In this episode, I dive into my journey of becoming a mother, reflecting on the mix of emotions, fears, and self-doubts that came with it. I talk about the struggles I faced around maintaining relevance in my career, especially in business, and how pregnancy and motherhood are often seen as things we should downplay or avoid bringing up in professional settings. There's this pressure to not let these life changes affect how we're perceived, and I explore how that impacts us as women.

I also get into the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on pregnant women—how much emphasis is placed on our appearance, the pressure to stay a certain size, and the expectation to look ‘effortlessly’ perfect while navigating such a major life shift. It's a lot to deal with on top of everything else, and I believe it's time to shift the focus and be kinder to ourselves during such an intense physical and emotional transition.

On top of that, there’s this constant pressure to have life all sorted out before becoming a mom—that your career, finances, and personal life should be perfectly aligned. But the truth is, motherhood doesn’t wait for that perfect moment to happen. It arrives while life is still unfolding, and it’s messy, unpredictable, and beautiful. And that’s okay.

This episode is deeply personal, as I reflect on how I’ve had to challenge long-held beliefs, confront identity shifts, and come to terms with the fact that success and motherhood can absolutely coexist. It’s about navigating this complex journey, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and finding confidence in the chaos, even when nothing feels certain.

I hope you’re feeling inspired, cause we’re rooting for you!

xx Julie

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Podcast Episode Mentioned: The Mel Robbins Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EDFD1avnXWXoov8kCgrtT?si=c2c428edcf6448f5

I would like to “pass on the goodwill” @birgitkasper @signeskriver and @sandralinne to the team of @thefemaleeffect.

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Image: Alana Ocaño

Artwork: Birgit Käsper

Jingle: Søren Haahr

This episode is sponsored by AllMatters - Period Care for Women:

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