Exploring women's career transitions through motherhood
What is the research and how did it come about?
Through my coaching work, both with individuals, as well as groups as part of a number of Organisation’s Women’s Leadership Development programmes, a consistent theme was emerging regarding the challenges and obstacles, both internal and external, that women were encountering in navigating combining motherhood and their career. I was keen to get a sense of the factors influencing these challenges, and, most importantly, the actions or mechanisms that seemed to reduce or eliminate them. I wanted to deeply understand how women prepare for, experience, and emerge from this transition, and how they continue to build successful, meaningful careers – on their own terms.
What did the research involve?
I conducted qualitative research exploring how women in professional services organisations navigate one of the most pivotal transitions in their careers: becoming a mother. The research consisted of 1-hour interviews held with over 50 women in professional services organisations, predominantly within accounting, legal and consulting firms.
What are some of the key findings from the research?
I have collated a suite of anonymised findings, along with a range of insights and recommendations both for women currently experiencing or about to embark on a career transition into motherhood, as well as for organisations to consider to enhance the support they provide to women during this pivotal career transition. A couple of examples outputs are below:
How can I find out more?
There are a range of ways to get involved and find out more:
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You can download a free copy of the summary findings from the research below.
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I am offering group sessions (in-person and on-line) to share the findings and recommendations from the women interviewed. If this is of interest to your organisation, or a group you are involved with, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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If you can’t attend an in-person or on-line session but would like to find out more, whether you a woman embarking on this major transition, or a Leader or HR Lead wanting to understand how to support your women more, please feel free to contact me, and I’m more than happy to talk through the findings on a 1:1 basis.