Returning to work after maternity leave was a significant life change for me. I was fortunate to come back to a team I love working with and an environment that was incredibly supportive. This support allowed me to tailor my return to match my needs and family priorities, making a huge difference.

The flexibility to balance work that continues to challenge and stretch me in a way that fits around my new responsibilities was key. For instance, my line manager continued to allow me to take on responsibility over high profile projects, knowing I could deliver them to a high standard, while also accommodating my personal commitments. This balance and support from colleagues made the transition smoother.

Knowing that others also have personal challenges and being in an environment where everyone goes above and beyond to respect each other's work-life balance was reassuring. It helped break the silence around the pressures of parenting, making it easier to talk about them without fear of being perceived as not fully committed to your career.

Working with high-achieving and genuinely kind people who understand and support you makes a vast difference. They recognise you are still a hardworking and diligent person, even with added responsibilities. This supportive environment alleviated my worries and proved I didn’t need to worry about balancing work and family life.