RETURNING TO PAID WORK: OFFICE EDITION

Renee has been a people and culture leader for over 20 years with experience spanning retail, technology, property, Government and professional services.

Renee is also a Board Member and the Director of The People Paradox where she designs people foundations, programs and initiatives that enable businesses to grow and employees to thrive. Renee’s own journey into motherhood was challenging and transformational and she has designed The FOUND Program, a digital education and coaching program, that takes mothers from feeling overwhelmed to FOUND in parenting so that they can confidently participate at work and in life successfully.

Dr Edna Lekgabe is a leading perinatal psychiatrist with a special interest in women’s mental health. She is pioneering the way women approach, respond and engage in major life transitions, and is passionate about supporting women through major milestones including pregnancy, the identity shift that comes with postpartum and navigating their return to paid work. 

Dr Lekgabe provides her patients with a calm and secure environment to explore, understand and manage mental health during and after pregnancy. She provides an integrated approach to care that incorporates the unique biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors contributing to the issues a woman is experiencing, with a focus on early identification and prevention.

Dr Lekgabe assesses well-being in a holistic way, focusing on optimising environmental factors such as nutrition, stress reduction practices such as exercise, mindfulness and self-compassion, and enhancing social support.

In addition to her private practice, Dr Lekgabe holds a public consultant position with The Royal Women’s Hospital.

Bridget Sisson is a Senior HR Manager at Herbert Smith Freehills with a decade of experience in corporate HR across the professional services sector. She leads teams supporting Digital Legal Delivery and Employment and Industrial Relations teams for Australia. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that promote inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace cultures.

Bridget is particularly passionate about the transition back to work after parental leave—an experience she is navigating herself as a mum to almost one-year-old Archie. She brings both professional insight and personal perspective to conversations about returning to work, and is committed to supporting employees during this important life stage.