Life’s biggest moments deserve meaningful support: Meet Georgia

Returning to work after having a child is one of life’s biggest transitions. Alongside the excitement of reconnecting with your career comes a new set of challenges, questions and adjustments – both professionally and personally.

For Georgia Martin, Senior Consulting and Business Development Director at SMG, returning to work after a year of maternity leave brought more change than she expected.

After welcoming her first child, taking a year away from work and settling into life as a new mum, Georgia returned to SMG in a new role, a new team, and a completely different routine.

The timing made the transition even more significant. Her son turned one, started nursery, and Georgia returned to work all within the same month.

“I felt mentally prepared to go back to work and was ready for a new challenge. What I hadn’t fully anticipated was the adjustment for my baby, which in turn impacts you as well.”

For many parents returning from maternity leave, those feelings are familiar. Questions around confidence, balancing responsibilities, and getting back up to speed can feel overwhelming after time away.

Georgia’s biggest concern was how much the business and industry might have changed during her year away.

“There was definitely uncertainty around how much had moved on and how quickly I’d be able to get back up to speed. I was also returning to a new role and a new team, which meant stepping outside of my comfort zone.”

What made the difference was having the right support and flexibility in place.

Before returning, Georgia had already started thinking about what she needed from the next stage of her career. Her previous role involved extensive travel, but her new position offered a more home-based, flexible way of working that better aligned with family life.

“That flexibility has given me the space to adjust and find a balance between being a mum and working that feels right for me.”

Alongside flexible working, having a supportive manager and the opportunity to phase back into work helped make the transition feel manageable.

As Georgia settled back into work, she noticed something unexpected. While returning initially challenged her confidence, it also changed her perspective.

“I feel much more focused and intentional with my time now. I’m more conscious of what really adds value at work, while also making sure I’m present at home.”

That shift has strengthened, rather than reduced, her ambition.

Working four days a week allows Georgia to spend Fridays with her son while continuing to grow her career – a balance she says has been hugely important.

What has reassured her most is knowing that those ambitions are supported.

“Having a manager I can be open with, and a culture where those conversations are encouraged, has made me feel confident that I can continue to grow and progress in my career here.”

For Georgia, returning to work has been about more than finding her way back into a role. It’s been about discovering a new rhythm – one that allows her to continue growing professionally while embracing everything that comes with being a parent.

“Returning to work has been a journey of adjustment, but one that’s helped me grow, refocus, and find a balance that works for both my career and my family.”

Support for parents doesn’t end when maternity leave does. Creating an environment where people can return with confidence, flexibility and opportunity is just as important as supporting them before they leave.