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If She Can, I Can

Olivia Brafman

Go on the journey with Olivia Brafman, your host, as she figures out if women really can have the high flying career, and the family - and if so, how on earth do we navigate it all?


Each episode talks candidly to inspiring and successful women in their field who have been there, done that. Learn about their climb to the top, their failures, successes, choices and sacrifices, on balancing their professional dreams with the expectations and pressures of being a mother.


For all those women who feel in their prime to ‘lean in’, but yet their biological clocks are holding them back, I’m here to learn from the women who have proven the statistic wrong. Why? I'm determined to help more mothers not be forced out of work and instead, storm into those C-Suites, judgement aside and babes in arms.


Get in touch for collabs, press, advertising, guest speaking opportunities and more by emailing olivia.brafman@gmail.com or DM'ing Olivia_brafman on IG



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

BONUS EPISODE - The Tech COO, Amber Coster - Addressing the big Taboos
Sep 5 2023
BONUS EPISODE - The Tech COO, Amber Coster - Addressing the big Taboos
How many colleagues do you know that we’re open at work about when they were going to try for a/another baby? Why do you think that is? Fear of not being seen as committed? Fear of being treated differently? Missing out on the promotion or bonus? Judgement? What if the conception or pregnancy doesn’t go to plan? It’s such a huge life changing event that impacts every part of our being - mentally, physically, emotionally, financially. Any yet, at work, it’s business as usual. Incredible and inspirational leaders like Amber Coster, COO of Unmind, are bravely rewriting the rules, candidly speaking out about pregnancy, mental health and parenthood, and paving the way to normalise what is, well, NORMAL!Amber Coster, Chief Operating Officer at Unmind No stranger to scaling at pace, Amber’s held Vice President positions at hyper growth companies, ClickUp and AppDynamics. Amber leads Unmind’s business operations and people and talent functions with a focus on building a people-centric, high-performing business that delivers indisputable value to clients. Follow Amber on Linked InRead Amber's piece about Antenatal Depression for Happiful here--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get in touch to work together: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep11 - The Television Presenter, Emma Freedman - True Contentment
Aug 22 2023
S2, Ep11 - The Television Presenter, Emma Freedman - True Contentment
What does success mean to you and would you consider yourself successful?I often ask my guests this and have received the most beautiful answers over the Seasons. Ones that have quite honestly changed my whole perspective, especially as a mother. Yet, I don't think anyone has articulated or embodied success as perfectly as Australian Sports Television presenter Em Freedman. She gives me hope it is possible to have it all, and I can't think of a better guest and message to leave this Season on. It's happiness, true contentment, at work and at home. It's when you stop thinking 'what's next'. It's not about having the most money, biggest following, highest status or best sounding title. It's doing something you love whilst carving out enough time with the people you love. However unconventional your setup might be, and whatever your situation, drown out the noise and determine success your way. You might be more successful than you ever thought possible.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Emma Freedman is an Australian television and radio presenter. Freedman formerly co-hosted The Grill Team on Triple M Sydney. Prior to this, she was a weather presenter on Weekend Today and host of Sports Sunday on the Nine Network.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get in touch to work together: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep9 - The Social Media Creator - Chloe Pierre - Self-Care
Aug 8 2023
S2, Ep9 - The Social Media Creator - Chloe Pierre - Self-Care
STOP. Think about your week. How much ‘me’ time have you carved out for yourself? It’s so often that we put ourselves last. Kids, work, friends, family - they all need us. Never wanting to disappoint we show up for them all. Exhausted, ill, burned out - we still show up. Hungry, stressed, sad - we show up yet again. What version of ourselves are we truly presenting if we don’t practice self-car? I’m talking fed, watered, rested, relaxed, exercised and happy. Now that’s a version of me I would prefer to be around!As a single parent, and entrepreneur Chloe Pierre has to work harder than most to prioritise her self-care. But, imagine making time to do the things you love, and then not feeling like you fit in just because of what you look like?Then imagine taking matters into your own hands after this experience, creating a community of black women just like you, to practice self-care together, so you can make sure no-one else is made to feel like you did. Then write a book about it (Take Care - A Black Women’s guide to Wellness). It takes a certain type of amazing person right? --------------------------Follow Chloe:IG: @Chloepierreldn, @thy.selfOrder Chloe's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Take-Care-Black-Womens-Wellness/dp/1472286006Get in touch to work together: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep8 - The Ex Minister of Pensions, Baroness Ros Altmann CBE - Deciding between your career and your family
Aug 1 2023
S2, Ep8 - The Ex Minister of Pensions, Baroness Ros Altmann CBE - Deciding between your career and your family
Where would you be in your career if you didn’t have kids?For many, (mainly women), kids meant missing out on the promotion they really wanted because they took time out and others got ahead, or foregoing a full salary or commission because they had to go part time to manage the childcare. It meant work relationships dwindled and networks were lost because they replaced after work dinner and drinks with bath and bedtime, or it meant having to leave or change their career entirely, because childcare costs, coupled with lack of flexibility and work pressures made it impossible to continue.For Ros Altmann after an incredible high-flying career in the city, she left it entirely after having her third child. To her, despite her success, ambition and opportunities ahead, her family needed her and took priority. It is a decision that so many women are forced to face. Do you pick your career or your family? Rest assured, Ros never regretted that decision. In her words ‘you can’t reverse the clock’.What’s amazing, is that the hard work she put into her career pre-kids, to build a name for herself, grow her knowledge, perfect her skills and nurture key relationships, paid off. Once the kids were at school, she well and truly went on to break the glass ceiling (even to her surprise), and achieved her biggest career accomplishments to date. If you are in the midst of making those choices, just know, your hard work can and will still pay off, and you have huge accomplishments to come, i'm sure of it.--------------------------Get in touch to work together: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep6 - The Life & Mindset Coach, Alice Rickard - Reprogramming your beliefs
Jul 18 2023
S2, Ep6 - The Life & Mindset Coach, Alice Rickard - Reprogramming your beliefs
Have you ever considered starting again? A total career change. If you have, what's holding you back? Fear of the unknown? Lack of confidence in yourself? Financial pressures? Pride? This weeks episode with Alice Rickard is a must listen if this speaks to you. Not only has she had the bravery and conviction to start again an d build a successful and fulfilling career 3 times, but she now trains others in how to bridge the gap between where they are now vs the life they dream of, by totally rewriting their subconscious. The results are amazing, so is the story of how she got here.Follow and connect with Alice Rickard on IG @MotherofmindMore About Alice:'Hey there, meet Alice!  She's not just your average life and mindset coach—she's a personal trainer for your Mind!As a mom of twins, Alice knows firsthand the magic of multitasking and finding balance in the chaos. But her real passion lies in helping people like you bridge that pesky gap between their dream life and what's happening right now.Alice's secret sauce? She's armed with groundbreaking techniques that'll blow your mind!  Using her Jedi-like skills, she rewires your subconscious, zaps those limiting beliefs, and bids adieu to anxiety. Sayonara, self-doubt!When it comes to results, Alice is your go-to girl. She's all about efficiency and effectiveness and making personal development an enjoyable experience you look forward to doing. With her guidance, you'll be sprinting toward success in no time.But here's the best part: Alice makes the whole process FUN.  She's your cheerleader, confidante, and partner in crime. Together, you'll tackle obstacles, redefine your limits, and unleash your full potential.So, if you're ready to ditch the "I can't" mindset and break free from the chains holding you back, Alice is the superstar coach you need. Get ready to rewrite your story, embrace your inner badass, and create a life that's off-the-charts amazing.Join Alice's tribe of empowered women and let's slay those goals together! -------------------------------------Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep3 - The Social Worker, Natasha Langleben - Making an Impact on this world
Jun 27 2023
S2, Ep3 - The Social Worker, Natasha Langleben - Making an Impact on this world
If you look in 5 years time at a newspaper headline about you, what would you want it to say? Natasha used this question as her catalyst to change her career direction to something more meaningful.Now I feel like lots of people strive to make an impact on this world and serve others, but Natasha is someone who truly has and she’s only just getting started. Her primary role is a social work manager specialising in care leavers and adolescent safeguarding, and she currently holds the position as the local authority contextual safeguarding lead. As if that’s not enough, she is also the COO and Co-founder of Two Generations - a start up facilitating inter generational home shares across the Uk where someone older or with a disability who would otherwise be alone, gets to live with someone younger for companionship and help around the house. Before this she founded numerous charities and social enterprises, noteably a charity for Chrones disease raising almost £1m, which also lead to her publishing a book on Amazon and winning the award for cosmopolitan women of the year. Somehow in all of this, she is also a wonderful mother of two children including just a 7 month old.Hear her inspiring story.Natasha's Social Enterprise: https://twogenerations.co.uk/-------------------------------------Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep2 -  The Award Winning Researcher, Christine Armstrong - How to make work, work for you.
Jun 20 2023
S2, Ep2 - The Award Winning Researcher, Christine Armstrong - How to make work, work for you.
Has your job ever felt too much, that you’ve wanted to just walk out and quit? Christine Armstrong did exactly that, with two kids, mounting childcare costs and a mortgage! It just got too much to juggle it all. That act of despair eventually lead her down an amazing new career path - working out, how to make work, work.Christine is, in her words, obsessed with research into the world of work. She writes, speaks and vlogs on what the trends and data tell us is and isn’t working, from new models of leadership to what 'flexibility' and 'work life balance' really means. She was recently named 6th out of the top 50 Future of Work Influencers in the world. Her personal experience became the catalyst to her writing her book ‘The Mother of All Jobs: How to Have Children and a Career and Stay Sane(ish)’, published by Bloomsbury. The book is based on six years of interviews with working parents, employers, leadership experts and carers and was a finalist in the Business Book UK awards 2019. Surely no one is more qualified than Christine to talk on this subject? I'm sure you’ll agree that she has a superpower in communicating her research and data in a way that is totally captivating. Every business deserves a Christine to help transform it! This episode she shares her wisdom and amazing story. Check out Christine’s website: www.armstrongpartners.co.uk if you’re interested in working with her and her team, and to subscribe to her newsletter. You can also subscribe to Christine’s weekly vlog on YouTube. -------------------------------------Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2, Ep1 - The Child Food Mogul, Annabel Karmel
Jun 13 2023
S2, Ep1 - The Child Food Mogul, Annabel Karmel
This episode Olivia chats to child food royalty Annabel Karmel. If you have children, she needs no introduction, having created what can only be described as a child food revolution. Recognized as one of the leading female entrepreneurs of today, and with an MBE for her incredible work in the field of child nutrition, Annabel has paved the way globally over the last 30 years, for how families feed their kids through her best selling 47 recipe and cookbooks, her ready to go meals off the shelf, her new baby and toddler feeding app and through her partnerships with leisure groups and hotels all over the world. They say that some of the most pivotal changes in your life often happen after you go through the toughest of times - and that is true for Annabel. Her business was started as a legacy to her first child Natasha who tragically died from a viral infection at just 3 months old. And what a legacy that is.I think what inspired me most about Annabel is her love for what she does, she was almost bouncing off her seat with enthusiasm for her business - and after 30 years of building her brand, that's quite an amazing feat.I also feel like there is this pressure for ambitious women to never stop working, a constant need to prove and achieve, and when kids are thrown into the mix, sometimes that just needs to take a pause for a while so you can be truly present as a mother if that's what you need and want at that time. It doesn't mean you lose the ambition, it doesn't mean your career and progression will stop there. Annabel proves this and demonstrates so wonderfully that you can be present as a mother, take a pause, and then go on to create a successful global business once your kids are a little less demanding of your time. The best of both worlds if you ask me!Guest: Annabel KarmelWebsite: https://www.annabelkarmel.com/IG: @annabelkarmel-------------------------------------Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comWebsite: https://ifshecanican.my.canva.site/IG: Olivia_brafmanYoutube/TikTok: @ifshecanicanpodcastMusic Production by: @digitalfarmanimals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1, Ep11 - The Freelance Creative, Ashleigh Ashley - Guided by Passion and Purpose
Nov 29 2022
S1, Ep11 - The Freelance Creative, Ashleigh Ashley - Guided by Passion and Purpose
Not enough credit and appreciation is given to the incredible creative freelancing mothers of today who demonstrate such hustle day in day out to make it in the screen and creative industries while balancing their roles as mothers, my eyes have been opened. These women are not given maternity leave, sick leave or regular working hours, so when you meet someone like Ashleigh Ashley who, despite that, are getting incredible jobs with the likes of Netflix, Tik Tok and Nike and, although it's 'a production' at home to make it work, Ashleigh does it, and you can't help but look at her in admiration. I adore her need to be passionate about what shes putting her time into and not settling into the safety of a 9 to 5, along with her continuous evolution to get know herself as a person before she defines herself as a mother. What I have to call out is also the incredible kick starter shes involved with with Mother Pukka - redefining motherhood and seeking to change the system impacting mothers ability to work, as we know it today. Watch this space.Ashleigh Ashley. 1 of 7 siblings, and raised in South East London to 1st generation Jamaican immigrants, Ashleigh has always had a passion for the arts and incredible focus and ambition from a young age. An internship early on at Film London became the catalyst for the next 15 years of her career working across television, film, music and advertising. Her portfolio of projects is enough to make your jaw hit the floor - producing commercials for the likes of Elemis and MAC, running live projects for Adidas and TikTok. Producing campaigns for Nike, production managing reality shows for Channel 5 and working with Netflix on hit shows such as Top Boy. She’s also a talented writer and producer working on her own projects on the side that speak to her personal passions for stories that explore and celebrate the human condition and to bring light to important causes she is a strong advocate for such as gender equality, workplace reform for parents & all round diversity and mental health in the screen industries, no doubt due to her own personal experience of working through it as a mother of 2.IG Social Media/ Links:Guest: Ashleigh AshleyIG: @_ashleighashleyhttps://www.ashleighashley.co.uk/Know someone who should share their story, or want to work together? Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.com or DM Host @olivia_brafmanMusic Produced by Digital Farm Animals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1, Ep10 - The Grief Philanthropist, Dr Shelley Gilbert - From Tragedy to Changing Thousands of Lives
Nov 22 2022
S1, Ep10 - The Grief Philanthropist, Dr Shelley Gilbert - From Tragedy to Changing Thousands of Lives
TRIGGER WARNING - This episode discusses death and grief in detail.This episode is unlike any other. If you want to hear what a life dedicated to impacting the lives of people sounds like in an interview, listen to Dr Shelley Gilbert. I came away totally shell shocked with how passionate one person can be about a cause so close to them - and how such a tragedy early on could be turned into a life mission that has touched the lives of hundreds and thousands of people in a way that they will never forgot. Shelley's story, narrative and focus is all consuming, yet the clear fulfillment she has for what she does despite the hard work that goes in every day, is nothing short of profound. Dr Shelley Gilbert, MBE. Shelley is a leading child and young person bereavement counselor and had dedicated her life to the cause. Originally training as a a psychotherapist and specializing in bereavement working for numerous charitable organisations. In 2004 she founded what is now the leading UK Child bereavement charity - Grief Encounter - and currently holds the role as Trustee and Lifetime President.  Why? You might ask, would someone be so passionate and determined to provide a safe space and early support to children going through bereavement, well Shelley sadly has first hand experience of this, having lost both of her parents by just 9 years old. Her work has seen her gain some incredible accolades from The Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year Award to an MBE as a recognition of her 20 years of work helping bereaved children. She is a renowned speaker and author on the subject with regular TV and radio appearances, a TEDX Talk and a best selling workbook about Grief to her name.Despite all of this, Shelley also manages to be a wonderful wife and mother to her 4 grown up children and now grandmother to quite a few.IG Social Media/ Links:Guest: Shelley GilbertIG: @griefencounterGrief Encounter: https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/Know someone who should share their story, or want to work together? Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.com or DM Host @olivia_brafmanMusic Produced by Digital Farm Animals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1, Ep9 - The Beauty Senior Vice President, Gill Whitty-Collins - Finding Your Confident Core
Nov 15 2022
S1, Ep9 - The Beauty Senior Vice President, Gill Whitty-Collins - Finding Your Confident Core
I am in awe of the woman in this episode, and know you will come away not only inspired by her story, but also with a toolkit of best practices and learnings to go away with, that help you navigate to that super 7% of women who have made it to the very top, just like Gill Whitty Collins. What is your superpower? Because once you find it, hone it and make it visible, you will be unstoppable. Will you hear some hard truths? Yes. Can you channel those to catapult you further?...An even bigger yes! Gill says it how it is, honestly shares her wins, sacrifices and regrets through motherhood, talks to her unique career start and charge through the ranks, and how one profound realization in the workplace, can well and truly change the rest of your course. Gill Whitty Collins. Born near Liverpool, after attending her local comprehensive and driven both by her will to succeed and love of languages, she attended the prestigious Cambridge University. Upon graduating, with her baby son in tow, she joined Proctor and Gamble or P&G - where she spent the next 26 years of her career, shooting through the ranks all the way up to Senior Vice President, and responsible to brands such as Olay and Pantene, and with a reputation as a world class Brand Architect and Business Renovator. This is where Gill started the see the impact of gender diversity issues on women and their careers, unfortunately defeating incredible talent everywhere. This resulted in her writing her provocative book, named 'WHY MEN WIN AT WORK...and How We Can Make Inequality History' sharing Gills's personal experience on the issue. The Book, described as mind blowing and game changing, is an absolute must read for listeners of this podcast (link below), whatever your job or industry or gender. Gill now works as a keynote speaker, consultant, NED, and executive coach, imparting her decades of experience, and unique expertise to some of the biggest brands today.IG Social Media/LinkedIn/ Links:Guest: Gill Whitty-CollinsLinked In: http://linkedin.com/in/gillwhittycollinsInstagram: @gillwhittycollinsTwitter: @gwhittycollinsGill's Newsletter sign up: https://gillwhittycollins.com/joinGill's Website: https://gillwhittycollins.comLink to Gill's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Men-Win-Work-Inequality/product-reviews/1910022497Know someone who should share their story, or want to work together? Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.com or DM Host @olivia_brafmanMusic Produced by Digital Farm Animals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1, Ep8 - The Franchise CEO, Selina Bridge - The Impact of a Positive Mental Attitude
Nov 8 2022
S1, Ep8 - The Franchise CEO, Selina Bridge - The Impact of a Positive Mental Attitude
The power of positive mental attitude radiates through this episode and has a huge part to play in Selina Bridge's gratitude and fulfillment in her personal life as a mother, and in her professional life as a CEO of KX Pilates. She is someone who deeply knows herself, and what brings her happiness at work, and has followed that as her north star across continents to land in the right roles at the right time, lead by the right people that lift her up. I wish everyone could have a sprinkle of Selina's energy and leadership ethos and the world would look very different. Selina Bridge - CEO of KX Pilates - the award winning fitness franchise with over 80 studios across Australia. Selina's working career started out in the UK working with and for some of the most recognizable powerhouse brands such as Puma, Motorola, Vodafone and BMW to name a few, but Selina's true passion was health and fitness. That lead her to Australia working first for Curves - the global gym chain exclusively for women, before being appointed CEO of KX Pilates in 2018 which is where she remains today. Despite the small matter of COVID, Selina has lead and grown the brand from strength to strength during her time there and they are on track to a whopping 100 studios in 2023. Accomplished leader and relationship builder is an understatement to describe Selina - but where im truly inspired is her philosophy and belief that with the right support and mental attitude, it is possible for mothers to have a rewarding career and family life - and she is the proof of that with her 2 children.IG Social Media/LinkedIn:Host - Olivia Brafman @olivia_brafmanGuest - https://www.linkedin.com/in/selina-bridge-736b259/KX Pilates: https://www.facebook.com/kxpilates, https://www.instagram.com/kxpilatesKnow someone who should share their story, or want to work together? Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comMusic Produced by Digital Farm Animals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1, Ep7 - The Interior Design Heavyweight, Natasha Bonugli - Leading with Vulnerability
Oct 25 2022
S1, Ep7 - The Interior Design Heavyweight, Natasha Bonugli - Leading with Vulnerability
Have you ever wondered why certain people just climb really fast through their careers, breezing through promotions, and getting poached for their next big roles constantly - well Natasha is one of those people, but let me assure you, its very clearly not down to luck. Its down to an incredible talent that is outwardly visible, a dedicated work ethic that very few people today encompass, and an unparalleled passion for an industry that's ingrained in her. Passion has driven Natasha to incredible heights already, and yet, shes not stopping any time soon. I cant wait for you to hear her amazing story, and how through her sheer strength of character, she manages to balance her business with her family and deal with some very personal struggles along the way.Natasha Bonugli - a true force to be reckoned with and industry heavyweight when it comes to workplace and residential interior design, with over 20 years experience that spans continents.Boston born, Natasha originally studied architecture in the US but has been London based for the past 18 years. She has managed and developed a number of high-performance design teams to deliver award winning interiors across the globe. After directorial and principal positions at some of the most notable design practices today, with her last position being at Unispace, as global principal designer for EMEA & North America, just over a year ago, Natasha took the ultimate plunge, creating her very own cutting edge design studio. The Bon Collective covers both workplace and residential sectors that encapsulates her ethos for the perfect balance between aesthetics, practicality and longevity. IG Social Media:Host - Olivia Brafman @olivia_brafmanGuest - Natasha Bonugi @natashabonugli @theboncollectiveKnow someone who should share their story, or want to work together? Get in touch: Olivia.brafman@gmail.comMusic Produced by Digital Farm Animals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.