Wendy Merricks - How to Work Full Time When You're a Parent & Not Feel Guilty, Why Small Steps Can Get You to the Big Positions & How to Have Self Belief When Under Pressure

"Children are not going to come to any harm because you work full time," says our guest today Wendy Merricks.Wendy is the CEO and Founder of Jumar, a group of companies in the IT sector and a Senior Leader Mentor on the Leaders Plus Fellowship Programme.Growing up in inner-city Birmingham in a working-class family, Wendy has worked hard to get to the most senior positions, always believing that she was capable of anything she put her mind to. A mother of two boys (now in their 20s) born in quick succession, Wendy has always worked full-time whilst ensuring that when she is with the children, she is truly present. She is a passionate advocate that having children should not be a career inhibitor and her company, Jumar, prides itself on looking out for employees and ensuring workers have a good work-life balance. We discuss:Why working full time will not harm your childrenPractical tips if you're struggling with self-beliefWhy setting goals and taking small steps can lead to big positive changesIVF and why it's important to engage your employer and ask for supportFind out more about the work of Leaders Plus, including details of our award-winning Fellowship Programme and our latest events by signing up to receive our emails at leadersplus.org.uk/newsletter.If you’d like to submit a question to the Big Careers, Small Children podcast please record it here https://www.speakpipe.com/BigCareersSmallChildrenAre you progressing a big career whilst raising small children? Each month we send out a helpful round-up email featuring useful info and brave new ideas for ambitious mums and dads. Sign up now.Applications are now open for our NHS FellowshipOur FMLM accredited NHS Fellowship is a career development programme for working parents in the NHS who want to lead positive change. Apply by 11/07. Find out more.