Elizabeth Willetts is the Founder of Investing in Women – a female-empowering job board and community helping family-friendly AND forward-thinking employers hire professionals looking for fulfilling flexible and part-time work. She is an experienced Recruiter with over 17 years of experience – both in-house at one of the Big 4 and from one of the UK’s largest recruitment agencies. Elizabeth is also a mum to two daughters – Emily and Annabelle (and a Labradoodle called Dougal). She is a passionate believer in the power of part-time and flexible work to retain women in the workplace and close the gender pay gap. Her debut book, Flex – a dynamic guide for anyone wanting to build a successful career ― on their terms, came out in January 2025.
In this exclusive interview, she shares powerful strategies from her book, inspiring real-life stories, and practical advice to help professionals align their work with their values. From overcoming imposter syndrome to crafting compelling flexible work proposals, Elizabeth’s perspective offers a fresh roadmap for navigating today’s challenges while fostering long-term career success. Her insights are not just a call for adaptability—they’re a blueprint for empowerment in the workplace.
What inspired you to write Flex, and how did your experiences as a recruiter, entrepreneur, and career coach shape the book’s core message?
Great question. I was inspired to write Flex after witnessing countless talented individuals, including close friends, struggle to find jobs they wanted and deserved just because they needed some form of flexible working. My 18 years working in recruitment exposed me not just to the rigidity of traditional work structures but also to a job market that often overlooks personal circumstances and penalises those who want working arrangements that differ from the standard 9-5 norm. As the founder of Investing in Women, a recruitment business dedicated to championing flexible working, I’ve spent the past four years advocating for work arrangements that enhance both workplace productivity and job satisfaction. This book is a culmination of my mission to transform our approach to work, granting permission to those who might not want to work 40 hours a week by saying, ‘It’s okay—you’re not lazy or odd. You’re human.’ It’s about creating careers that are as dynamic and varied as we are.
The book is filled with real-life stories of women who overcame significant career challenges. Could you share one particularly memorable story that deeply resonated with you while writing?
My podcast interview with Rosie Reynolds, who is now the COO of the Financial Services firm Aspect Capital, was a particularly memorable interview that I couldn’t wait to share in Flex. Rosie’s story demonstrates the huge impact that mentorship and workplace support can have on your career. Despite her professional success, Rosie has grappled with imposter syndrome, feeling like an outsider in a world dominated by those from more privileged backgrounds. Her journey began in Scotland, where she trained as a lawyer, navigating her way through the competitive legal industry.
Mentorship changed the game for Rosie. Early in her career, a boss saw her potential and didn’t just give her a chance—he actively backed her. This support didn’t just help her climb the ladder; it helped her believe in herself. Later, after having her fourth child, her employer stepped up again, funding coaching that helped her secure a pivotal leadership role on their board.
Rosie’s experiences illustrate that overcoming imposter syndrome and other internal barriers often requires external allyship, mentoring, and support. They show just how powerful a supportive mentor can be for women to recognise their own value and take their place at the highest levels of their professions. Rosie’s experience plays a big role in Flex, where I talk about finding and using this kind of support to tackle our own career hurdles.
One of the standout promises of Flex is helping readers gain clarity on their career goals. What do you believe is the most common obstacle preventing people from identifying a job they truly love, and how does your book address it?
The most significant barrier I’ve observed that prevents people from getting a job they truly love is a lack of self-awareness. Many of us don’t take the time to understand who we truly are – our strengths, values, and our definition of success. Without this self-knowledge, it’s challenging to pursue a career that genuinely fulfils us as we’ll continue down a path of societal expectations or try to race to keep up with others – even if they are actually on a path we don’t fancy heading. In ‘Flex’, I tackle this head-on by guiding readers through insightful exercises and reflective questions that help them dig deep into their professional desires and personal values. The book is designed to give you the tools to uncover what you really want from your career, helping you to set clear, achievable goals and ultimately find joy and satisfaction in your career choices and professional life.
Flexibility in the workplace has become a hot topic in recent years. What are some practical strategies you recommend for making a flexible working request that employers are more likely to approve?
Flexibility at work is more than just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for many of us juggling various personal commitments alongside our careers. In ‘Flex’, I dedicate a whole chapter to crafting a compelling flexible working request that your employer is more likely to approve. It’s about making your needs resonate with the strategic objectives of your employer.
I guide you through creating a robust proposal, suggesting you start with a trial period to ease managerial concerns and demonstrate potential benefits such as increased productivity and loyalty. For example, the story of job-sharers Laura Walker and Chloe Fletcher in the book showcases how job-sharing not only fulfilled their personal needs but also dramatically boosted their professional output and satisfaction. Their success illustrates the mutual benefits of well-structured, flexible work arrangements.
You emphasise that career progression is rarely a straight line. What advice do you have for readers struggling with feelings of failure or self-doubt during career disruptions?
Career disruptions don’t have to signal a halt in your progression; rather, they can offer pivotal moments for growth and self-reflection. In ‘Flex,’ I discuss how every disruption can be a hidden doorway to new opportunities. Take Jodie Mason, from Saint-Gobain, featured in the book, who wonderfully illustrates that career progress isn’t always a vertical climb—it can be sideways or even initially appear as a step back.
Jodie’s career journey moved from customer service to accounts, into credit services, and then circled back, but each move equipped her with even more invaluable skills and insights. She says, ‘It’s easy to feel that if you’re not constantly climbing, you’re not progressing. But if you view yourself as a portfolio of skills and strengths, rather than just a job title, you open up new possibilities for yourself.’
If you’re feeling stuck or doubting your path, remember that disruptions are natural. They are not failures but chances to reassess and realign with your true career aspirations. ‘Flex’ provides strategies and stories to help you leverage these moments. By understanding your unique strengths and how they fit into the bigger picture, you can navigate through career uncertainties with confidence and purpose.
Remember, adaptability and resilience are your most powerful tools for creating a fulfilling and successful career trajectory – no matter what that looks like.
Writing a book is no small feat. What was your creative process like while crafting Flex, and were there any surprising challenges or breakthroughs along the way?
Writing Flex while running a business and caring for two small children was challenging, but the process was surprisingly straightforward. I committed to a simple, manageable routine: thirty minutes of writing every day – often in the evening after my children had gone to bed. This wasn’t about crafting a perfect draft on the first go; it was about consistency and progress. With Magic radio playing in the background and an Alexa timer set, I focused solely on getting the words out without editing as I went – I figured the actual writing would be the hardest part of the process. This approach helped me write 56,000 words more quickly than I anticipated.
The real breakthrough came when I realised that the initial draft didn’t have to be perfect. Once all the content was on paper, refining and editing became less daunting. The secret to accomplishing a big project is simply to start. You can always refine and correct it later. This philosophy not only shaped my writing process but also underpins many of the strategies I share in “Flex,” encouraging readers to take small, consistent steps towards big career goals.
Lastly, Flex is as much about resilience and fulfilment as it is about careers. What’s one personal mantra or piece of wisdom that has helped you stay motivated and balanced throughout your own journey?
One piece of wisdom that’s always guided me is this: “The best time to plant a tree was yesterday; the second-best time is today.” It’s a simple reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, to change direction, or to make an improvement. Whether focusing on my health, spending time with my family, or helping others with their careers, this belief keeps me pushing forward. It’s all about doing a little bit every day, building towards something great. This mantra isn’t just something I say; it’s how I live and is at the core of everything I share in Flex.