Think of the resources as the encyclopedia of all things Motherhood with answers to the most frequently asked questions all in one place!
Holly is the key decision maker for the app and has a small and rapidly growing team working with her.
I never sat down and planned my career. My life and its circumstances have definitely shaped my career. I lost my mum when I was 17 after a 7 year battle with cancer and this sparked my interest in studying nutrition where I then went on to build my wellness brand to support women to better improve their health. Then when I had my son, I kept being told ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and I knew this was never going to be my reality as my mum wasn’t around, my partners mother tragically passed away suddenly and our extended family live in the North of England and we are in London. This sparked my interest in building an app to connect and support mums throughout their motherhood journey as there was no app available that did both!
I’m definitely the type of person who would struggle to work for someone else. I have always been very independent and being self motivated, the flexibility of my career enables me to work hard and also spend time with my Toddler, other half and work on my terms. The 9-5 life stuck in someone else’s office isn’t for me, I thrive at working from my office at home on something I’m incredibly passionate about!
I think life always throws challenges at you, but it’s how you handle them that matters. Because I have been through so much from such a young age, I’m able to separate myself from challenges that aren’t within my control and things that I can do something about. I don’t get stressed very easily and am very easy going, so generally if something comes up and I can do something about it, I make a plan and get it sorted out but if it’s not something I can control, then I don’t get stressed out.
I’d say the biggest challenge has been since having my son and the mum guilt when I’m working! I remember people used to speak about mum guilt and I never understood it, but it’s definitely real now I’m in it! I know how fast time flies by especially when they are little and changing all the time, but working for myself enables me to spend real quality time with him in the afternoons and at the weekend, but it’s definitely not easy.
I would say developing my app is my biggest achievement to date. Seeing it go from idea, concept and then a fully functioning mobile app has been amazing! I believe that my life has led me to this moment and I’m so proud to get the app into the market and support as many mums as I can so that they know they aren’t alone!
A saying that I live by is that if I don’t do it, it will never get done! And this is particularly true in my business, as I run the business I have to make decisions and keep things moving. I would also say that my resilience, ability to focus on what I’m building and to not worry about what others think because this can be a huge hindrance to the success of your business. I’m also very aware that life is short, so if there’s something you want to do, you have to go for it, or before you know if life will pass you by. Finally, I always say ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ and ‘if you don’t ask the answer is always no’ which is very much how I live my life and has helped me overcome self doubt and imposter syndrome particularly in business.
I’m very open to mentoring. I haven’t mentored but I’m definitely the one in my friendship groups that has the conversations about what they want to achieve, where they want to be and what they are doing to get there. I think inspiring and motivating others is a gift and something that I bring into conversations with others around me. I don’t have all the answers but I’m a good listener and really believe we all have a power within us to achieve great things, it’s just about finding it.
I would say keep going, keep your head down and just go for it. Enjoy the journey because that’s what life is all about!
As Carol is about to launch, we are in ‘all systems go’ mode and it’s all happening very quickly! Our international launch is also on the horizon so that’s a key focus for us in the coming years and cementing our name within the space to support mums worldwide as they navigate their Motherhood journey.
March
01apr09:3012:30Dementia and the Workplace: A Guide for HR and Workplace Leaders
01/04/2025 09:30 - 12:30(GMT+00:00)
Radyr Golf Club
Drysgol Road, Radyr, CF15 8BS
Learn how HR can support employees with dementia by fostering inclusive policies, raising awareness and creating a strengths-based culture.
With rising retirement ages and a growing number of younger people diagnosed with dementia (over 71,000 under 65), it’s vital for HR professionals to increase awareness and understanding of dementia in the workplace. This session will explore how dementia can affect individuals differently and provide practical strategies for offering meaningful support at work.
Younger employees with dementia may face unique challenges, such as balancing caregiving responsibilities or raising children alongside their diagnosis. Navigating workplace systems can be overwhelming for them, but with the right policies and approaches, you can make a difference.
At this session, we’ll challenge outdated perceptions of dementia and focus on how HR leaders can foster inclusive, strengths-based environments that empower individuals at every stage of their journey.
This session is designed for HR professionals, managers, occupational health teams, and anyone responsible for employee wellbeing. If you’re keen to create a workplace culture that truly supports colleagues with dementia, this is for you.
We are part of Platfform, the mental health and social change charity with over 30 years experience. Effro is Platfform’s dementia support project which supports people living with dementia to lead fulfilling lives based on sensory experiences and activities that spark real joy.
Many dementia charities and organisations only focus on the practical or medical needs of the people they work with. At Effro, we believe there’s more that can be done; that recognising the needs, preferences and individuality of each person creates opportunities for a better life.
Through this approach, we work with people to explore the things that interest them, that bring fascination or excitement, and that add to a life joyfully lived.
The work we do with people living with dementia includes activity sessions in any residential setting, one-to-one support, liaison and guidance, and new ways and ideas to reignite passions and stir positive memories.
Rhian Pitt
Rhian has been co-producing, developing, and delivering workshops with Effro since the training team was formed in 2021. With nearly 15 years of experience in teaching and training, she also brings personal connections to dementia, remaining mindful of the topic’s sensitive nature.
Rhadyr Golf Club, Drysgol Road, Cardiff CF15 8BS
www.radyrgolf.co.uk
Light refreshments are included
*This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
01apr10:0013:00Women in Business: CoWorking & Connections | Milton Keynes Accelerator
01/04/2025 10:00 - 13:00(GMT+00:00)
NatWest Milton Keynes (C:MK shopping centre, door 14)
Midsummer Boulevard 164 Midsummer Arcade Milton Keynes MK9 3BB
Bringing female founders together to cowork in our accelerator events space on a monthly basis; informal connectivity and network expansion. As longstanding
As longstanding supporters of Women in Business we understand the various challenges that women might face when setting up or running their business, and our goal is to make a positive difference to women in business across the UK through our Business Builder and Accelerator programme and our Women in Business Specialists who provide tailored support for women looking to start up and grow their business, no matter what their size or sector.
As the largest supporter of UK businesses, we champion anyone starting or growing a business, with a specific focus on women and those from ethnic minority communities.
NatWest is a business that understands when customers and people succeed, communities succeed, and the economy thrives. As part of our purpose, we are looking at how we can drive change for our communities in enterprise, learning and climate. As one of the leading supporters of UK business, we are prioritising enterprise as a force of change. This includes focusing on the people and communities who have traditionally faced the highest barriers to entry and figuring out ways to remove these. Learning is also key to their continued growth as a company in an ever changing and increasingly digital world.
Detailed research found that the biggest opportunities to help female entrepreneurs fell into three areas:
1. Increasing the Funding directed towards them.
2. Greater family care support
3. Relatable and accessible mentors and networks.
Yet, despite more women setting up and scaling up in business the disparity between men and women starting businesses remains and the latest research shows that women in business are still not getting their fair share of funding.
Join us to cowork and network; the kettles on.
Bring your laptop or device to get some work done, we’ll provide the wifi and the biscuits!