Returning to work after having a baby is often talked about like it’s a single moment - a first day back. In reality, it’s a transition that unfolds over months, sometimes years, and it can be far more emotionally complex than many expect.

In this refreshingly honest session, Alice will talk about the realities many parents experience but don’t always say out loud. From pressure to return to the office, to the quiet panic of “how am I meant to do all of this?”, Alice explores why returning to work can feel so overwhelming - for birthing parents and non-birthing partners alike.

Drawing on her background in senior HR and leadership roles, alongside her lived experience as a parent, Alice shares practical ideas, mindset shifts and real-life examples that help parents feel more confident and better prepared. She also explores the power of conversation - how clearly sharing what you need, and genuinely considering others’ perspectives, can radically change how the return to work feels.

This talk isn’t about employment rights or perfect solutions. It’s about honesty, humanity and helping parents take ownership of their return - with confidence, clarity and far fewer unrealistic expectations.