
Motherhood and Creativity: how parenthood reshapes identity and sparks creative instincts
- S4E2
- 27:54
- February 14th 2026
What if becoming a mother didn't diminish your creativity – but actually unlocked it?
In this episode, Jess MacIntyre sits down with Emma Baines, Global Head of Creative at Tony's Chocolonely and founder of Creative Motherhood, to explore how parenthood reshapes who we are and how we work.
Emma opens up about her journey – from 13 years in London's top agencies to global roles at HelloFresh and Tony's Chocolonely – and how becoming a mother completely changed her approach to leadership and creativity. Spoiler: it made her better at both.
They chat about:
- The shift that happens when you become a parent (and why it's actually a superpower)
- How motherhood influences the way you lead and create
- What the industry gets wrong about supporting mothers and carers – and what good looks like
- Why Emma started Creative Motherhood alongside her demanding day job
- The practical boundaries that help mothers thrive, not just survive
Whether you're a parent, thinking about it, or just curious about how life experiences shape leadership, this one's for you.
This episode was mixed by Oliver Steadman at Stone Street Productions and sponsored by Spotify.
Pass It On by FUTURES Network
Welcome to Pass It On, a podcast brought to you by the FUTURES Network and sponsored by Spotify.
FUTURES is a community group that helps women reach leadership positions through the power of insight, connection and solutions.
In these 30 minute conversations we chat to inspiring people about their personal stories, career journeys and life experiences.
Our aim is to pass on the learnings that these brilliant people have learnt, so that we can help more women thrive at work and in life too.
A big thank you to Oliver Steadman at Stonestreet Productions for making this podcast possible.
We hope you enjoy it and feel free to pass it on too.