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“The truth is you do need to be a superwoman to have a successful career and be a present parent and we need to be honest about this”.
Wise words from today’s guest, Stacey O’Dea.
This honesty is exactly what I want to bring to this podcast. Because when you hear that in order for someone to have a big job and a family, they’re dropping balls all over the place that you just can’t see, then it makes you feel less alone in your own juggle.
Stacey has a few non-negotiables to support her blend of work and family, and – maybe more importantly – to help change things for other working mothers around her.
- She loudly works flexibly. No hanging a jacket on the back of her chair and pretending she’s in a meeting
- She’s honest about the trade offs, and the compromises she’s chosen to have a big job and be a present parent
- She picked (and kept) a partner who supports her career ambitions and does plenty of heavy lifting at home – and she’s not afraid to ask, well what is their partner doing at home? When a woman steps back from work
I’m so excited to be talking to COO of PWC for the past 5 years, and now Head of Clients and Markets for the firm about what it honestly takes.
In this episode we discuss:
- Leaving loudly, and why it’s important for senior workers to own the juggle in a public way
- Equality in the home – the invisible work is still largely done by women
- The true logistics of family and work – and how important it is to share the truth of that
- Prioritising the most important things for our children, and missing out on others
- The choice some people (mainly women) make to step back at work, and how that supports the home
- Mum guilt and stress
- Stacey loves working, it’s not a grind, and she shares her love of work with her boys
- What we show to our kids about what’s possible
- If you’re feeling exhausted, look at your work – if it’s not energising you it might be time for a change
- The foundations for two career families – a good partner, a supportive employer, financial stability, a village, and plenty of resiliance!
About Stacey O’Dea
Stacey O’Dea is a seasoned executive with over 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs, marketing, and operational leadership across major public and private organizations, including PwC, NAB, MLC, and IAG.
Her career began in corporate affairs, where she honed her expertise in communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. Transitioning to operations, she served as COO for PwC’s Advisory businesses, driving operational excellence and strategy alignment, and became a Partner at PwC in January 2023.
Currently, Stacey serves as the Head of Clients and Markets for PwC, where she is responsible for spearheading the firm’s go-to-market strategy, to strengthen PwC’s market position and drive growth.
Holding a Bachelor of Business and a Masters in Business Communication from Queensland University of Technology, she brings a unique blend of strategic insight and cultural leadership, championing internal support teams as vital business partners.
A proud mother of two boys, she actively advocates for working parents navigating the challenges of work-life balance.