Episode 135: The Comeback

“The first step is getting your head sorted, really understanding what are the stories you’re telling yourself about why you can’t go back.”

— Lisa Unwin

Lisa Unwin

Many women will take time out of the workforce at some point in their careers. But getting back in can be notoriously hard. In this show we meet Lisa Unwin, co-author of She's Back. We discuss how to change your attitude to persuade an employer (and yourself) of your worth, how to frame an absence from the workforce, and why career and motherhood have a lot in common with a game of chess.

You can also read a transcript of the show.

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Further reading: ‘It’s Time to Change Your Strategy on Hiring Women’ by Lisa Unwin, via Thrive Global.

‘Meet the Women who want to Crack the Return to Work Problem’, via the Daily Telegraph.

Here’s the article Lisa and Deb wrote comparing motherhood and career to a game of chess (and advising you how to play) via Strategy + Business.

Why ‘I’m a Mum, I’m Looking for Part-time Work, is the Wrong Way to Start’ by Lisa Unwin, via Thrive Global.

Episode 134: Running for Office

“There are some days when I think, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I doing, why am I doing this? These people are never going to accept me,’ to, ‘Yes, I can do this...why not me?’”

— Suzanna Coleman

Suzanna Coleman (center, with burgundy top) and supporters

“Because of my party affiliation people assume they know everything about me. But I am the next generation of Republicans. I’m not what we see right now. ”

— Morgan Murtaugh

Morgan Murtaugh and her grandmother on the day of our interview

The US midterm elections are just around the corner. In this episode we meet two women running for office for the first time, Suzanna Coleman and Morgan Murtaugh - one Democrat, one Republican.

Each woman faces a challenge on November 6th. Suzanna is in Alabama, an African-American candidate in a conservative state. She's going up against an older white man who’s been in office since 2010. Morgan is a young Republican in liberal southern California, facing off against a congresswoman who’s held the seat for 17 years. Each thinks their community may be ready for change. In a few weeks they’ll find out for sure.

You can also read a transcript of the show.