Marketing strategist Charlotte Brown shares how an early endometriosis diagnosis shaped her career goals — fast-tracking her rise in the corporate world so she could start a family before 30. She opens up about navigating fertility challenges, a difficult pregnancy, and the realities of returning to work after maternity leave. Charlotte also reflects on the surprising way motherhood reignited her ambition and why she ultimately left her corporate job to go freelance. Her story explores the tension between planning and intuition, and how she’s building a career and family on her own terms.
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Show Time Stamps
06:30 – Climbing the corporate ladder with kids in mind
Why Charlotte chose strategy roles, fast-tracked her salary growth, and planned for early motherhood in London.
10:45 – Pregnancy, pressure, and navigating fertility with endometriosis
Charlotte opens up about being told to have children before 30, and the emotional impact of managing timelines she didn’t choose.
17:20 – A challenging pregnancy and redefining strength
What it was like to be bed-bound with hyperemesis, and how it shattered her expectations of “pushing through” the pregnancy
21:50 – Returning to work, loss, and the complicated in-between
Charlotte talks about her miscarriage, returning to work, and the vulnerability of being open with her employer.
28:40 – Leaving corporate: Burnout, reflection, and the leap to freelance
Why Charlotte decided to resign, and how she created space to build a more fulfilling career around motherhood.
36:15 – Building a sustainable life and embracing flexibility
How she and her husband split home responsibilities, set boundaries with kids, and navigate work-life balance with intention.
