This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Maria Rush - leadership mentor, speaker and host of the Women Don’t Rush podcast.

For the past 15 years Maria has dedicated her time not only to raising her two children, now teenagers, but to promoting self-leadership, emotional intelligence and solution-based communication in entrepreneurial spaces, state organisations and private businesses.

Maria is fascinated by people. Her work explores how we can communicate and connect more deeply with ourselves and others by becoming more authentic and self-aware. She supports capable, high-achieving women and mothers who, despite outward success, often feel tired, overwhelmed and quietly unfulfilled.

Through her calm and thoughtful framework, Maria helps women uncover the missing link between outer achievement and inner fulfilment.

In this reflective and practical conversation, we explore:
✨ Maria’s transition into motherhood and the identity shifts that followed
✨ Why communication begins with self-reflection
✨ Solution-based communication in parenting and partnerships
✨ Why many high-achieving women feel unfulfilled despite external success
✨ The burden of always being the problem-solver
✨ Emotional intelligence and empathy as foundational leadership skills
✨ Connecting with your inner child to better understand present-day reactions

We also talk honestly about early motherhood, uncomfortable self-awareness and the courage it takes to recognise when our own behaviours may be contributing to the challenges we’re facing.

🎁 Exclusive for Mum Means Business listeners:
Use code MMB20 to receive 20% off Maria’s April 2026 cohort of The Connected Leadership Programme.

The programme offers a practical introduction to emotional intelligence and compassionate communication in a small group setting - equipping parents, partners and professionals with tools to strengthen their relationship with themselves and enjoy greater calm and connection.

About Maria Rush:
Maria Rush is a leadership mentor, speaker and host of the Women Don’t Rush podcast. She specialises in self-leadership, emotional intelligence and solution-based communication, supporting women who want to experience greater calm, clarity and fulfilment in both their professional and personal lives.

Drawing on her experience as a mother, mentor and entrepreneur, Maria guides high-achieving women to bridge the gap between external success and inner alignment. Her work empowers women to communicate more effectively, articulate their needs with confidence and cultivate deeper connections with themselves and others.

You can connect with Maria via her website, on Instagram, LinkedIn or through her podcast.

About The Host:
I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

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