Making the transition to being a working mum can be tough.

You worked hard to build your career, you became a mother and have spent precious time enjoying that fresh baby smell, stroking that silky soft baby skin, enjoying lavish sweet snuggles, hearing those oh so cute sounds and seeing that first smile.

You absolutely loved that time but you also really loved the thrill and excitement that comes with the work that you do.

You worked hard to reach this stage in your career and want to get back to work.

But, you wonder whether it is possible to successfully manage being a star performer in the office and an awesome mother at the same time.

There is so much to consider...childcare, logistics, workloads, expectations, time, energy, home management, career progression and the list goes on!

You are tired of trying to figure out how it all fits together. Your head hurts!

So, you park the conversation and hope for the best.


What if you could prepare to bring your 'A-Game' to the office AND still have room for plenty of snuggles and giggle with your little one(s)? 


Wouldn't it feel so great to have a clear action plan in place, so that you can feel less anxious and enjoy all the things that you love in life?


Here is the truth:

Being a working mum is not easy. There will be plenty of demands on your time and ample reasons to feel overwhelmed by the pace of life.

But, planning ahead and getting clear on your strategies for managing your full life will be the difference between weekends spent enjoying family time and weekends where you struggle to keep on top of everything before Monday comes back around again.

If you are ready to say goodbye to overwhelm and feel more confident, the Smooth Return Course is exactly what you need right now. 



Shireen Morrison

Stay At Home Mum of 4

Shireen Morrison

Before I did the smooth return course by lightbox coaching, I felt nervous and had endless reasons why returning to work would be impossible with four small children. Doing this course put things into perspective and enabled to me to talk it out with other mothers going through similar challenges. After the course I felt equipped to step in the world of full time work knowing I had a coach who could answer any question no matter how silly the questions seemed. Janine is experienced, personable and a good listener. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who needs reassurance, informative advice and a good support network
Isobel Sita-Lumsden

Marketing Director

Isobel Sita-Lumsden

The course forced me to face up to the situation and start thinking things through – i think it was great timing to do it at this stage of my leave, as now I feel more confident putting a good return to work plan in place, and have enough time to do so. by then planning this way, it has taken a lot of the anxiety out of the looming return so I can really enjoy my last few months of leave more.
Laxmin Asika

Legal Counsel

Laxmin Asika

Before starting the course I was anxious about going back to work after 10 months in baby world. Could I still do my job? Could I even remember what to do? And more importantly, how much had things changed during my time away. The Smooth Return quickly helped ease my fears. During the course there were mothers in the same position as me and one even starting work the next day after the course began. It was so helpful being able to connect with other mothers and most importantly learn some invaluable tools through the course. In particular, the masterclasses which are aimed at topical areas delivered by guest speakers. Janine is an amazing coach, teacher and mentor she has really helped me feel more confident about returning to work. I now feel like I can bring something new to my role, great multi-tasking and organisation skills to name a few. Janine has helped me see my time on maternity as an asset and not a hindrance. I can’t wait to out what I learnt during the course to practice. Thank you Janine I would wholeheartedly recommend you and The Smooth Return Course.

Prepare for a smooth transition back to work after maternity leave

  • Clear Planning

    Gain clarity on your post-baby career vision and create a clear plan of action.

  • Mastering Practicalities

    Create systems and develop strategies that will enable you to juggle the demands of work and family life with ease.

  • Effective Strategies

    Learn how you can work smarter instead of harder, so that you can perform well in your role and spend quality time with your little one(s)

It is possible to build a career you love whilst raising a family

In this course, the insight and proven strategies that I will be sharing with you for balancing work will give you the freedom to do “working mum life” on your terms.

The investment

Join the course today for £197.

Course curriculum

  • 1
    Welcome to the Smooth Return Course
  • 2
    Module 1: Your Post-Baby Career Vision
  • 3
    Module 2: Mastering The Practicalities
  • 4
    Module 3: Leverage Your Strengths
  • 5
    Module 4: Making it Work (Your 90 Day Plan)
  • 6
    Inspirational Stories
  • 7
    Bonus Resources
  • Welcome to The Smooth Return Course Quick Survey [Please take a minute to answer]
  • Lesson 1: Career Vision [Audio Lesson] FREE PREVIEW Lesson 1 : Career Vision [Worksheet] Lesson 2: Your Motivation [Audio Training] Lesson 2: Your Motivation [Worksheet] Lesson 3: Overcoming Obstacles [Audio Training] Lesson 3: Overcoming Obstacles [Worksheet] [Masterclass] Creating A Capsule Wardrobe with Emma Shoe Bonus Lesson: How To Change Career Direction What have been your main insights or discoveries from this module?
  • Lesson 1: Practicalities (Before You Return To Work) Lesson 2: Practicalities (At Home) Lesson 2 : Success at Home [Worksheet] Lesson 3: Practicalities (At Work) Lesson 3: Success at Work [ Worksheet] Lesson 4: Self Care [Masterclass] Healthy Return to Work with Rachel Collins Meal Plan Template What have been your main insights or discoveries from this module?
  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Leveraging Your Strengths Lesson 2: Why Knowing Your Strengths is Important [Audio Lesson] Lesson 3: Finding Out Your Strengths Lesson 3: Finding Out Your Strengths (Example Report) Lesson 4: How You Can Leverage Your Strengths Lesson 4: Leverage Your Strengths [Worksheet]
  • Why Create A 90 Day Plan Your 90 Day Plan [Worksheet] [Masterclass] Dealing with the challenges of life as a working parent with Sarah Argenal
  • Interview with Jayne Beckett, Partner at Fieldfisher and mother of two. Interview with Caroline Flanagan, Ex-Laywer, Babyproof Coach and Mother of 4. Interview with Natasha Stromberg, Gender Diversity Champion
  • Bonus Resources

Bonus Masterclasses

These guest experts share amazing tips and strategies to contribute to your working mum success

  • Masterclass - Personal Styling with Emma Shoe

    Feeling confident in your clothes can be a struggle post-baby. Personal Stylist, Emma Shoe will be sharing how you can discover your new style and create a wardrobe that make you look fab and feel great.

  • Masterclass - How to Avoid Burnout with Sarah Argenal

    When you are trying to do “all the things” burnout is a common by product. Sarah Argenal, founder of The Working Parent Resource, guides us through how we can avoid burnout as we build careers and raise babies at the same time.

  • Masterclass - Nutrition For Busy Mums with Rachel Collins

    Nutrition For Busy Mums Knowing how to fuel your body the right way is a key ingredient to working mum success. Rachel Collins, health coach for mums, delivers a stellar training session on easy ways to make better food choices which ultimately leads to increased energy levels.

Your Instructor

  • Janine Esbrand

    Life & Career Coach

    Janine Esbrand

    Hi, I’m Janine Esbrand. I am a career coach, lawyer and mother of two young children.  I was excited to embark on my motherhood journey three years ago. Maternity leave was fantastic. I loved spending time with my little man and teaching him new things about the world. Then the time came to contemplate my return to work as a corporate lawyer and things seemed to get complicated. I wasn’t sure how to navigate my post-baby career. I wanted to continue in the career I had worked so hard to build over the previous 10 years but I also wanted to see all of my son’s milestones. I went through a process that I now share with others, to figure out a way to work in a way that works for me AND my family. I now have a portfolio career where I run my coaching business and practice law. I love spending time with my two little people (ages 1 and 3). I started my business because I wanted to support women during this transition period and beyond. I wanted to offer the support that I wish I had. I have work with women 1:1, through workshops, webinars, courses and my membership site. I also host a weekly podcast called The Careers Beyond Motherhood Podcast.

Prepare. Plan. Succeed.

Take the guess work out of your transition back to work after maternity leave

Get started now

FAQ

  • How much time will I need to dedicate to the course?

    I recommend that you dedicate approximately 20 minutes a day to go through the lessons and corresponding exercises. You will also benefit from attending the live Q & A Sessions and spending time in the private facebook group connecting with your fellow Smooth Returners.

  • When is the best time to take the course?

    You will find the course most useful in the 3 months leading up to your return to work. We have participants take the course before going on maternity leave and they also found the content very useful.

  • Will I have access to the course materials after the course is complete?

    Absolutely. You are a busy lady, so if you can re-visit them whenever you choose. Your log-in details provide you with ongoing access to the course.