Louise Donaghey FRAeS - How to Lead with Strength and Vulnerability as a Breadwinner Parent

Big Careers, Small Children

In this inspiring episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Louise Donaghey FRAeS, Group Head of Engines at International Airlines Group GBS, who will soon be one of Leaders Plus’ Senior Leader Mentors, about her remarkable career in aviation, leadership in male-dominated environments, and her experience of being the sole breadwinner in her family for nearly two decades.

Louise shares candidly about managing the pressure of high-stakes roles while raising two children, how she learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength, and what it really takes to stay present as a parent when the stakes at work are high. Her story is full of honesty, practical wisdom, and powerful reframing of success, motherhood, and leadership.

Together, they explore:

✔️ What it means to lead as the sole breadwinner in a family

✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness

✔️ How to deal with judgement from others (especially fellow parents)

✔️ Practical strategies to be present with your children while succeeding at work

✔️ How to shut out guilt and define success on your own terms

✔️ Why ambition can grow because of parenting, not in spite of it

✔️ The value of scaring yourself with roles that stretch you

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to balance career ambition and caring responsibilities
• Why perfection is a myth and authenticity matters more
• How to handle judgment and stay confident in your choices
• Strategies for setting boundaries and managing your energy
• The mindset shift needed to thrive as a working parent and leader

Show Notes:

• Connect with Louise Donaghey on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.
• Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
• Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.
• Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.

Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

More BCSC episodes you might love:

Episode 199: (C-Suite Series) Elizabeth Willetts - How to Break the Glass Ceiling While Juggling Career Ambitions and Parenthood

Episode 203: (C-Suite Series) Jane Hollinshead - How to Navigate a Squiggly Career and Find Success on Your Own Terms