Welcome to Mama’s Flight Path
Hosted by motherhood realist Jools Tyrer, this is the space where we ditch the BS and unpack what actually happens when motherhood and career goals collide. Spoiler: it’s not always pretty. But it can be powerful.
Each week, Jools brings you real stories from working mamas who’ve ditched the default and decided to make work… well, work, on their terms. Plus expert tools, mindset shifts, and relatable moments to help you find clarity when everything feels up in the air (and on fire).
☀️ This week on the pod…
From the front row at Chanel to the realities of the school run — Dolly Jones has lived both worlds.
In this conversation, we dive into the first half of her story:
✨ How fear fuelled her rise from intern to Editor of Vogue.com
✨ The reality of pioneering digital at Vogue before fashion took the internet seriously
✨ Why planning outfits after maternity leave was about survival, confidence and identity
✨ Honest reflections on fear, guilt, ambition, and the myth of “having it all” as a working mum
✨ The systemic challenges that still leave so many women terrified of returning to work
Dolly shares wisdom and stories from her groundbreaking book Leaving the Ladder Down, based on 200 interviews with women redefining career and motherhood. We talk about the cultural taboos around maternity leave, the power of human conversations at work, and why feeling “terrified” about going back shouldn’t be normal.
This is a candid, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of what it really takes to build a career and raise a family in a system not built for mothers.
👉 If you’ve ever wondered: Can motherhood make me more ambitious? or How do I quiet the guilt when I want both career and kids? — this episode is yours
More from Dolly
Buy Dolly's latest book: Leaving the Ladder Down: How to Combine Career and Motherhood, from the Women Who’ve Done it
Insta: Dolly_Jones
Part two with Dolly is out Next Thursday!
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📥 Need a lifeline for your return to work?
👩🏽💻 Craving conversation from a guide at your side that cuts the fluff and hits deep? Work with me and let’s find your flight path with purpose.
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Chapters
00:00 Dolly's Journey: From Intern to Icon
06:33 The Role of Fear in Career Growth
12:16 Navigating Motherhood and Professional Identity
17:54 The Importance of Honest Conversations
23:43 Guilt, Shame, and the Working Mother Experience
29:30 Empowerment Through Motherhood and Career Transitions
36:12 The Kaleidoscope of Work-Life Balance
38:09 Navigating Workplace Policies and Support
39:58 The Importance of Open Communication
42:44 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
43:29 Challenging the Stigma of Parenthood at Work
46:34 Mentorship and Sharing Experiences
47:49 Celebrating Achievements in Parenthood
50:03 The Marathon of Daily Life
54:25 Reframing Self-Perception as a Working Parent
56:12 outro
