Returning to work – your new found leadership

Guest blog by Mum Empowerment coach Vicky from Mum & More

Hey Mama… Did You Know You’re Returning to Work as a Fully Competent Leader?

Yes, that’s right, you heard me.

Whether you’re stepping back into your corporate role, restarting your business, or trying to figure out what next, you’re not “just going back to work.” You’re returning as a leader and not because of your job title, but because of who you’ve become.

You may not feel like a leader right now. You might feel exhausted, unsure, or overwhelmed. But the truth is…

you’ve been leading since the moment you started growing a baby

From those early weeks of pregnancy the emotional shifts, the decisions you had to make, the way you adapted to changes in your body, your life, your routines… all of that was leadership.

You navigated uncertainty. You listened to your instincts.
You kept showing up, even when you didn’t feel like yourself.
You managed work, home, responsibilities and change all while growing a human.

And then came the sleepless nights. The decisions around feeding, naps, childcare, routines. The daily multitasking that would put most CEOs to shame.

Whether you’re doing this for the first time or adding to a growing family, the truth is the same:

You have been flexible, adjusting plans on the fly, responding to the unexpected.

You have been adaptable, rolling with challenges, pivoting when life threw curveballs.

You have been resilient  waking up after broken sleep and still showing up.

You have been emotionally intelligent attuned to your baby’s needs and learning to regulate your own emotions in the process.

You have been decisive navigating feeds, routines, doctors’ appointments, development leaps, and family dynamics.

 You have created psychological safety building a world where your child feels loved, secure, and seen.

Whether you’re returning to a leadership role or not, managing a team or not ,you already have the skillset. You’ve been leading. Through pregnancy, motherhood, and the juggle of it all. That’s competence. That’s leadership. Own it. 

Now tell me that isn’t leadership.

The return to work jounery: what we’re not talking about enough

Let’s be honest, the return to work isn’t just a date in your diary.
It’s a huge transition. One that’s emotional, practical, and deeply personal.

Some of the Mums I coach feel excited they’ve missed the buzz of their career or business. They’re looking forward to remembering who they were outside of nap schedules and weaning plans.

Others feel anxious, unsure how they’ll juggle the never-ending list of responsibilities or whether they’ll even recognise themselves in the role they left.

Most? They feel both.

And in the midst of that, they’re asking:

• “Can I really do this?”

• “How will I manage everything?”

• “What happens if I drop the ball at work or at home?”

Because maternity leave isn’t a break.
It’s a reconstruction of your life and you’ve been working harder than ever.

So the idea of going back to work, taking on more, and making it all fit can feel impossible no matter how competent, capable, or organised you are.

and then there are the practical realities

Beyond the emotional load, there’s the logistical chaos nobody prepares you for:

• Childcare you can trust that aligns with your work hours, budget, and values
• Juggling drop-offs with 9am meetings and unexpected deadlines
  The reality of sick days, clingy days, and guilt-ridden “I’m sorry, I can’t make it in” calls
• Having a brain full of logistics, feeding times, and nursery bag packing while trying to sound sharp in a team meeting
• Changes to your role or restructures that have left you feeling uncertain or unseen
• Flexible working requests that get denied or approved in ways that don’t actually help

And the quiet question that so many of my clients whisper before they say anything else:

“What if I’m not the same person I was before?”

To which I say you’re not. You’re more.

this is one of the reasons i created Mum & More

As a Mum myself and as someone who has walked this path while building a business and returning to the corporate world, I know how complex this season is.

And I know how powerful it can be when a mum is properly supported through it.

I created Mum & More because I believe you deserve to thrive, not just survive as you return to work. Because this isn’t about “getting back to normal.” It’s about redefining what success, identity, and balance look like for you, now.

My Return-to-Work Coaching is designed specifically for:

•  Mums preparing to go back to work after maternity leave
• Those navigating new career paths, promotion goals, or a complete reboot
• Business owners trying to grow sustainably while raising a young family
• Anyone wondering how to rebuild confidence, find balance, or feel like themselves again

We work together 1:1 to support both the practical and emotional sides of your return, from time management, boundaries, and career clarity to confidence, mindset and identity.

And yes some of my clients have had this funded by their employers.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation and I can help you prepare for that too.

you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from strength

So, mama… when you walk through those office doors, or switch your laptop back on, or step back into your business strategy…

Know this:

You are not “just a mum coming back from leave.”

You are a fully formed, emotionally intelligent, incredibly capable leader bringing with you a whole new level of perspective, skill, and purpose.

And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

working with vicky

If you think a Return to Work Coach will be the perfect companion for your maternity to work transition, you can get in touch with Vicky via her Mum & More website.

Vicky tailors her 1:1 coaching to your needs—whether you’re after a four-week intensive package or a longer support journey. Her packages include access to coaching materials, toolkits, and personalised support—everything you need for a smooth, confident shift from maternity mum to working mum.

Want some quick guidance on how to prep and feel less overwhelmed? Read my top 10 practical tips for returning to work after maternity leave. 

Remember that everything feels worse when sleep deprived. If you’re struggling, I offer a free 15 minute assessment call so get in touch if you want to chat about any sleep issues you’re having, and find out if and how I can help. 

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