OUR PODCAST
What's in This Episode
80% of parents in media have considered leaving the industry. The juggle of parenthood and work is real, and it’s costing the industry great talent.
Media is fast-paced and always evolving. Deadlines don’t wait for daycare pickups. It’s not 9 to 5, it’s pitch decks, campaign launches, and oftentimes late nights. For working parents, especially mothers, it can feel impossible to keep up.
Lauren Thornborough knows this firsthand.
With 20+ years in media, she’s worked with high profile clients, led high-performing teams, and now juggles all that with raising two kids. In 2024, she co-founded The Village, a community built to support, connect and advocate for working parents in media.
And she’s on a mission to change things.
With 80% of Australian couple families now having both parents work, the system needs to adapt. Burnout, mental load and inflexible workplaces are pushing parents out and it’s not because they can’t do the job, but because the job isn’t designed to fit their lives.
In this episode, Lauren and Marie discuss why workplace culture is out of step with modern parenting, how confidence often dips after parental leave, and what needs to change to keep great people in the game.
They also get personal, from the guilt, school holidays chaos, to the fruit cutting wars. It’s a powerful reminder for all working parents to advocate for yourself, find a village and celebrate the small wins.
Are you a working parent in media? Join The Village community at
thevillageworkingparents.com.au
In this episode, we discuss:
The Village (00:00:51)
Lauren’s mission for "The Village", created to connect and support working parents in media.
Challenges Faced by Working Parents (00:01:46)
Lauren discusses the high turnover of parents in media due to overwhelming work-life balance challenges.
Mental Load of Parenting (00:04:57)
The mental load parents carry and its impact on their work performance.
Industry's Role in Supporting Parents (00:09:20)
The media industry's responsibility to lead in supporting working parents.
Support Systems for Working Mums (00:13:12)
The importance of support networks among parents for managing responsibilities.
Flexibility for All Employees (00:17:12)
The need for workplace flexibility beyond just parents, benefiting all employees. We discuss the importance of having the right attitude towards flexibility in the workplace.
Permission to Prioritise Family (00:18:19)
The significance of giving employees permission to prioritise family amidst heavy workloads.
Performance Over Presence (00:21:10)
The importance of employee output rather than physical presence in the office.
Advocating for Yourself (00:25:27)
Encouragement for parents to understand their worth and advocate for flexible work arrangements.
Crisis of Confidence Post-Maternity Leave (00:25:44)
The confidence issues women face when returning to work after maternity leave.
Upskilling for Returning Parents (00:26:18)
The need for businesses to offer upskilling opportunities for parents re-entering the workforce.
Childcare Challenges (00:32:25)
Discussion on how childcare costs hinder women's return to work and the need for solutions.
Navigating Work and Family Life (00:41:29)
The challenges of balancing work commitments and family responsibilities during tough times.
Joining The Village (00:43:31)
How to join "The Village" for media industry parents seeking support.
About Lauren Thornborough
Lauren Thornborough has dedicated the last 20 years of her career focused on the craft of client servicing within the media industry. With experience in both the UK and Australian markets, she has worked across a diverse range of sectors, including FMCG, finance, luxury, service economy, premium lifestyle, and alcohol. In 2024, Lauren co-founded The Village alongside Lou Wilson, an initiative dedicated to supporting, connecting, and advocating for working parents in the Australian media industry. Lauren is also a proud mother to Emily (8) and Harvey (6).