that may follow in a part two... let's see.You see... practicing what I preach... I could have waited to re-record the whole thing but that would have been unnecessary stalling when you can get some of the goodies now and more in a future episode... coming very soon! Stay tuned, subscribe, share and let's connect again soon.

It's happened again. No sooner were we in awe that it's January... it's now already the second half of the year. What madness is this? Because half time is traditionally a great time to take stock of what's been going on and to recalibrate - this episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast provides a step by step... question by question way to establish what has been working and what hasn't been in this year so far.Grab a piece of paper / notebook and a pen (you can use notes on your phone if needed but there is a greater power in the pen for an exercise like this) and give yourself 20 minutes... just 20 minutes for yourself to review the year so far. In this time you will celebrate... re-strategise and generally acknowledge where you are and where you want to be. Importantly, you will also consider what changes need to be made and what support system needs to be in place for you to truly make it happen.Kindness not judgement is the order of the day and I hope this is a really useful exercise for you. Do let me know how you get on (via email or the Limitless Coaching Facebook page etc).If you like what you here please do subscribe to and review the podcast and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

This episode is a must listen for everyone: I was honoured to hear Michelle Obama speak live in London as part of her European book tour and I found her so relatable as a citizen wanting to make her community better, as a leader wanting to impact her country and the world and in other important roles as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a professional in her industry - in ever which way really.Gratitude and motivation both prevail in listening to what she shared so get stuck in, listen and enjoy... and remember, if yu like what you hear do please leave a review on iTunes.(PS - I believe I said Idaho instead of Iowa in relation to one of the stories she shared. Please excuse that error!)

Before you get yourself in that cycle of "where did all the time go" that we all recognise (you've been there right... haven't we all?!) - listen to this podcast about making the most of long weekends. (If listening in real time), we are at the time of year where there are a series of longer weekends... and there are a few simple actions you can take to ensure you and your family make the most of it... with everyone on the other side feeling satisfied by the weekend (as opposed to baffled by what happened to it!). Being really purposeful is the key here but that doesn't mean intense or stale. Listening to this podcast takes 10 minutes and reminds you of a simple, easy to implement way to enjoy some awesome (long) weekends ahead. **... and please remember to subscribe, share and review if you like what you hear**

Ever get in your own way? Have your perfectionist tendencies ever held you back? This episode is for you if you need a short, sharp reminder of why you should sometimes just get on with it (and figure things out along the way). Working parent or otherwise - imperfect action is the key to so much - this episode is your reminder of exactly why that is.

Once January comes to an end, it's sometimes tempting to resign yourself to the "fact" that once again, your resolutions or goals haven't started as positively as you intended or hoped and therefore it's okay to give up on that idea. In this episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast - I am here to remind you that we are not machines, we are human - and it is a very small part of the year that has gone by. Whether you were back on the cookies by day 5, your gym has only seen you twice or you're feeling like something has stagnated in some way - this is temporary and it is up to YOU to realise that (1) there's likely much to celebrate already (even if different to what you anticipated and importantly (2) you're entirely capable of making decisions which move you along positively towards what it is you do want. Within all of this - enjoying the journey is key (don't forget that!).There is a highly recommended action to take immediately after listening to this episode so don't forget to share how you got on over on the Limitless Coaching page on Facebook.

It's time to celebrate you... What are you proud of this year? This episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast is part of a mini (audit) series which will focus on areas of our lives that are beneficial to recognise and evaluate at this end of year / beginning of year time... starting with what are you proud of from 2018 (or from whatever time you are listening to this podcast episode!) As ever, I share some of the things that pop to mind for me and I encourage you to go through this exercise for yourself too.

In this episode, it's time to reflect on the good the bad and the ugly of working parent life. Gina Visram of Limitless Coaching asks "(How) is your post-baby career different to what you expected? What makes it work? What makes it frustrating? What is worth celebrating and what must... must change? Does thinking about your post-baby career make you feel proud, exhausted or a combination thereof? Do listen and reflect on what's working for you, remember you can make a change if you want to and remember - as we marvel on the fact that this podcast is 50 episodes in (whoop whoop!) - there will be lots more information and inspiration for working parents to come. Stay tuned (and keep sharing and reviewing this podcast so fellow working parents can find it and join the conversation)

Have you ever second guessed yourself? Ha! I'm imagining that that was a resounding yes. A series of events, ending with my toddler telling me to "go away" lead to my compulsion to create a podcast discussing the age old question "Am I good enough" As well as encouraging you to be kind to yourself, I share certain questions you can ask yourself and encourage you to take a greater view of your motivations and plans, when establishing if anything needs to change / improve and if you are indeed doing the right thing. You've got this.

Recently I have been feeling like everything is getting on top of me. Major (though exciting) work projects, my toddler settling into a new (and indeed overwhelming) childcare setting, an important course I'm supposed to be working towards not getting as much of my time as it needs - not to mention important life stuff like sorting out a remortgage, battling (minor) change of season ailments and let's not even begin to talk about how I haven't squeezed in an exercise session for a month. I mean... AAAARRRGGGGH! It is said that we teach what we need to learn - and that is certainly true of this episode as I take 16-minutes to talk to you about this topic in general and to discuss two effective ways to minimise overwhelm. Why two? Lol - well I didn't want to overwhelm you with too many suggestions! These two pack a punch though and may even make help you exhale and feel more in control... even before the end of this episode! As always, if you like what you hear do spread the word, share these episodes and please do leave a review - so other awesome working parents like you can follow you over here and make their way over to this podcast too.

In this from the heart episode, Gina Visram of Limitless Coaching describes how attending the Notting Hill Carnival (NHC), one of her favourite events of the year, makes her a better parent. This episode talks about the importance of parents embracing events, hobbies and activities that fills them up personally - and how that in turn has the potential to make them happier, more fulfilled parents. If you have ever lost yourself in the exhausting yet rewarding world of parenting... this is an episode for you.

This episode has the potential to rock your world (truly). If you would like to laugh more, a swift kick in the behind, the lift yourself from a slump, to feel more joy, to enjoy parenting more, to appreciate your job more - to feel more positive about your entrepreneurial journey or job search and even (and here's a big claim) to pick yourself up from the doldrums about what's happening in the world - this 15 minute episode can bring some much needed levity into your day. How you ask? Well, ultimately through exploration of the theory that there's no happiness without gratitude. In this episode I discuss 2 phrases that I believe we should be consistently using daily (which can contribute to happiness) and explore how an easy, cost-free shift in attitude can have a remarkable impact on our life and goals. Whether you're a working parent or not, much of today's episode is very relatable and I hope you like it, share it and (as a bonus) review the podcast over on iTunes.

In this (partly world cup inspired) episode, you have the opportunity to do some exploration which can result in this year being a transformational one for you. At the time of recording, we are halfway through the year, which makes it an exceptional time in which to do an audit / take stock of the good, bad and the ugly of the year to date. You'll hear some clear guidance on 6 key life areas to include in your audit and get a sneak peak into some of the things I'm personally celebrating and commiserating so far. Don't sleepwalk through the rest of the year. Grab a piece of paper and a pen (yes, old school... why not) and get ready to review your progress through a lens of kindness... a process which can result in a much better second half of the year than you'd have otherwise. You've got this. Let me know how you get on.

So here's the thing. In some ways, my husband has always been amazing with finances. In some ways, I have generally made good financial choices. For both of us... we can definitely have done better... not because we have been reckless per say but because there have been times of being careless (lol - that's probably more true for me than for him). I guess, we can always do better... and in this episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast I share a bit about why it's worth improving our financial situation, some active steps we are taking and also some great resources that have helped us feel more confident about the debt-free direction we are heading in. We're not there yet but with the tools we're using and determination we have - we know we'll get there... and... are feeling good about the choices to do some positive work in this area. If you're on a journey with improving your finances or would like to be - check out this episode. More control in this area often means greater flexibility when it comes to our career and lifestyle goals - which as working parents, would be a great thing. Enjoy the episode - please review on iTunes and share with your networks if you like what you hear

Some months ago, one of my NCT friends added me to a Facebook group... "Flexible working for mums like me" - knowing that I consider the topic of flexible working to be incredibly important. A very short time after this space created by Katy Fridman, ex Microsoft executive and now mum of two, went live - numbers crept up and up and it is clear that flexibility is a major issue for working parents. So let's talk about it. In this episode, Katy and I explore the power of community and connection, invite you to join her (free Facebook) community online and essentially share stories you won't want to miss. Enjoy...

Flexible working is such an integral part of the formula that many parents have when it comes to creating a success of their career and their lifestyle / parenting responsibilities that I can't quite believe that it's been nearly a year since I recorded an episode that mainly focuses on this topic. Well, that all changes here and this topic is one that is going to be a more regular staple within the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast. Let's talk about flexible working. Listen. Digest. Consider how this all applies to you. Take inspired action where relevant. And of course please feel free to share this episode and any others which resonate - and take a few minutes to leave a review on iTunes so more awesome working parentals like you can stumble across and subscribe to this podcast.

If you listen to nothing else today... listen to this episode. Truly... I can near enough assure you that it will get you thinking, remind you of your strength, your determination and your power. Yes I said power! After all, it's inspired by everyone's auntie in their head... Auntie Oprah (Winfrey) who talks about the idea that you are a single choice from a new beginning. I'd love to know what you think about this episode so let's catch up on the Limitless Coaching Facebook page and... don't forget that if you like what you hear and leave a review (on iTunes) it'll help more awesome peeps like you to find this podcast. Share the love beautiful.

Our children can be our greatest teachers, especially when we open our eyes to how their innocence, their (sometimes) lack of inhibition, and certainly their lack of hesitation in asking for what they want or need, comes into play. In today's episode - I share 3 of the many lessons we can learn from our children, which can contribute to our career and lifestyle success. These are 3 qualities that I suspect we see with children of a range of ages and if we can adopt some of them ourselves, we'd potentially go a long way. Here's to recognising that our children can often inspire us as much as we can inspire them - and to recognising that lessons in parenting and lessons in career and lifestyle progression can be more similar than we think. As ever, I'd love to know your thoughts on this episode and if you like what you hear, please do take a minute to leave a review on iTunes. It will help more awesome working parents like you to connect with the podcast.

At the time of recording this (naturally - at 1am) - I feel "inundated", on the cusp of overwhelm and well, aware this has been an unusual and very intense week so far. Is this a new normal or is this simply a busy week in terms of my employed work life? Whenever I even see overwhelm on the horizon, I believe it's important to take a moment and identify what's really going on, what is temporary, what needs changing, where maybe I just need to chill out and roll with it - or alternatively see a real issue up ahead and make a change. A key part of this process is identifying what my biggest time wasters are... and in this episode you join my stream of consciousness as I identify my 4 time sucks right now... and encourage you to think about what some of yours are at the moment too.

In this episode, I share the piece of advice from the teacher in my antenatal class - the piece of advice which has truly made me a better, happier parent and ultimately (usually) maintain a healthy perspective in relation to what success and productivity looks like. This piece of advice has absolutely added to my contentment level since becoming a parent and I share this pearl of wisdom in today's episode. Enjoy... and let me know your thoughts! I'd love to know if this is as useful for you as it was for me. Remember, if you like what you hear, please take a minute to review this podcast on iTunes... therefore helping fellow working parents like you to discover the podcast!

Do you remember how you felt as a new mum for the first time? The overwhelm? The fatigue? The excitement coupled with fear? As a maternity nurse and doula, Anna Wilk has been a huge support for many mums - helping them to get acclimatised in the role many would say is the most important of their life. In this 50 minute episode we discuss ways to make those early days with a new baby as manageable as possible, get to grips with what a doula is and the help s/he can give and understand why asking for help as a mum is essential. I share how Anna and I met, a tool she has which I highly recommend for new mums and Anna shares some insights which are useful for mums with children of any age when it comes to 'community'. She also says I phrase which is so apt for this day and age that I think it should absolutely be the name of her book if ever she decides to write one. I so enjoyed interviewing Anna and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed creating it for you.

When this topic came to mind it was big - "How to look for your next career opportunity". That's significant, no? BIG! Huge. Maaaaaan... I realised I could talk about this topic forever and a day. However, as the busy (working) parent you are you don't have forever and a day so instead of sharing all my thoughts on the subject, I chose 3 things to share and I'm pretty sure this topic will come up again so we can talk about many more methods then. For now though - here's a starter for 3. As ever, if you are enjoying these episodes of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast, do please feel free to take 2 minutes to leave a review on iTunes (which will help other working parents find this podcast). Thank you.

Whether you're listening to this in real time at the beginning of 2018 or whether you've found this episode 3 years later... this is the episode for you if it's time for you to establish your career goals. How do you know if that's something you need to do? That's simple. If you ever feel like you're drifting, coasting or unclear... this is a great time to think through what you really want in your career. What are your goals? In this episode I list a range of potential career goals... some fairly 'standard' and some beyond the norm. Hopefully something resonates or triggers your own ideas. Listen. Implement. You've got this. If you like what you hear, please remember to leave a review on iTunes.

New Year, New You is the prevailing message at this time of year - but in a way that can sometimes be a bit dismissive of the fab person you already are. Instead, I encourage you to explore the idea of "New Year, Same You" this 2018 and see if that have an even greater impact on your goals and plans. Find out more by listening to this 10 minute episode...

How are you going to change your family tree? This question and episode are inspired by one of my greatest personal development sources right now - Dave Ramsey (finance expert and personality) of the Dave Ramsey Show. One of the ways I am determined to change my family tree is by getting a greater control and handle on my finances when it comes to getting rid of debt and creating wealth so in this episode there is a lot of from the heart sharing in this capacity... ... which is all to set the scene for you. How will YOU change your family tree. Following along with this episode will give you space to reflect on traits that you appreciate which have been handed down your family tree and also reflect on those that don't serve you. What do you want to stop with you and not be passed down to your kids? Enjoy this episode... allow my personal shares to help you identify how you can change your own family tree so your children are getting the best of you and you feel increasingly great about yourself. Remember... do please rate and review the podcast, via whatever medium you've found it. See you soon.

As a working parent, what are the things that overwhelm you... and what are the things you celebrate? (Sometimes... those are the same thing! Our kids for one - can fall into both of those categories, right?). In this podcast episode, Trick or Treat: The working parent edition - While the title is a fun but tenuous link to the time the episode was recorded... Halloween, the relevance of the topic remains true year around. Some elements of this parental juggling act feel like tricks and others, the treat side feel phenomenal By sharing some of what has come to mind for me on both the 'nay' and the 'yay' side of things, hopefully it will spark you to close your eyes, be present and think about the trick or treat aspects of your life. Identify them, respect them, Evolve beyond them. Enjoy the journey! Remember to discuss this further

There are probably a multitude of ways to get back on the wagon after you have (spectacularly?) fallen off... however in this episode, I share one of the biggest remedies, if you find yourself in this situation. You fallen off the wagon with your career goals? Date night? Side hustle? Healthy living ambitions? Self care routine? Gotten a bit wishy washy about your non-negotiables? This episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast is just for you (and anyone you'd be kind enough to share it with).

Soooo... you know how I always say I'm not telling you what you should do? Well, this time, I kind of am, so forgive me for stepping into bossy me for 12 minutes of your time here. This episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents is entitled "Mum... here's why you should ask for help" because why? Because really, mums should ask for help. It truly, truly is an incredibly simple but remarkably flexible shift, regardless of what part of the parenting journey you are on. Listen in to find out why you should ask for help, what can motivate that decision today and connect with us on social media, including www.facebook.com/limitlesscoaching.

No... this is not the time. This is not the time to think about things you want to be / do / have / achieve / contribute to and think, ah well, it's the end of the year, I'll aim to achieve this from January. Oh no, not by default anyway as there are 3 months left and this episode is all about how to #win in the last quarter (while retaining your sanity, good humour and good looks).

It's finally here... an episode all about goal setting. Do you love it, do you hate it, do you hide away in a corner and hope it never crosses your path? Do you talk yourself out of it at any given opportunity? Or do you see it as a fun challenge? Or even an essential part of your every day life? In this episode, the first in a mini series on goal setting, I share a bit more about why you may try to avoid it, why you may embrace it and what my personal take is on the subject. I also go into detail about one goal setting methodology... SMART goal setting, and how you can use it. Finally, just as the episode comes to an end, my toddler Naila pipes up with her thoughts (Lol - well, gurgles and some key points!). Check it out, join the chat in the Limitless Coaching Facebook group... get even more intimate with goal setting and explore the (I predict) positive differences it makes for you. If you like this episode or any others, remember to leave a review on iTunes or wherever you listen.

So do you want the good news or the bad news?! The good news is that the practice of YOGA is an amazing, life enhancing practice for mums. The bad news... well, is the same - lol - yoga is a life enhancing practice for mums so if you're like me and this is not part of your routine at the moment, you may want to rethink things and see how you can squeeze this in. I've gotta say, I'm the least flexible person you wanna come across when it comes to things like yoga but in this podcast episode, Keya lovingly and butt-kickingly calls me out on my excuses not to do it... and shares three core reasons why yoga is good for the mind, body and soul of working mothers. Our chat also featured discussions about the shift between the first two years of business and beyond, teaching kids about how earning works and how our language and actions can help young children understand our professional lives. We were having so much fun recording this interview that we went above and beyond the normal length of Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast episodes but let me tell you, listening to this on your commute / with your family / when doing chores - is highly highly recommended. Fun... and full of brilliant lifestyle and business insights from this entrepreneur who is dedicated to encouraging mothers to be the best they can be through nourishment and good choices (ahem... one of which being yoga). So, whether you love yoga or whether you are scared of it (ahem... that would be me) - you won't want to miss this episode if seeking a balanced lifestyle on your terms is important to you.

Have you ever felt like your dreams, goals or plans are being sidelined due to others taking priority? For example, due to work on the overall goals of your family (as a whole) or due to the progression of your other half's career? On the face of it - naturally, it's worth celebrating success of any and all members of your family but of course, it's natural to start to feel frustrated if you feel like everything happening around you, and even everything you're working on - is taking you away from achieving some of your personal ambitions (be they professional or personal goals). If you resonate, please don't stress yourself out or tell yourself that you are being ungrateful for what you have. You are worthy or working towards and achieving your own personal goals and in this episode, Gina Visram shares 3 tips / conversation starters with your other half, that will get you (back) on track. We can all win... and here are some ideas as to how. In addition, for the first time ever on the Creative Career for Parents podcast, Gina reads excerpts from my book "Happily Ever After for Grown-Ups" as chapter 7, the "Love, Laugh and Communicate" chapter is incredibly helpful on the top of how to get your other half on board with your dreams and goals. If you are a working parent in a couple, this episode is not to be missed.

Hands up if you're travelling soon. Here's hoping that you're taking a bit of a break from your job or entrepreneurial endeavour soon and if you are... if there's a holiday on the cards and you have young children, then this podcast episode is for you. 7 (plus bonus) top tips for travelling (flying) with a toddler is designed for you... and includes a range of tips that are so different that you are bound to find a few that you'll be keen to try. I personally think that no. 7 is one of the most useful tips you'll ever hear when it comes to travel with kids but I like to think all the tips are handy so check them out and let me know how you get on.

Ever recorded two thirds of a podcast with a toddler on your lap? I know have... and this is an illustration of the inspiration behind this podcast episode - "10 things to look forward to over the summer holidays." Or... maybe even more accurately... 10 things to help make the most of the summer holidays. As kids, there often seemed to be no downside to the summer holidays but as a parent, it can often be the case that beyond being carefree, summer holidays often present logistical challenges when it comes to balancing your career / business with spending more hands on time with the family. I'm blessed to be in varying online entrepreneurial and mummy groups and it is obvious that the change of routine can be disconcerting (and the mummy guilt that ensues from not being wholly keen on the summer break) - and it is with all of this in mind that this podcast episode was so important for me to create right now. It's for you. The mummy / daddy / family who wants to embrace the summer holiday wholeheartedly, without reservation, but doesn't quite know how to juggle varying responsibilities and schedules to enable you to do so. As ever, I'd love to know your thoughts on this one (pop on over to www.facebook.com/limitlesscoaching to share)...

Have you ever said to yourself, or out loud, "I would love to write a book"? Hands up who resonates with that. If so... not only are you not alone, that's a big dream for many of us... but you are also in the right place because on the podcast today, I am interviewing Karen Williams, book coach and mentor from Librotas. I am so excited to bring you this interview because whether or not you are a working parent (as many will be in this community) - this interview will help you to realise that with some tweaks to your thinking, that dream of writing a book can be a reality before you know it. In this interview we discuss what you can do to positively get moving with your book project, the importance of getting over the "who am I to write a book" narrative in your head, book writing tips for time poor parents, why writing a book is a really valuable thing to do for entrepreneurs / business builders... and talk about how Karen challenged me to make a key improvement to my own book (career coaching book for couples, Happily Ever After for Grown-Ups) - a change which made the world of difference to how I could then talk about the book and the career coaching system within it. You can do this. You can write and publish a meaningful book which positively contributes to the lives of many. You just need to get out of your own way... and this is the place to begin that process.

STOP (Hammer Time!): Don't sleepwalk through the rest of 2017... This is your mid-year progress check. That's right... we've already made it to the middle of 2017 and if you don't stop for a breather you're in danger of speeding towards the end of the year without pausing to reflect on what's happened over the past six months and what your priorities are for the months ahead. Without this pause, you may be putting your energy and time into something which is no longer truly significant for you. So what should you be asking yourself at this point? What are the key steps to take to ensure you're moving forward with both dynamism and ease? Listen to this podcast for some pointers... and get ready to feel amazing about your decision to spend some time making sure you're on track and being kind to yourself in the process. This episode also features some personal examples from Gina, designed to help you really tap into what's going on for you. Get stuck in... and remember you can comment and feedback via www.facebook.com/limitlesscoaching.

In this coming of age, 21st episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast - Gina acknowledges the impact that recent events in London and Manchester have had on her spirit, motivation and emotions. The Grenfell Tower disaster and more have led to real introspection and questioning of what we can do when everything feels broken. While it's clear that on this one year anniversary of the Brexit vote, Gina is still baffled about the direction things are taking - this episode remains respectful of varying opinions and questions how parents speak to their children about events, especially when despair and / or disagreement can make things feel like they are spiralling out of control. This is not a structured how to episode but a return from a period of reflection - where Gina is very real about where her mind is... and discusses where to go from here.

I am insanely excited to invite you to listen to this interview. Seriously. When I dreamed up this podcast and thought about the guests I would want to interview for you... Helen was at the top of my list. Today's episode is an interview with Helen McGuire, mum of two, former comms professional and erstwhile DJ... and now co-founder and managing director of Hopscotch ME. Hopscotch ME is more than a recruitment company, it is a platform for professional women - and is on a mission to make flexible working for professional women a reality in the Middle East. Wherever in the world you are, this episode is a must listen for mamas in the working world (or those wanting to re-enter it). Within the space of 28 minutes (finishing just before Helen needed to leave the office to head home to her little ones) - we discussed her career journey from media, to PR to recruitment (with 2 babas appearing along the way), discussed what Helen refers to as "The Mummy Time Zone", how to build your confidence and really focused on some great advice / experience sharing when it comes to flexible working and how it can work for you. You also gain an insight into the kinds of companies who are taking this seriously... and so much more. As you will tell by my enthusiasm as I interviewed her, I am thrilled to be speaking to Helen here and I can't wait to hear about what you take away from this episode. Remember, you can share your thoughts over on the Limitless Coaching Facebook page. Enjoy and don't leave me hanging... let me know your thoughts (remember, you can leave a review about this podcast on iTunes too).

Stop what you are doing and listen to this episode right now. Seriously. Lol - it has the potential to be a game changer for you. In this episode, I explore the supremely well known phenomenon that is mum-guilt (mom-guilt) and talk about a wholly different approach to it. Instead of letting it get us down or fighting... I propose that we befriend it. It may sound like I've been hitting the sauce pretty hard to make that suggestion, but it's not the case and I believe it to be some of my clearest thinking in recent times! This is the beginning of a series on mum-guilt here at Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast but it all starts here and I'd love you to check this out and let me know what you think. Ooooh... and if it resonates, please share it with your mummy friends. Let's start a revolution with this! (No fighting though... remember?!). Enjoy...

You'll know that make progress not excuses is one of my mantras right? It's a biggie for me. I say it often. Well, today's episode is inspired by the fact that I am about to take action in a way that will be greatly beneficial, but also hugely challenging. I am about to embark on a 7 day shift the sugar challenge and have recorded this podcast partly for accountability and partly because I know you too have swizzle... all kinds of swizzle that you may be making excuses for and if that's the case, I hope you feel encouraged to do something about it. Disclaimer: Please remember it's always important to be kind to yourself. No negative self talk here - just positive action. If sugar is your Achilles Heal too... why don't you join me on this challenge. It starts imminently though so do check out the fabulous Lauren Gayfer's Facebook Page... the Fairy Food Mother (link below) and get involved. Let me know if you do and we can be sure to support each other. I'm excited and nervous but know I'm doing something good for me and for my family by doing this. Hope you challenge yourself to stop making excuses in an area of your life too! https://www.facebook.com/thefairyfoodmum/ (FYI - I'll soon be doing a 7-day challenge for the Creative Career Solutions for Parents community too... look out for it)

(... even when sleep deprived!). When you are a working mama / working parent / hell... working anybody, it is important to get in a positive mind space if you are hoping to have a positive day. This episode outlines 5 specific ways you can work towards having a spring in your step and a mindset to help you embrace the day. (Oh... and it also includes a bunch of reasons - lol - reasons not excuses as to why I don't currently do one of these recommended things in the morning) This episode was recorded at silly o-clock in the wee hours of the morning when my two loves were sleeping and I had umpteen podcast ideas rattling around my head. I hope you love it. Anything I can create which will help you support, inspire and empower you when it comes to your career and (parenting) lifestyle is absolutely my pleasure. Don't forget to head over to the Limitless Coaching page on Facebook to start or contribute to a conversation about this episode AND to iTunes to leave a review about the show (which is likely to help more working parents make their way here)

You do not want to miss this episode. No seriously... you don't. In this first ever interview on the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast I speak to one of my coaches / mentors, Emma Holmes from Coaching Rockstars. As you'll hear I'm thrilled to be chatting to her for this podcast and we touch on so many topics... From finding out about her current thriving business to understanding why she left a successful corporate law career (that she once loved) to become an entrepreneur... and from discovering why Emma believes there is no such thing as failure through to discussing whether it is important to communicate your goals and dreams with your spouse - we covered a lot of ground in this chat. If you are considering flexing your entrepreneurial muscles... be sure to check out this episode. Listen, enjoy, spread the word and remember, if you like what you hear do subscribe and leave a review on iTunes.

In this not to be missed episode, we bid farewell to the first quarter of 2017 and welcome in the second. This episode is exactly what you need if you are someone who regularly wonders where the time has gone and how the years go whizzing by. Here, we touch on the importance of goal setting, the benefit of thinking about how you want to feel (in addition to what you want to be / do / have and also talk about why some people think not goal setting is a better approach. (Spoiler alert: I disagree and in this episode I tell you why) Start Q2 2017 with a spring in your step and a determination to be productive the fun way...

In this episode, I share my surprise and delight about a question which my childminder asked me... which kind of blew my mind at the time. Maybe it shouldn't have but it inspired me not only to do a Facebook Live on the spot to talk about it (find this on the Limitless Coaching Facebook page) but it also prompted the topic of this podcast. Listen in to find out a very simple way to make your life easier today and hear a few anecdotes about how a couple of mamas have applied this to their own lives.

Following an insanely fast paced pace is unlikely to be sustainable and can lead to burn out and / or general frustration. However, in this episode of Creative Career Solutions for Parents, Gina Visram points out that if you get in to the habit of embracing self-care and being kind to yourself, it can be a positive turning point in the journey towards your goals and dreams. This is a practice which can result in an immediately positive result and greater life satisfaction. So what are you waiting for? Jump in now...

After 4 weeks of not podcasting, I felt nervous about recording my next one. I then realised, I just needed to do it... just record something... and now. This episode "The best time is now" is a short sharp reminder that more often than not (although there are some exceptions to this rule), the best time do so something you've been wanting to do / work towards / achieve... is now. Join me here to find out more...

In this episode, Gina Visram shares her belief about the value of a "squad" or multiple squads when it comes to your success. This isn't about what we traditionally think of as networks (that's another podcast for another day, another time) but is about groups of individuals with a sense of solidarity. Both offline (real life in person) and online squads can be sources of information, comfort, motivation and bravery when it comes to particular goals and dreams you have. A special shout out to Carrie Green, Nadia Finer and Emma Holmes - all of whom have online squads that I embrace right now (more about this in the episode) and hopefully the experiences Gina shares here will encourage you to find (and appreciate) your own.