Is flexibility in the workplace truly achievable, or is it still a dream for many parents and professionals? In this episode of The Counter Offer, Susanna is joined by Elizabeth Willetts, Founder of Investing in Women and host of the Work It Like a Mum podcast. Elizabeth shares her path from redundancy during the pandemic to building a business focused on creating flexible work opportunities for women and parents. They discuss the barriers women encounter in finding part-time senior roles, the deeper issues behind the gender pay gap, and how employers can rethink flexibility. She also reflects on the mindset shifts and coaching that helped her turn challenges into opportunities. This episode offers advice on crafting a career that works for their lives, from preparing for interviews to making the most of LinkedIn. Elizabeth also shares insights into her upcoming book, Flex, and the lessons she’s learned about balancing career and family. This is an episode that will leave you with plenty to think about and tools to act on. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Elizabeth’s Journey to Flexibility: Elizabeth shares how redundancy during the pandemic inspired her to start Investing in Women, addressing the lack of flexible work options for mothers. Tackling the Gender Pay Gap: She highlights how limited part-time senior roles force women out of high-paying careers, perpetuating the gender pay gap.Turning Doubt into Action: Imposter syndrome is a universal struggle, but with the guidance of a business coach, Elizabeth built a company that aligns with her values and supports others.Finding Truly Flexible Employers: She shares tips on spotting flexible workplaces, like researching LinkedIn posts, Glassdoor reviews, and networking. Lessons from Flex: Elizabeth introduces her book, Flex, a guide to building a fulfilling career with insights on CVs, job pivots, and work-life balance. About Elizabeth Willets Elizabeth Willetts is an experienced recruiter with over 17 years of expertise, including roles at Deloitte and Hays. She is the founder of Investing in Women, the UK’s leading flexible working recruitment company, job board, and community, dedicated to helping women find part-time and flexible roles. Her mission is to close the gender pay gap by empowering women to pursue fulfilling careers that fit their lives without sacrificing time for family, hobbies, or personal goals. Inspired by her own challenges as a working mom, Elizabeth is passionate about creating opportunities for women to thrive in the workplace. Elizabeth also hosts the Work It Like a Mum podcast, sharing stories of women balancing career and motherhood, and her debut book, Flex - a dynamic guide for anyone wanting to build a successful career ― on their terms is due out in January 2025. As a mom to two daughters and owner of a Labradoodle, Elizabeth combines her professional and personal experiences to inspire and support women everywhere. Mentioned in the Episode Flex: Smart Strategies to Build A Successful Career Around Your Life Work it Like a Mum Podcast Connect with Elizabeth Willets LinkedIn Website Instagram Follow The Counter Offer: LinkedIn Host LinkedIn Podcast Instagram Tiktok