In short
How to reclaim ambition and handle senior-leader comments when returning from maternity/career leave, especially advice like “take it slow,” “family is important,” or “don’t pressure yourself” about growth opportunities.
Guest backgrounds
Not specified in the transcript (no guest names or bios provided).
Key claims
You can assert your goals in the moment (“I’m pretty sure I want to take this on”); if pressured, use a contrast question (“If I were returning from paternity leave, would you say this?”); ask leaders about their own experience to understand their perspective; acknowledge advice may be well-meaning but not necessarily relevant.
Notable examples
Responding with a smile to repeated pressure; asking “What was it like for you after you returned?”
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VONavigating Career Advice Post-Maternity Leave
0:00 to 0:28
Discuss strategies for handling unsolicited advice when returning to work.
Navigating Career Advice Post-Maternity Leave
0:30 to 2:28
Discuss strategies for handling unsolicited advice when returning to work.
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Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:28This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. of America for a reason. With SUVs made to move with your rhythm. The versatile Equinox tackles your entire day. The spacious Traverse fits your crew and your whole weekend. And tracks bring style with value you can count on. All infused with tech that has your back. So your drive always hits the right chord. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. This is from a listener who is back at work pretty recently, and she asks, how can a woman returning from a career break or maternity leave effectively handle comments or advice from senior leaders, such as take it slow, your family is important, or don't pressure yourself when you express interest in taking on more responsibilities or pursuing growth opportunities?
1:19How can I balance these external perspectives with my own ambitions? I think that, you know, in the moment you can say, no, I'm pretty sure I want to take this on. And if the person keeps pressing you, you can say with a smile on your face, if I were returning from paternity leave, would you be saying this to me? Well, and I'd like the, I like the, even to draw a contrast to say, you know, I know some people like to slow down after they have kids. Don't say women, right? Like I know some people like to slow down after the kids. That's not where I'm at right now. So I'd love to talk about my opportunities.
1:55And I think the other thing, because if we assume the comments are well-meaning, it may be that that person's experience was that they wanted to slow down. So you might even ask them questions. Oh, what was it like for you after you returned to having kids? What were your challenges? Oh, I think I'm in a different position. Here's where I am. This is what I'm thinking. So just acknowledging that they're probably giving you advice from their own perspective, because that's what most of us do, but that it may not be relevant to you. But do remember it probably comes from a good place. Yeah. Right?
2:27Even if it's misguided and fantastically annoying.
From the publisher
Reclaiming Your Ambition After Maternity Leave
16 Apr 2025
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Back from maternity leave or a career break—and told to “take it slow”? Here’s how to respond, from HBR’s Women at Work podcast. 🎧
🎧 New episodes every other Monday here: https://hbr.org/2018/01/podcast-women-at-work?tpcc=orgsocial_edit&utm_campaign=hbr&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube
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