Camilla Kater has been promoted seven times at Deliveroo—including twice while on maternity leave. In this episode, she shares her 10-year journey from Head of UK Operations at the “start-up” to public company executive while navigating IVF and raising three kids. Camilla opens up about keeping her fertility treatment secret while working at a high-growth startup, the practical challenges of daily medical appointments, and why she actually worked harder during IVF. We discuss her maternity leave transitions, the surprise of getting pregnant naturally with her second child just before returning to work, and the systems she's built to balance executive leadership with motherhood. From managing the identity switch between decisive leader and nurturing mother to creating forcing mechanisms like a 6 PM nursery pickup, Camilla's story proves you don't have to choose between ambition and family—but you do need clear boundaries and some grace along the way.

Timestamps

03:17 – Why Camilla joined Deliveroo as a "year in industry" after her MBA at McKinsey 
07:12 – What kept her at Deliveroo for 10 years: operational challenges and amazing colleagues 
12:49 – Deciding to start a family during Deliveroo's hypergrowth phase 
14:32 – Going through IVF while keeping it secret from everyone at work 
18:23 – Why she worked harder during fertility treatment instead of leaning out 
29:19 – Loving her first maternity leave and the quick transition back to work 
32:14 – Getting promoted twice on maternity leave and taking on new roles 
37:51 – The awkward conversation about her second pregnancy right before returning to work 
43:14 – How she and her entrepreneur husband divide responsibilities at home 
46:43 – Creating forcing mechanisms like the 6 PM nursery pickup to set boundaries 
49:15 – Preparing to return after Deliveroo's acquisition by DoorDash 
52:29 – Quick fire round: lessons from kids, workplace policies, and favorite apps