Return Ready Insights Survey

Have You Taken a Career Break?

Whether you’ve already returned to work or are planning your next step, we’d love to hear about your experience.

Complete our short survey and help us create better support for returners.

Work Isn’t Working for Women. Here’s Why!

Work Isn’t Working for Women. Here’s Why! Podcast featured image

Work Isn’t Working for Women. Here’s Why!

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, Elizabeth Willetts is re-joined by previous guest, Gemma Jackson, Head of DE&I at Intact Insurance.

They explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion, alongside a candid conversation about career progression, flexibility, and the reality of balancing work and family life.

What We Cover:

  • How DE&I is evolving — and why some organisations are rethinking how they approach it
  • Why inclusive businesses often perform better and make stronger decisions
  • The real barriers women face in progressing their careers
  • The role of informal networking — and who it leaves out
  • What flexibility actually looks like beyond part-time roles
  • Balancing a senior career, family life, and further study

Key Takeaways:

  • Women are not lacking ambition — they’re balancing ambition with boundaries
  • Diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes and more innovation
  • Informal networks still influence career progression
  • Flexibility needs to be more creative and inclusive
  • You don’t need to be “always on” to succeed
  • Priorities shift over time — and that’s completely normal

Why Listen:

If you’re navigating your career alongside family life, or questioning how work is really structured, this episode offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what needs to change, and how to make work work for you.

Show Links:

Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here

Connect with Gemma on LinkedIn here

Visit Intact Insurance’s website here