34. Kate Brightwell on Being Childfree at Work

The Kids or Childfree Podcast

In this conversation, Keltie Maguire and Kate Brightwell explore the complexities of choosing a childfree life, including what it means to be a childfree woman in the workplace. You'll hear Keltie and Kate discuss:

• The pressures Kate faced to have children, despite having always known she didn't want any.
• How being childfree has impacted Kate's romantic partnerships and dating experiences.
• Kate's experience of feeling othered in the workplace due to her childfree status.
• The dynamics of workplace culture and the experiences of those who do not conform to traditional family structures.
• The intersection of the Kids or Childfree decision and women's reproductive rights — and why using your voice and voting power is as important as it's ever been.
• Cultural perceptions of childlessness and the significance of personal choices in shaping one's career and life path.

As mentioned in the show: Find Kate on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kate-brightwell-a195b528/

About Kate: Kate is a lobbyist and tech public policy specialist, based in London. She has previously worked for a leading US tech company, global management consultancies, and the UK election regulator. Her passion for politics has enabled her to focus on public policy that impacts society and is what has driven her career to date. Kate is currently taking a career break, which she describes as her "maternity leave without a baby"! During this period of fun-employment she is thinking long and hard about what comes next while enjoying traveling in her campervan around Europe and spending overdue time with loved ones. She also has a side hustle as a dog sitter.

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