Just before Lianne Baker was due to return to work after her first maternity leave, her Employer rejected her flexible working request. She was told, “It’s full-time or nothing”, leaving her with no choice but to resign.
After months of applying for jobs and getting nowhere, in Lianne’s frustration, she wrote a post about her experiences on LinkedIn that went viral. Almost a million people saw her post, and she received thousands of supportive comments and messages. Lianne discovered she wasn’t alone.
It’s been four years since THAT vial post, and Lianne is now Head of People at Enfuse Group – a management consultancy focusing on digital transformations. It’s a role she loves and one she works part-time.
This story is about resilience, getting out of your comfort zone, and not taking no for an answer.
If your flexible working request has been rejected, or you’re struggling to find a part-time job, listen to this episode for some much-needed inspiration about how strong, powerful and resourceful women can be.
Key Highlights
[02:28] Introducing Lianne
[03:19] About the Enfuse Group and Lianne’s role
[06:20] Lianne’s struggles to find a part-time job.
[08:51] What were Lianne’s career aspirations as a little girl?
[09:59] What’s the future of HR?
[11:06] Writing during maternity leave
[16:32] Finding her next job
[17:22] The importance of building a personal LinkedIn brand/profile
[19:10] Interesting people to follow on LinkedIn
[20:02] Going back to work and the challenges faced
[23:12] Getting a job at Enfuse Group
[26:31] The importance of having a flexible job
[27:04] Are companies doing enough to support mum returning to work after maternity leave?
[31:23] Sharing pictures on Instagram
[32:50] Advice for aspiring Instagram influencers
[34:16] Managing fertility treatment and work
[37:38] Advice on how to support those struggling with infertility and miscarriage
[40:05] Advice to a working parent trying to come back to work after maternity leave
[42:21] Connect with Lianne
Notable Quotes
- I loved going to work, had a baby, and fully expected to be able to go back into that job, but have a little bit more flexibility so I could be a parent too, and I had my request completely turned down with no room for negotiation at all.
- I think it was a very old-fashioned attitude (to think) that if you’re not in the office, you’re not working.
- For me, it’s about protecting the people who work for you, looking after them and making sure they have a great place to work.
- My viral posts actually found me my job, which is great.
- Having a personal brand is so important. You can put yourself out there so that people understand who you are.
- It was the first place I’ve been where I hadn’t thought I had to hide my children away and pretend that I was not a parent.
- If you treat people and allow them to bring their whole selves to work, you will get amazing employees.
- Allowing people to choose where they work is essential for helping parents.
- I know people who have given up their careers to become influencers full-time.
- I didn’t feel I could be as open and honest as I would have been. And I think talking about your experience and what you’re going through at work can make such a difference for your mental health.
- Be open and honest about what you need as a parent.
- If you can’t have these open and honest conversations during the interview, they’re not the right company for you.
Show Links
Connect with Lianne Baker on LinkedIn.
Check out Enfuse Group here.
Follow Lianne’s Instagram accounts, @riponhouse1887 and @myvictorianhouselove
Investing in Women is a leading UK job board helping you find your dream part-time, home-based or flexible role with the UK’s most family-friendly AND forward-thinking employers. Find your dream job today.
Get your free professional CV template and land an interview for your dream job here.
Join the Work It Like A Mum Facebook community here.
Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn.
This episode is kindly sponsored by Henderson Rowe – one of the UK’s cutting-edge Investment Management firms. They worry about your financial future – so you don’t have to, and act as your trusted partner, giving you financial peace of mind. If you’re interested in hand-tailored investment advice, visit Henderson Rowe’s website to learn how they can support your and your family’s financial future.
Henderson Rowe is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of an investment may go down as well as up, and you may not get back the money you invested.