Ep40: How I created a community for working parents in advertising
Charlotte Coughlan, managing partner at Leo UK and founder of Parental Guidance, shares her personal experiences and insights on supporting working parents in the industry, emphasising the importance of mental wellness and practical support systems.
Balancing a career in advertising with parenthood isn’t easy, especially when life throws the unexpected at you.
In this NABS podcast episode, Charlotte Coughlan, managing partner of Leo UK, shares her personal experience of navigating motherhood, redundancy and mental wellbeing, and what real support for working parents can look like.
When maternity leave meets uncertainty
Halfway through her second maternity leave, Charlotte learned her agency was closing. Redundancy arrived at a time meant for bonding and recovery, bringing anxiety, shock and the pressure of re-entering the job market with a newborn and a young child.
The mental load of the juggle
Charlotte speaks openly about the tension many parents feel — wanting to be present at home while worrying about career progression and security. Her story reflects a wider industry challenge: systems that don’t always leave enough room for care, flexibility or mental wellness.
Turning experience into action
Motivated by her own journey, Charlotte launched Parental Guidance, a free mentoring scheme supporting working parents across advertising. It’s proof that lived experience can drive meaningful change.
What you’ll take away:
This episode offers reassurance, honesty and practical insight for parents — and a clear reminder that support matters.
Need support or resources?
If this episode resonated with you, NABS is here to help. Explore what we can offer you.
