Verena Hefti - Starting an Award-Winning Social Enterprise Whilst Bringing Up Babies & Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

Something a little different for the final episode of Season 3 as the tables have turned and I have found myself answering the questions instead of asking them!Kirstie Brewer, a journalist at the BBC and a Leaders Plus Fellow, interviews me, Verena Hefti, the host of this podcast and the founder of Leaders Plus. I share my personal story of combining a senior leadership career with young children and why I set up the award-winning social enterprise Leaders Plus. Kirstie asks fantastic questions and it was really interesting for me to be able to reflect on the journey so far.We discuss:The reality of starting a social enterprise while bringing up two babiesWhy I didn't push out my ambition along with my baby What it's like to leave a stable job to become a pregnant entrepreneurImposter syndrome and how I deal with itSetting priorities and ensuring the long term goals remain in sightHaving a third baby and why this will enable me to step back and think more strategically Follow Verena on Twitter at @vhefti and Leaders Plus @leaders_plus.This is the final episode in this season but Leaders With Babies will be back again in the New Year with some fantastic new guests.  In the meantime, if you've enjoyed listening, please do rate and review us on iTunes and tell 5 of your friends about the podcast, it really helps more people to find us. This episode was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown.Are you progressing a big career whilst raising small children? Each month we send out a helpful round-up email featuring useful info and brave new ideas for ambitious mums and dads. Sign up now.Applications are now open for our NHS FellowshipOur FMLM accredited NHS Fellowship is a career development programme for working parents in the NHS who want to lead positive change. Apply by 11/07. Find out more.

Om Podcasten

Big Careers Small Children helps ambitious parents progress careers they love whilst being present with their children. Through honest and informal conversation, senior leaders divulge what they have learnt on their own journey of combining big careers with young children to our host Verena Hefti MBE. Expect lots of aha moments, inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical support, so you can move forward in your career in a way that works for you and your family.This podcast is hosted by our social enterprise Leaders Plus. We believe that no parent should have to choose between progressing the career they love and enjoying their young children. Through the Big Careers, Small Children podcast and our award-winning Fellowship Programme, we have supported thousands of Leaders with young children to make brave decisions about their future. We unapologetically help more mums (and dads with significant caring responsibilities) to get to senior leadership positions, because only by helping parents to progress their career can we have true gender equality at the top and address the gender pay gap.Be part of our positive movement for change and sign up to receive our informative monthly emails at www.leadersplus.org.uk/newsletterWe hope you enjoy listening to our podcast and invite you to follow us on social media @leaders_plus #BigCareersSmallChildren