What happens when life completely derails your career plan? My guest, Adewumi Alphonso had two babies in one year, resumed from maternity leave pregnant, and faced a choice: quit or strategize.
Her decision changed everything.
In this raw, no-holds-barred conversation, Adewunmi shares how she navigated back-to-back pregnancies while climbing the corporate ladder, why being a woman is NOT an excuse for poor performance, and the one mindset shift that helped her turn a devastating season into her biggest career comeback.
If you're an ambitious woman feeling torn between career and motherhood, this episode will change how you see your choices.
🎧 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to navigate career setbacks without quitting (even when quitting feels easier)
- The "100% fallacy" - why you don't need to be perfect in every area of life
- How to protect your career during maternity leave (and come back stronger)
- The difference between making a sacrifice and taking the easy way out
- Why "superwoman" is actually a woman who asks for help
- How to have the conversation with your boss when life throws curveballs
- What re-entering the workforce after a career break REALLY costs you
- Mom guilt vs. career ambition - how to navigate both without resentment
🔥 VIRAL MOMENTS:
[05:32] "Being a woman is not an excuse for poor performance"
[13:46] The 100% fallacy: You don't need to be 100% everywhere
[27:10] How she won a career-defining interview while 8 months pregnant
[37:04] "A superwoman is a woman that is helped"
[53:35] "It doesn't get easier - I'm showing up for women like you"
💼 ABOUT ADEWUNMI ALPHONSO:
Adewunmi is a career strategist, HR professional, and high-performance coach who helps ambitious women navigate career transitions without sacrificing their identities. After having two babies in one year and refusing to quit, she built a thriving career while raising her family - and now teaches other women how to do the same.
Connect with Adewunmi:
LinkedIn: Adewunmi Alphonso
Instagram: @yourhrlady
📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- The Wheel of Life framework
- Seasons approach to career planning
- Track record of excellence strategy
🎙️ ABOUT THRIVE CAREERS PODCAST:
Hosted by Olajumoke Fat
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