Hermione Olivia on Motherhood, Ambition & Her New Book, CEO Yourself.
Photographer: Masha Mel
Motherhood has changed Hermione Olivia’s relationship with ambition. It hasn’t made her less driven, if anything, she says it has made her more ambitious. But it has given her clearer boundaries, a different relationship with time and an entirely new definition of success.
The entrepreneur and founder of CEO YOURSELF has built a career around ambition, leadership and reinvention. Now, with the release of her new book, CEO Yourself, Hermione is turning the philosophy that transformed her own life into a practical framework for others: one rooted not in doing more, but in becoming more intentional about the life you actually want to live.
The book itself arrived through what Hermione describes as a series of serendipitous moments. Writing a book had long been one of her dreams, and then an email arrived from the editor who would later become her Penguin editor, proposing the idea. Soon afterwards, a period of bed rest unexpectedly gave Hermione the time and space to refine the concept: a convergence of timing, opportunity and circumstance that brought a long-held ambition into focus.
It is a philosophy that has become even more personal through motherhood. Hermione is both a mother and a stepmother, and speaks candidly about the early months after the birth of her first daughter, when she returned to work too soon and found herself trying to hold on to the woman she had been before. It was only when she allowed herself to surrender to the experience — and, as she puts it, became “brave enough to meet the new me” — that something shifted.
Today, her ambitions remain big, but the order of things has changed. Success looks less like relentless achievement and more like a regulated nervous system, a healthy and happy family, meaningful work and being present for the moments that matter.
For Luminary Mothers, Hermione Olivia talks about the identity shift of motherhood, maternal guilt and letting go of control; why boundaries with ourselves may be the most important ones we set; what burnout taught her about the life she wanted to build; and why, for this season at least, she reminds herself of one simple truth: “My ambition always has time, but motherhood is fleeting.”
By Alice Codford
ON MOTHERHOOD
Alice Codford: How has becoming a mother changed you, both personally and professionally?
Hermione Olivia: Professionally, it’s made me more ambitious but more importantly, I now have clear, strong boundaries. It’s made me work smart, because my time with my babies is so precious. Personally, it’s made me softer, more vulnerable and more present. It’s been a huge gift, and evolved me into a better version of myself.
You are both a mother and a stepmother. How have those two experiences shaped your understanding of what it means to mother someone?
Hermione Olivia: Motherhood is so often about prioritising someone else’s health, safety and happiness so they can thrive. For me, it doesn’t matter where that child came from, it’s about leaning in to being selfless in their honour.
“In meeting them, I met a new version of myself, each time more complicated, more alive, more evolved.”
Stepmotherhood can carry its own complexities and expectations. What has that experience taught you about love, patience and building a family?
Hermione Olivia: Becoming a stepmother made me more mature, and much more patient! But becoming a biological mother made me even more patient again. We don’t have much control in life, and our families are often shaped in ways we might not have perfectly designed, but exactly as they were always meant to be. I believe I am meant to be my step son’s step mother, and he is meant to be my children’s sibling.
Is motherhood what you expected it to be, and what has surprised you most?
Hermione Olivia: I don’t think you could ever really prepare yourself for how extraordinarily life changing motherhood is. I’m constantly surprised by the experience - by my capacity to live, by my intuition, by how much I had to learn! In meeting them, I met a new version of myself, each time more complicated, more alive, more evolved. They make me a better person.
Photographer: Masha Mel
What has been one of the hardest seasons of motherhood for you, and what helped you move through it?
Hermione Olivia: My hardest season was birthing my first child and those first few months, as I tried to hold onto the old version of me and went back to work much too soon. It was only when I surrendered to her, the beauty of the experience, and was brave enough to meet the new me, prioritising her and the family, that I felt better.
What has been one of the greatest joys of motherhood so far, a moment that has really stayed with you?
Hermione Olivia: Ironically, it was also that first moment holding Xanthe, and then the first moments meeting my next child, Gaia. They were the most pure, important moments of my life. And now it’s every day, when my heart explodes hugging and cuddling them and witnessing their beautiful innocent energy.
“The most important boundaries of all are those you have with yourself. Stay true to your no and your yeses. Build self trust.”
On the days when you are juggling work, children, relationships and everything in between, what helps you come back to yourself?
Hermione Olivia: I love journaling, breathwork and laughing - my husband is very funny and brings me back to what matters constantly.
Was there a point in motherhood when you did not quite recognise yourself, and what helped you reconnect with the woman you were becoming?
Hermione Olivia: Those months I spoke of, trying to cling on to the old me. I surrounded myself with good influences, incredible people who helped me come back to what matters… which is health and happiness, and in my case, moving toward work that was more value aligned. You’ve heard it all before but also implementing positive habits like journalising, visualisation exercises, moving my body, getting more sleep - they all really do work.
What has motherhood taught you about leadership, ambition and letting go of control?
Hermione Olivia: So much, where to start. They’re in control now!
Do you experience maternal guilt, whether as a mother, or a woman with big professional ambitions? What do you tell yourself in those moments?
Hermione Olivia: I really try to practice releasing guilt. It can be an indication of where you need to change gears or direction but mostly I think it’s a wasted emotion that doesn’t serve people.
ON CEO YOURSELF
For anyone discovering it for the first time, what is CEO Yourself, and what inspired you to create it?
Hermione Olivia: CEO YOURSELF is a platform designed to support you in becoming the best version of yourself, aka the CEO of your life. We spend so much time at work, planning our careers but rarely do we allocate the appropriate time to who we are, who we want to be. This is why I’m here!
“Confidence is knowing you are living your life for you, and you’re proud of yourself, who you are and who you’re becoming.”
The phrase “CEO Yourself” is incredibly empowering. What does it mean to you beyond the world of business?
Hermione Olivia: I want to glide down the street knowing I am exactly where I’m meant to be, living my life’s biggest dreams out loud. If I can get there, and help others get there, that will be a legacy I’m proud of.
Photographer: Masha Mel
Was there a particular moment in your own life when you realised you needed to take greater ownership of your direction, decisions or identity?
Hermione Olivia: Yes! I have burnt out more than once. Our body holds the score. In 2020, I had that realisation alone in my flat, and I proactively did something about it… which is how this philosophy was inevitably born.
Your book, CEO Yourself, is out now! Why did this feel like the right moment to turn the philosophy behind the platform into a book?
Hermione Olivia: It was all very serendipitous timing. A life long dream come true, an email from my now (Penguin!) editor pitching the idea, and then being on bed rest which allowed time to refine the concept.
Who were you writing the book for, and what do you hope she feels when she reaches the final page?
Hermione Olivia: I’m writing it for my children, for the younger me and for every person out there who knows they’re capable of more, and just need a practical guide to get them there.
What is the biggest misconception women have about becoming the “CEO” of their own lives?
Hermione Olivia: That you have to do more, or that you have to be in complete control. It’s actually the opposite to that - it’s about finding moments in each day that feel completely aligned and incredible for you.
Many women are incredibly capable at managing everyone else’s needs but struggle to prioritise their own. Why do you think that is?
Hermione Olivia: We’re innately giving people, especially as women. It takes a lot of work to carve out space for our own progression and development… but everyone wins from it long term!
Photographer: Masha Mel
How has motherhood challenged, or perhaps strengthened, the ideas you share through CEO Yourself?
Hermione Olivia: It’s forced me to emphasise boundaries and knowing that life comes in seasons that require different attention.
Did writing the book reveal anything to you about yourself that you had not fully understood before?
Hermione Olivia: I learnt so much about myself! It was a huge uphill battle, navigating the writing, and editing, in a balanced way with a newborn. Using the steps, I did it and also had a blissful postpartum experience!
Was there a chapter, story or idea that felt particularly vulnerable or difficult to put on the page?
Hermione Olivia: When you read the first few pages… you’ll see.
What do you believe women need to unlearn in order to become more confident decision-makers in their own lives?
Hermione Olivia: You are capable of anything and everything you can visualise. Re-write the internal dialogue. Your life is yours, have agency and chase what you want for you, not for what you feel is expected of you.
How can someone begin to “CEO” her life when she feels overwhelmed, stuck or unsure where to start?
Hermione Olivia: Read the book! Stop, breathe, and write down what you want, and what’s overwhelming you or stopping you from getting there.
ON AMBITION, IDENTITY & SELF-LEADERSHIP
Women are often encouraged to be ambitious, but only in ways that remain comfortable for everyone around them. Have you ever had to make peace with being misunderstood?
Hermione Olivia: Not everyone will ever like, or understand you. Don’t worry about what they think, focus on how you feel.
“You are stronger and more capable than you think. Trust your intuition and create the life that feels good for you - no one else.”
How has your relationship with ambition evolved since becoming a mother?
Hermione Olivia: I have to quieten that voice more often than not because my ambition always has time, but motherhood is fleeting.
Photographer: Masha Mel
What have you learned about making decisions from instinct rather than from fear, obligation or other people’s expectations?
Hermione Olivia: It takes practice, but you can become a master at it.
Boundaries are often discussed as something we set with other people. What boundaries have you had to set with yourself?
Hermione Olivia: The most important boundaries of all are those you have with yourself. Stay true to your no, and your yeses. Build self trust.
Is there a decision you have made that looked risky or unconventional from the outside but ultimately brought you closer to the life you wanted?
Hermione Olivia: So many! I have pivoted a lot, moving overseas, starting and leaving businesses. But I always did what I knew was right for my own growth.
“Your life is yours, have agency and chase what you want for you, not for what you feel is expected of you.”
What does confidence look like to you now? Is it something you feel, something you practise or something you choose?
Hermione Olivia: Confidence is knowing you are living your life for you, and you’re proud of yourself, who you are and who you’re becoming.
How do you distinguish between a season that requires perseverance and a situation that it is time to walk away from?
Hermione Olivia: You will know deep down, just sit still enough to ask the hard questions.
What does “having it all” look like to you now, and what does it no longer mean?
Hermione Olivia: A regulated nervous system and a healthy, happy family! Everything else can wait.
ON STYLE & SELF-CARE
Has motherhood changed the way you get dressed, whether practically or in terms of what helps you feel most like yourself?
Hermione Olivia: Completely, as I said. I have zero time in the morning between bottles and breakfast and getting everyone ready and to school/nursery so I throw together whatever I can. With that said, I like to have moments where I make an effort.
Photographer: Masha Mel
What is your go-to outfit when you want to feel confident, capable and pulled together?
Hermione Olivia: I slick back my hair now a lot and it makes me feel put together in moments where I actually feel like a bit of a chaotic mess!
Who or what inspires your style?
Hermione Olivia: Confident women. It’s less about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it. Just owing your look or style is incredibly attractive!
What is on your shopping list at the moment?
Hermione Olivia: The Row Peggy bag, I’m always looking for the next suit and I’m still on the eternal hunt for the perfect pair of jeans.
Which skincare, make-up or wellness products do you find yourself recommending to friends?
Hermione Olivia: Oribe gel stick, Victoria Beckham mascara, SkinCeuticals serums & PTIOX moisturiser, Sarah Chapman cleanser and Creatine!
What are the non-negotiables that keep you grounded and help protect you from burnout?
Hermione Olivia: Pausing when I feel it approaching to recalibrate. Going back to what I know works for me: cancelling plans, quiet nights in, journaling, exercise, nourishing food, meditation.
When life feels especially full, what is the first thing you do to create space for yourself again?
Hermione Olivia: Have a bath, journal and cancel plans to create space!
ON LOOKING AHEAD
As you are preparing to launch CEO Yourself, the book, what are you most excited, and perhaps most nervous, about?
Hermione Olivia: I am so excited to connect with people IRL to share this milestone, whether that’s my parents and best friend (who are flying in, I’m Australian!) or my community at our events. I’m nervously excited to anticipate peoples feedback as they actually devour what I’ve written!
What would make this next chapter feel meaningful to you beyond sales, recognition or traditional measures of success?
Hermione Olivia: Just helping one person in a meaningful way would feel incredibly rewarding.
What kind of example do you hope your children see in the way you live, work and make decisions?
Hermione Olivia: I want my kids to look up to their Mum and be proud of her achievements, but I also want to be present for them in the moments that matter. That will be the eternal balancing act.
What legacy do you hope to create through your work and through the family you are helping to shape?
Hermione Olivia: Grounded, thriving and happy kids.
And finally, what message would you like to leave with the Luminary Mothers community?
Hermione Olivia: You are stronger and more capable than you think. Trust your intuition and create the life that feels good for you - no one else.
Follow Hermione on Instagram here. Discover her book here.
Photographer: Masha Mel
