Bringing light to parental leave
That’s the strapline for Talent On Leave and it sums up the why.
Parental leave cracks things open.
In ways you expect—and in ways you don’t.
You expect the shift in routines. You expect the tiredness and the chaos (though you probably think you’ll be the one to beat the chaos). You’re told (often) by lots of well-meaning peers just how parenthood changes you so you kind of expect the identity shift.
What nobody actually tells you is how to ride those waves. In fact, most people tell you to just get used to them, that you’ll forever feel like you’re failing and guilty, that this is the new norm. That there’s the you before children, and the you now.
But it’s more complicated than that. It’s an unravelling of how you relate to yourself and the world around you.
And that’s more exciting and empowering that the world has you thinking because the cracks that parental leave bring don’t mean you are broken. They’re where the light gets in.
Just like the Japanese art of kintsugi—where broken pottery is repaired with gold, turning its fractures into something beautiful and strong—the parental transition can reveal new insight, strength, and clarity that wasn’t available before. It can bring you to a stronger version of yourself so that you feel even better about your career and future, even with your family values intact.
The trick is knowing how to meet it.
And that’s where coaching comes in.
Just a handful of scenarios 1:1 coaching can help with.
Here are just a few of the big questions and experiences coaching can bring light to:
“I’m anxious about stepping away—what if I lose momentum, credibility, or visibility?”
Coaching helps you plan your exit with intention, set boundaries, and prepare conversations that position you as a leader in transition—not a disappearing act.
“I’m worried I won’t be the same when I come back.” You won’t be. And that might be the best thing that’s ever happened to your career. Coaching helps you integrate who you are now with who you want to become next.
“What if I lose myself on leave?” And what if you find yourself even stronger than you actually realised you were? Wraparound support when you need it helps you to grow from all angles, without so much struggle.
“I’m not sure what I want anymore” That’s natural. Coaching helps you sort through the noise and start hearing your own voice again. It often feels like a re-contracting with yourself. It’s important you don’t drop into autopilot.
“I feel like I’ll need to prove myself all over again and it just feels daunting and unfair” Even if it’s the same role, the same team, the same company, it can feel like a brand new job. Intentional prep, conversations and re-boarding make all the difference.
“I’m juggling so much and worried I’m doing none of it well.” Having it all and balance are so misunderstood. Coaching helps you find your all, and the mindset, self awareness and tools to keep balancing without the guilt, burnout or people pleasing.
“I don’t feel like I’m taken seriously anymore” Warrior mode won’t serve anyone, least of all you. Coaching helps you to find your words and actions in ways that feel altogether more elegant and real so that you can
communicate your growth and step into the next career chapter more easily.
“I’ve been invited to apply for a new role that is a step up and feel conflicted” Let’s look into that conflict, explore what’s conditioning, what’s yours and what’s possible. Curiosity can help you look without fear before you decide.
“I’m worried that I can’t perform in my role like I did before leave” Maybe it’s that the habits and beliefs you built your performance on pre leave aren’t going to serve you now. We can build a new framework that will help you thrive in this new chapter.
“My manager just doesn’t get it” Gotcha. Managers are human too and come with their own baggage and fears around maternity/parental leave. Sometimes we have to lead upwards, and there’s a way to do it where everyone can feel good.
“I just don’t feel up to it anymore” Confidence and wellbeing can take a knock during leave, often because we haven’t been intentional about expectations and responses to the challenges that show up. Sometimes it even starts pre-leave and little thoughts snowball into big worries. This is another space our approach leans right into.
Someday everyone will prepare for maternity/parental leave and return experiences and transitions this way.
Because why would we not?