Joeli Brearley MBE is the director of Growth Spurt, a transition programme supporting working parents through pregnancy, parental leave and returning to work. She is also the founder of the campaign group and charity Pregnant Then Screwed.
After experiencing pregnancy discrimination firsthand, Joeli launched Pregnant Then Screwed in 2015 to tackle the motherhood penalty and improve workplace equality for parents. What began as a small grassroots campaign rapidly grew into one of the UK’s most influential parent advocacy organisations, helping to change laws, shape public debate and support hundreds of thousands of families.
Today, Joeli is recognised as one of the leading voices on the motherhood penalty, parental leave, childcare and workplace culture. She regularly advises employers, policymakers and senior leaders on how to better attract, retain and support working parents.
Through Growth-Spurt, Joeli works with organisations to transform the experience of becoming a parent at work. The programme combines expert-led workshops, coaching, practical tools and manager training to support employees through major life transitions while helping businesses build more inclusive, productive and loyal workforces.
Joeli is also the author of ”The Motherhood Penalty” and host of the podcast To Be A Boy. Her work has been featured widely across national and international media, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker on gender equality, parenting and the future of work.