Joeli Brearley MBE is a speaker and campaigner on The Motherhood Penalty. This is the name used for the type of problems encountered at work after becoming a mother. Joeli was, up until February of 2025 the CEO of the award winning charity and advocacy organisation Pregnant Then Screwed which Joeli founded back in 2015.
She is a sought-after thought leader on issues of diversity and inclusion. Also, gender equality and communications.
Book:
Joeli is also author of The Motherhood Penalty, she is credited with changing laws supporting hundreds of thousands of mothers in the workplace. She was named by Vogue as one of the most influential women in the UK, one of the most influential people shaping Britain today by the New Statesman, and one of PR Week’s Top 10 communicators.
After personally experiencing workplace discrimination during pregnancy, Joeli Brearley launched Pregnant Then Screwed. This is an award-winning charity that addresses the many barriers that mothers encounter in the workplace. The charity provides legal advice and support and campaigns for systemic change. The organization has grown into a powerful resource for businesses and individuals alike, helping to create fairer, more inclusive workplace policies around pregnancy, maternity leave, and parental rights.
Joeli built an online following of over half a million. She secured tens of thousands of items of press coverage for her work. Joeli has also worked with hundreds of employers to develop strategies that support and retain pregnant employees, reduce unconscious bias, and foster more inclusive cultures. Her insights help companies navigate the complexities of maternity and parental leave. She does this by ensuring they not only comply with legal requirements but also cultivate workplaces that value and support all employees, regardless of family responsibilities.
With a reputation for delivering impactful solutions and fostering positive change, Joeli Brearley is a trusted voice in the conversation around workplace equality. Allso, her work continues to shape policies that make organizations more progressive, inclusive, and future-ready.
Talks:
How to tackle gender discrimination and bias in the workplace, reduce your gender pay gap and retain female talent
80% of the gender pay gap is caused by the motherhood penalty. This is the systemic and systematic disadvantages that women encounter in the workplace from the point they get pregnant. Joeli talks set out what the motherhood penalty is, why it matters and how to reduce this penalty experienced by women in your workplace.
How to create a social media campaign with genuine influence and build your following
Social media is saturated with companies and people vying for attention. This talk will help you to cut through the noise. You will be able to build your following and generate genuine trust and engagement with your audience
The Future of Work – How to secure top talent
Offering flexible hours and remote working opportunities is not enough. Businesses need to reduce the stigma of working parents, celebrate female role models and also promote a culture of inclusivity. In this talk Joeli explains the policies and practices to help you attract the best talent.
On the 30th December 2024, Joeli was presented an MBE by His Majesty King Charles for services to Working Families.
020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
