What does leadership look like when you’re raising children on your own, running a business, and carrying responsibilities that don’t switch off at 5pm?

In this episode, Dawn Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Hospitality Jobs UK, shares a deeply honest account of building a career while navigating single parenthood, financial pressure, judgment, and self-doubt.

Dawn reflects on leaving school at 16, finding confidence through hospitality, rising into senior corporate roles, and ultimately setting up her own recruitment business as a single mum. She speaks openly about the moments of struggle, the fear of being judged, and the turning point that came from asking for help. Throughout the conversation, one message runs consistently through it all: success isn’t about perfection — it’s about resilience, priorities, and the quality of time we give to the people who matter most.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t always loud or polished. Sometimes it’s about keeping going, making hard choices, and doing the best you can with what you have.
Show Notes

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dawn Lawrence’s journey from leaving school at 16 to founding Hospitality Jobs UK
• The realities of single parenthood while leading teams and businesses
• Why asking for help is not weakness, but leadership
• The pressure single parents feel at work — and why so many hide it
• Quality vs quantity when it comes to time with children
• Flexible working, trust, and transparency in modern workplaces
• How adversity shaped Dawn’s leadership style

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership and parenting are not separate skills
2. The ability to prioritise, adapt, and stay resilient shows up in both roles — often at the same time.
3. Quality time matters more than hours logged
4. Children remember presence, not perfection. Small, meaningful moments leave lasting impact.
5. Asking for help changes everything
6. Dawn’s biggest turning point came when she stopped carrying everything alone.
7. Many single parents hide their reality at work
8. Fear of judgment still shapes behaviour, especially for women in leadership roles.
9. Flexible working unlocks talent, not excuses
10. When people are trusted, they perform better — and stay longer.
11. Resilience is built through lived experience
12. Some of the strongest leaders are shaped quietly, through necessity rather than choice.

Guest:

Dawn Lawrence — Founder & CEO, Hospitality Jobs UK

Hosts:

Timothy R Andrews & Joe McDonnell