Why is the mid-life career pivot so daunting? Why does networking pose a greater challenge for women? How can we retain more talented women in the workforce? And is it really possible to eradicate mum guilt? Five years ago, Rachel Eng embarked on what she calls the scariest career move of her life! Amid countless paths, she chose the “hardest” one. Leaving a prominent role at a top law firm to start her very own law firm. What once seemed audacious, has since paid off! Today, she remains the only woman in Singapore to ever head up one of the Big 4 local law firms; honoured in 2014 as the esteemed Her World Woman of the Year. As Managing Director at Eng and Co. LLC, Chair of the Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network, and a Board Member of JTC Corporation, Rachel epitomises success. In this episode, you will hear about how Rachel manages to stay on top of everything. How was she able to break that glass ceiling? What gave her the confidence to make the switch? How did she manage her successful career whilst raising her children – something she did without a domestic helper? Join us as Rachel unveils her blueprint for advancing gender equality in the legal profession and imparts wisdom drawn from her extensive career journey. Topics we discuss in this episode: Reasons for Leaving a Comfortable Job to Starting a Business Balancing your Career and Parenthood without a Helper Building a Company with Female Leadership and Management Join us, whether you are considering shifting careers, embarking on your professional journey, or already experienced in your field, as we discover Rachel Eng’s outstanding career path and the lessons she has to offer. Follow Rachel Eng: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-eng-50366319/ Videos with Rachel Eng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-eng-50366319 Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network: https://www.sbf.org.sg/about-us/our-communities/business-networks/singapore-women-entrepreneurs-network Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg What to listen for: 00:00 Start of Episode 00:57 Introduction 02:35 Forging A Path For Female Leadership and Gender Diversity In Management 04:36 Building A Firm With A Family-Oriented Philosophy To Retain Talented Women 11:00 Implementing Nursing Rooms In The Office 15:32 Balancing Work and Family Commitments Without A Helper 16:50 Struggling With Parental Guilt As A Mother 21:04 How The Advice to Hire A Helper Might Land 23:07 The Road To Partnership As A Female in Law 26:09 Leaving The Comforts Of A Firm To Start A Company 31:49 Whether The Opportunity Or The Decision To Make A Pivot Came First 34:31 The Mission Behind Eng & Co. 35:14 What Rachel Wish She Knew When Starting The Firm 37:17 Advice For Someone Contemplating A Career Change 39:23 What Is Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN)? 42:26 How You Can Be A Part Of SG-WEN 43:41 Advice To Her Younger Self 44:26 Rapid Fire Questions 46:11 Outro