Podcast
Mum Means Business
Hosted by Victoria Phipps · EN
For women juggling pitches and play dates!
Hosted by Victoria Phipps MBE, the Mum Means Business is the podcast for ambitious Mothers navigating the beautiful chaos of building a business while raising a family. Each episode shares honest conversations and inspiring stories from real Mums growing heart-centred, purpose-driven businesses designed to make this world a better place for our children.
Whether you’re working during nap time, burning the midnight oil or squeezing strategy sessions between school runs, this is your space. A space to feel seen, supported and inspired.
Join us as we celebrate the wins, unpack the challenges and remind ourselves that while tackling motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time can be a wild ride, we don’t have to do it alone.
Because motherhood isn’t a barrier to success - it’s a superpower.
Hosted by Victoria Phipps MBE, the Mum Means Business is the podcast for ambitious Mothers navigating the beautiful chaos of building a business while raising a family. Each episode shares honest conversations and inspiring stories from real Mums growing heart-centred, purpose-driven businesses designed to make this world a better place for our children.
Whether you’re working during nap time, burning the midnight oil or squeezing strategy sessions between school runs, this is your space. A space to feel seen, supported and inspired.
Join us as we celebrate the wins, unpack the challenges and remind ourselves that while tackling motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time can be a wild ride, we don’t have to do it alone.
Because motherhood isn’t a barrier to success - it’s a superpower.
41episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
35: Connection Over Competition and Championing Women with Kate Okello Tarrant
Mar 301:23:21Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by actor, voice artist and founder Kate Okello Tarrant, also known as Mrs. OT. A millennial mum of three boys, Kate has appeared on countless stages across the UK and worked with household names including the BBC and Audible. But when the performance industry paused during lockdown, she began documenting her experience of motherhood online and something powerful happened. Within weeks, her honest reflections reached tens of thousands of women. The conversations that followed led her to train as a breastfeeding consultant, become a pre and postnatal advocate and create The Mum Retreat - a series of nurturing events centred on maternal mental health and wellbeing. From intimate candlelit evenings to expert-led workshops, Kate now curates powerful spaces where women can gather, speak honestly and feel seen. Her work is rooted in vulnerability, connection and a belief that there is joy to be found in failing publicly. 💡 “We need to dismantle the societal conditioning that other women are a threat.” In this energising and deeply honest conversation, we explore: ✨ Kate’s journey from actor to founder of The Mum Retreat ✨ The myth of overnight success and what really happens behind the scenes ✨ Navigating imposter syndrome when stepping into leadership ✨ The social conditioning that teaches women to compete rather than connect ✨ Transforming envy into empowerment ✨ The burden of stoicism in motherhood ✨ Embracing vulnerability online and in real life ✨ Why failure can be a powerful catalyst for growth We also talk about the scarcity mindset that keeps women playing small and what becomes possible when we actively choose connection over competition - in motherhood, in business and in life. About Kate Okello Tarrant: Kate Okello Tarrant, also known as Mrs. OT, is an actor, voice artist and founder of The Mum Retreat, a series of maternal wellbeing events designed to create safe, supportive spaces for mothers. After building an engaged online community during lockdown, Kate expanded her work into breastfeeding consultancy, advocacy and in-person gatherings focused on maternal mental health. She was recently recognised as 'Best Maternal Mental Health & Wellbeing Events UK' at the GHP Women’s Health Awards. Through her retreats, social media presence and public work, Kate is passionate about helping women feel less alone and more connected. Visit her website or follow her on Instagram @_mrsot to learn more. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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34: Communication, Self-Leadership and Finding Fulfilment with Maria Rush
Feb 2401:03:13Tap to summarizeThis 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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33: Building Calm, Confidence and Support in Business with Isabelle Pearcey
Feb 1700:49:48Tap to summarizeMy guest this week is Isabelle Pearcey, founder of Izz Whizz VA, where she helps founders, small teams and legal professionals bring structure, calm and confidence to the way they run their business. With a background in law, executive support and charity governance, Isabelle has spent years as the unflappable right hand to high-level leaders; quietly building effective systems, leading with empathy and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. After navigating long COVID alongside early motherhood, Isabelle made the courageous transition into entrepreneurship. She built a virtual assistant business rooted in her values of kindness, trust and flexibility - and is now growing a small, trusted team of VAs who want meaningful, family-friendly work. Her approach to business feels like a breath of fresh air: calm rather than chaos, collaboration rather than control and support instead of silent struggle. In this honest and reassuring conversation, we explore: ✨ Isabelle’s journey from law and charity governance into entrepreneurship ✨ The impact of long COVID and motherhood on career decisions ✨ Breaking free from the super mum complex ✨ What a virtual assistant actually does and how they support business growth ✨ Building trust and strong working relationships in remote teams ✨ How to prepare your business for outsourcing ✨ Empowering women through flexible, values-led work ✨ Supporting maternal mental health alongside business ambitions We also talk about resilience, identity shifts and what it really means to invite someone into your world to help carry the load. About Isabelle Pearcey: Isabelle Pearcey is the founder of Izz Whizz VA, supporting founders, legal professionals and small teams with structure, systems and trusted executive support. With a background in law, executive assistance and charity governance, Isabelle combines professionalism with empathy — helping business owners feel calm and confident as they grow. She is building a team of skilled virtual assistants who want meaningful, flexible work that aligns with family life. Through her work and charitable involvement, Isabelle is passionate about empowering women at every stage of motherhood and business. Connect with Isabelle on LinkedIn and Instagram to find out more about how her team could support you. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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32: Finding Ease and Coming Home to Yourself in Midlife with Ekaterina Ward
Feb 1001:13:40Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Ekaterina Ward - mindset coach and founder of Vivacity, a community supporting female founders aged 40 and over to build vibrant, soul-aligned businesses that support the lives they want to lead. Ekaterina began her career in teaching before moving into corporate financial services. Eleven years ago, she retrained as a coach and has since worked extensively in corporate and executive coaching. Today, her focus is on supporting mothers in business - helping them grow their income, energy and impact without sacrificing themselves in the process. A mum to an eleven-year-old daughter, Ekaterina is deeply passionate about challenging the societal expectation that women should shrink as they move through midlife. Instead, she invites women to see this season as one of expansion, power and becoming. Her work explores the patterns that often guide our behaviour. As she recently shared, some of us are led by the heart, others by fire - but many of us are unconsciously addicted to suffering through overworking, people pleasing, control and self-neglect. Ekaterina’s message is clear: we do not need to suffer in order to grow. 💡 “We do not need to suffer to grow.” In this deep, reflective and quietly powerful conversation, we explore: ✨ Ekaterina’s transition from corporate life into coaching ✨ Why asking for help is a skill many women struggle to practise ✨ Breaking cycles of suffering and self-sabotage ✨ Fear of success and how it shows up for women in business ✨ Creating ease rather than glorifying struggle ✨ Self-regulation, emotional awareness and the window of tolerance ✨ Reframing midlife as the wise woman’s journey ✨ Navigating perimenopause with honesty, compassion and self-advocacy We also talk about self-enquiry, identity shifts and what it means to truly come home to yourself - as a woman, a mother and a business owner. About Ekaterina Ward: Ekaterina Ward is a mindset coach and founder of Vivacity, a community supporting female founders aged 40 and over to build soul-aligned businesses and lives. With a background in teaching, corporate financial services and executive coaching, she brings depth, compassion and strategic clarity to her work. Ekaterina specialises in supporting mothers in business to grow sustainably, without burnout. Her work challenges outdated narratives around midlife and menopause, reframing them as powerful seasons of self-leadership, honesty and renewal. You can find Ekaterina on Instagram or LinkedIn, and learn more about her work through Vivacity via her website. You can also download her FREE Midlife Mayhem and Magic Workbook! 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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31: Liz Mosley On Rejection, Resilience and Building a Business You Love
Feb 301:10:52Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Liz Mosley - graphic designer, Adobe Ambassador, podcast host and public speaker on a mission to help small business owners feel more confident about their branding and marketing. Liz believes that when branding is not only beautiful but also strategic, it can completely transform how business owners show up. Through her design work, she creates bespoke branding and websites that leave her clients feeling excited, empowered and ready to share what they do with the world. Alongside client work, Liz has recorded over 200 episodes of her podcast Building Your Brand - all within the constraints of the school day. She’s a mum of two and a passionate champion for small businesses navigating visibility, content creation and sustainable growth. Liz is also well known for her rejection challenge. In 2023, after recognising how much fear of rejection might be limiting her own business growth, she set herself the goal of collecting 100 professional rejections in six months. Since then, she’s been openly sharing what she’s learned - helping creatives and business owners see that rejection is a normal, unavoidable and often far less scary part of putting yourself out there. 💡 “Rejection is a normal part of being a creative and a business owner.” In this honest and encouraging conversation, we explore: ✨ Liz’s journey into entrepreneurship and finding her place in the small business world ✨ Why rejection feels so personal and how to reduce its emotional impact ✨ The origins of the 100 rejections challenge and what Liz has learned so far ✨ Navigating identity shifts through motherhood and business growth ✨ The realities of content creation and how it has evolved over time ✨ What happens when your work goes viral and how to manage the aftermath ✨ Why vulnerability and human connection matter more than perfection We also talk about trusting your instincts, doing work you genuinely enjoy and why consistency becomes far more sustainable when you stop trying to perform and start being yourself. In this episode Liz mentions a Ted Talk by Jia Jiang entitled "What I learned from 100 days of rejection" which you can watch here. About Liz Mosley: Liz Mosley is a graphic designer, Adobe Ambassador and host of the podcast Building Your Brand. She specialises in creating strategic branding and websites for small business owners who want to feel confident sharing their work and growing their businesses. Liz is passionate about helping creatives overcome fear of rejection and build resilience through visibility, experimentation and self-trust. She shares practical marketing advice alongside honest reflections on running a business and navigating motherhood. You can find Liz on Instagram, via her website or by listening to Building Your Brand 🎧 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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30: Finding Work-Life Harmony As An Entrepreneur with Rachael Twumasi-Corson
Jan 2701:13:35Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Rachael Twumasi-Corson - a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, public speaker and non-executive director. Rachael founded her first company, Afrocenchix, at just 18 years old and scaled it to international success, raising over $2 million in investment before exiting the business in 2023. An advocate for ethical leadership and powerful storytelling in business, she’s delivered talks for global organisations including Google, Meta and HSBC. Today, Rachael serves on multiple boards, was recently appointed Vice Chair of British Mensa and is on the cusp of launching her new haircare brand Ayaa Botanicals. She lives in London with her husband and four children. As a busy Mum, Rachael believes work-life balance is a myth. Instead, she champions the idea of work-life harmony - a more compassionate and realistic way of approaching ambition, family life and personal wellbeing. As she puts it, balance leads to stress and frustration, while harmony creates freedom. In this rich and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Rachael’s journey from teenage founder to scaling and exiting Afrocenchix ✨ The realities of building ambitious businesses alongside family life ✨ Why work-life balance doesn’t exist - and what to aim for instead ✨ How health challenges can reshape priorities and redefine success ✨ Navigating public spaces, expectations and pressure as a working mother ✨ The orchestra metaphor - and why harmony needs both mindset and systems ✨ Rachael’s simple 5-4-3-2-1 method for starting the day with intention ✨ How identity evolves through motherhood, exits and new beginnings Rachael shares both the mindset shifts and the practical tools that have helped her navigate different seasons - reminding us that when family life feels settled, we can go again and when it doesn’t, stepping back is not failure but part of being human. During our conversation Rachael also recommends a book called "Coherence" which I can confirm is by Dr. Alan Watkins. About Rachael Twumasi-Corson: Rachael Twumasi-Corson is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and non-executive director. She is the founder of Afrocenchix, a pioneering haircare brand she scaled globally before exiting in 2023. Her work focuses on ethical leadership, storytelling and helping others build lives and businesses that feel aligned - rather than perfectly balanced. She lives in London with her husband and four children and continues to explore new ventures inspired by resilience, lived experience and a commitment to long-term impact. Learn more about Rachael via her website or connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn. 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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29: Challenging the 9–5 and Reimagining Work for Parents with Amy Grilli
Jan 2001:03:44Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Amy Grilli - former teacher and co-founder of The Five Hour Club, a growing movement challenging the traditional 9–5 workday and advocating for more realistic, family-friendly ways of working. After taking five years out of paid employment to care for her children, Amy found herself staring at a large gap in her CV and questioning how it would be received. Her instinct was that being a “full-time parent” would be judged, dismissed or even criticised. So she left the gap unexplained and quietly withdrew, feeling insignificant, undervalued and unsure whether she was still welcome in the professional world. In frustration, Amy shared her experience on LinkedIn in 2024. The post went viral, resonating with tens of thousands of mothers who felt deeply seen. That response became the catalyst for The Five Hour Club - a professional job board promoting five-hour workdays, alongside a podcast of the same name, all designed to help parents maintain and return to meaningful careers after having children. What began as a personal moment of vulnerability has grown into a powerful movement. As Amy puts it so simply - 9 to 5 doesn’t work for parents. In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, we explore: ✨ The emotional impact of stepping away from paid work to raise children ✨ Why returning to work after time out can feel so daunting ✨ The hidden struggles of part-time work and so-called “flexibility” ✨ Balancing careers with school hours and school holidays ✨ How rigid working cultures quietly push mothers out of the workforce ✨ Why flexibility must be a two-way conversation between employers and employees ✨ How the five-hour workday could benefit businesses as well as families ✨ The vision behind The Five Hour Club and its growing global impact About Amy Grilli: Amy Grilli is a former teacher and co-founder of The Five Hour Club, a global job board and podcast promoting five-hour workdays and flexible roles for parents. Her work is driven by a desire to normalise parenthood in the workplace and challenge outdated assumptions about productivity, commitment and success. After experiencing first-hand the barriers parents face when trying to return to work, Amy now advocates for systemic change that allows families to thrive - without forcing parents to choose between career and caregiving. You can learn more about The Five Hour Club by visiting their website, following them on LinkedIn and Instagram, or listening to The Five Hour Club 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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28: Defining Success on Your Own Terms with Teresa Heath-Wareing
Jan 1301:15:58Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by my marvellous coach Teresa Heath-Wareing - an international award-winning TEDx speaker, business strategist and host of the #1 rated Your Dream Business podcast. Teresa is widely known as the go-to expert for launching and scaling online businesses, specialising in practical growth strategies for course creators, membership owners and coaches. With a degree in marketing and over a decade of experience, she began her business in 2013 as a single mum to her four-year-old daughter. Since then, Teresa’s business - and life - have evolved dramatically. Alongside growing a globally recognised online brand, she has navigated divorce, solo parenting and a profound shift in her relationship with alcohol, a journey she shares openly on her health podcast Losing Part of Me. Today, her daughter is a teenager, she’s gained two grown-up stepchildren and a “handsome husband”. In 2024, Teresa launched her signature programme 'Grow Launch Sell', bringing together her depth of experience to help entrepreneurs build profitable online businesses in a way that feels aligned, sustainable and human - moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and towards thoughtful, supported growth. In this open and generous conversation, we explore: ✨ Teresa’s journey from single parent to building a globally recognised online business ✨ Navigating divorce, motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time ✨ What it really means to “burn the boats” and fully commit to your business ✨ Why success must be defined personally, not dictated by the online space ✨ Balancing ambition, wellbeing and family life ✨ The power of community, honesty and bespoke support in business growth About Teresa Heath-Wareing: Teresa Heath-Wareing is a business strategist, TEDx speaker and podcast host specialising in online business growth for course creators, coaches and membership owners. Having started her business as a single mum, Teresa is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow in ways that feel aligned with their values, lives and energy. She is the host of Your Dream Business podcast and creator of the Grow Launch Sell programme, supporting business owners to build sustainable success without sacrificing themselves in the process. You can find Teresa via her website, YouTube channel and on Instagram @teresa_heathwareing. 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 @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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27: Dr. Tuesday on Navigating the Messy Middle of Modern Motherhood
Jan 601:14:54Tap to summarizeThis week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall - an Essex-based academic psychologist, speaker, writer and self-described recovering perfectionist whose work explores the real emotional experience of modern motherhood. Tuesday has built a deeply engaged online audience by choosing honesty over polish in a space where so many mothers feel pressure to curate perfection. Her work brings compassion and depth to feelings women often keep hidden, helping to reshape how we understand - and talk about - maternal mental health. Drawing on her doctorate in psychology alongside counselling skills, hypnotherapy, hypnobirthing and postnatal mental health training, Tuesday supports women through identity shifts, big transitions and the unraveling and rebuilding that so often comes with motherhood. In one of her pinned posts she writes, “I don’t feel guilty about working whilst my children are small. I see my work as the creative rest I need to be the best mother I can be.” When I first read that, I felt seen - and that ability to articulate what so many women feel but struggle to say out loud is very much Tuesday’s superpower. In this honest and validating conversation, we explore: ✨ Tuesday’s journey from academia into business ✨ The identity shifts that come with motherhood and matrescence ✨ Why perfectionism can quietly keep women playing small ✨ Redefining work, ambition and success as a mother ✨ The role of social media in shaping how we view motherhood ✨ Why connection - not performance - is the real catalyst for growth About Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall: Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall is an academic psychologist, speaker and writer whose work focuses on the emotional reality of modern motherhood. Through research-informed insight and deeply human storytelling, she helps women navigate identity shifts, perfectionism and the complexities of combining motherhood with meaningful work. Known online as Dr Tuesday, she shares unfiltered reflections on family life, mental health and ambition, creating spaces where women feel less alone and more understood. Her work challenges the idea that mothers must have it all figured out and instead invites compassion, flexibility and honesty. You can find Tuesday via her website or on Instagram at @iamdrtuesday. 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 @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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26. Rebuilding Strength and Confidence After Motherhood with Ruth Ashton
Dec 3000:59:37Tap to summarizeAs we look ahead to a new year, this week on Mum Means Business I’m joined by Ruth Ashton - founder of RAPT Movement, a personal training business supporting women to rebuild strength and return to exercise safely in the early season of motherhood. Movement has always been Ruth’s way of managing life’s demands and reconnecting with herself. But after returning to work as a management consultant following the birth of her first baby, she found that exercise no longer felt straightforward. Physical changes, injury and a lack of time made traditional fitness routines feel unrealistic and often unsafe. Ruth soon realised she wasn’t alone. Many of her friends felt intimidated by gyms and frustrated by fitness messaging that swung between extreme workouts and gentle stretching, with nothing in between. There was a clear gap in support for women navigating postpartum recovery. In 2024, Ruth qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and began developing a strength-training approach based on what had actually worked for her during her own postpartum running journey. When an opportunity arose to move to Canada with her husband’s job, it felt like the right moment to step away from consultancy and launch RAPT Movement. Now based in Toronto, Ruth works with women one-to-one both in person and online, offering simple, home-based strength training sessions that fit into real life. Her philosophy is fitness for life - not about getting your pre-baby body back, but about caring for and celebrating the body you’re in right now. In this thoughtful and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Ruth’s journey from management consultancy to launching a postpartum-focused fitness business ✨ Moving countries with a young family and starting a business from scratch ✨ Why postpartum fitness advice often feels too generic or unrealistic ✨ The physical realities of pregnancy, birth and recovery that women are rarely prepared for ✨ How strength training supports long-term health, confidence and resilience ✨ The idea of “snack exercises” and how they fit into everyday life with young children About Ruth Ashton: Ruth Ashton is a personal trainer, fitness instructor and founder of RAPT Movement, a business dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery and beyond. Drawing on her background in management consultancy and organisational change, Ruth applies the same principles to fitness - small, realistic shifts that lead to lasting habits. Based in Toronto, Ruth works with women one-to-one both in person and online, offering accessible strength training designed to fit into busy lives. Her work focuses on helping women rebuild confidence, strength and trust in their bodies at every stage of motherhood. You can find Ruth and learn more about working with her on Instagram at @rapt.runs. 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 @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
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