Matrescence & the Modern Workplace: Supporting Women to Thrive After Motherhood

A Women in Rail webinar exploring identity, confidence and career progression through the transition into motherhood

This webinar is part of a new Women in Rail series designed to widen the conversation around inclusion and to explore some of the real challenges women experience in the workplace at different stages of their lives and careers.

We are delighted to welcome Lucy Wilson, founder of MAIA and recognised as a 2026 f: Entrepreneur by Small Business Britain, who is leading important work to change how workplaces understand and support women after motherhood.

Lucy will share her personal and professional journey and introduce the concept of matrescence – the profound psychological and identity transition women experience when becoming mothers. The session will explore how this transition can impact confidence, career progression, leadership pathways and financial equality, and what organisations can do differently to retain and support talented women.

This interactive webinar will include:

• A hosted conversation with Lucy
• Reflections on workplace culture and leadership
• Live audience Q&A and chat discussion
• Practical insights for individuals, managers and organisations.

Lucy is generously giving her time to support Women in Rail. The session also provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about her work and the Matrescence Empowerment Programme, helping raise awareness of new approaches to supporting working mothers. To learn more read Lucy’s biography below.

Why Attend:

• Gain insight into the concept of matrescence and its impact on women’s careers
• Understand the link between motherhood, confidence and leadership pathways
• Learn how organisations can better retain female talent
• Hear a powerful real-life story of resilience, entrepreneurship and change
• Contribute to an open and supportive discussion with peers across the rail industry
• Build awareness and understanding of inclusive workplace practices.

Lucy Wilson Biography:

Lucy Wilson is a founder, mother of two and recognised as a 2026 f: Entrepreneur, by Small Business Britain, for her work changing how workplaces support women after motherhood.
Her life shifted overnight when she became a mother. Her first baby required three operations for a rare medical condition, and just as life began to stabilise, she slowly realised her second son was not meeting developmental milestones. He was later diagnosed with autism and severe global developmental and speech delay.

Behind hospital appointments, therapies and relentless advocacy, Lucy was also going through something she did not yet have words for. She was experiencing Matrescence; the profound psychological and identity transition that women move through when they become mothers.

The more she learned about matrescence, the more she recognised it everywhere. In the loss of confidence. In the quiet career compromises. In the widening gender pay and pension gaps that accelerate when women have children. In the steady disappearance of talented women from leadership pipelines.

Lucy founded MAIA to change that. The Matrescence Empowerment Programme supports working mothers through education, mental health support and community, while helping organisations retain female talent and build stronger future leaders.

Her work reframes motherhood not as a career derailment, but as a powerful life transition that, when supported properly, can strengthen women and the workplaces they lead.
Alongside her business, Lucy also founded The Welcome Club, a community initiative supporting SEND families during school holidays, inspired by her own experience navigating motherhood in complex circumstances.

She is passionate about ensuring women do not have to choose between thriving at work and surviving motherhood and about making matrescence part of the mainstream conversation.