Books
Working Dads and Balancing Acts
Times are changing, and so is the role of a Dad. Gone are the days when men were expected only to work while mums stayed home. Today’s dads are stepping up in new ways, wanting to be more present, more involved, and more connected with their families.
In Working Dads and Balancing Acts, author Sarah Maconachie brings together 20 incredible fathers who share their real, honest journeys through parenthood and career—and how they’ve worked to find balance and fulfillment in both.
This collection of stories explores what it means to be a modern dad, from those who’ve felt the regret of missed moments to those who made bold decisions to put family first. Each story reflects on the highs and lows of fatherhood in a world where dads want more connection but still feel the pressure to “do it all.”
For some of these men, balancing work and family was a journey with lessons they wished they’d learned sooner—missing early years, forgoing parental leave, or keeping quiet about their own mental health struggles. They talk about the guilt of not being more present and the challenges of voicing their needs as they had been taught that men simply do not do this.
Others share their experiences as primary caregivers, the shifts they made to support their partners’ careers, and the life-changing impact of prioritising time with their children. Some left demanding careers to focus on family life, while others learned to communicate openly about their needs, mental health, and struggles to manage it all.
What you’ll take away from Working Dads and Balancing Acts:
- The Real Stories of Today’s Dads: These aren’t “perfect dad” tales. Instead, they’re raw and real accounts from fathers who faced challenges and missed moments, and the experience of those who were there for it all. You’ll find stories of regrets, resilience, and breakthroughs that come from fathers juggling work and family.
- Relatable Lessons for Every Dad: Whether you’ve faced similar struggles or are still learning the ropes, these stories offer relatable experiences to help you feel understood, supported, and connected to a community of fathers who’ve been there.
- Mental Health & Communication Insights: Many of these dads talk openly about mental health, stress, and the importance of asking for help. You’ll see the impact of learning to voice challenges and build healthier lives for themselves and their families.
- Balance Strategies & Actionable Tips: These stories are packed with practical strategies, reflections, and real-world advice on how to juggle career demands with the desire to be a present father.
- Empowerment to Prioritise What Matters: This book isn’t about “getting through.” It’s about finding ways to thrive as a career-driven dad and a hands-on father. You’ll gain insights on how to be present, build stronger connections, and support your family’s well-being without sacrificing your own.
Meet the inspiring dads in Working Dads and Balancing Acts: Peter Clark, Adrien Engel, David Taylor, Dr. Jason Frishman, Brad Raynor, Charlie Maughan, Rhys Maconachie, Peter Bennet, Chris Lloyd, Dr. Rob Scott, George Rologas, John Park, Thomas Batchelor, Douglas Veal, Rolfe Pike, Rowyn Bartlett, Barry Mone, Sam Hill, Stan Rolf, and Joe Bovell.
From CEO’s to police officers, lawyers to corporate professionals and “stay at home” Dads, each of these fathers brings a unique perspective on what it means to balance work and family in today’s world, offering you a powerful reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. Their stories will inspire, challenge, and empower you to find the balance that works for you and your family.
Bonus! Be sure to check out Working Mothers Inspiring Others, where 18 mums share their own raw and inspiring stories of balancing work, family, and personal fulfillment.
What others have to say:
“This is an incredible book, and all dads and mums should read it. It gives an insight to how dads feel, what has worked, what doesn’t and how they have supported their partners in different ways. It’s a really good book that I just couldn’t put down” Alex
“I encourage all working parents, especially dads, to check out the book and explore the wisdom shared by so many diverse voices.” Sam
Working Mothers Inspiring Others
Are you ever left wondering how other mums manage the delicate balance between work and motherhood?
How do they handle the endless demands, the societal pressures to “do it all,” and the guilt of feeling stretched too thin? Maybe you’ve felt like others have it all together while you’re just trying to keep up, feeling that you’re falling short both at work and at home.
Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.
In Working Mothers Inspiring Others, author Sarah Maconachie shares her own journey and the stories of 17 other remarkable women who’ve faced these exact challenges. When Sarah returned to work as a mum of three, she was hit hard by the push-and-pull of wanting a fulfilling career while also being present for her children. She’s now the founder and CEO of Work Hard Parent Hard, a platform dedicated to supporting parents in redefining their purpose and finding fulfillment without losing themselves to exhaustion and guilt.
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed, wondering if it’s possible to balance a career you love with the joy of motherhood, this book is your lifeline. Through the personal and powerful stories of career-driven mums—CEOs, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and more—you’ll see just how possible it is to flourish in both your professional life and your role as a mother.
Meet the inspiring women sharing their journeys in this book: Sarah Maconachie, Vicky Wren, Tracey Vermaak, Stacey Webb, Cheryl Edwardes, Tania Gomez, Sarah Coleman, Kerry McNamee, Carla Lombardo, Lisa Younger, Ashley McGrath, Nicola Veal, Leisa Van Geest, Fiona Yue, Kate O’Hara, Sandra Morell, Alicia White, and Michelle Travis.
From navigating challenging childhoods and single parenthood to overcoming career transitions and realising that personal development can be the most essential aspect to success as a working mum- these women have each found ways to create balance. They have challenged societal norms and the status Quo, realising what they feel they “should” do isn’t always the right way for them, and they have created their version of balance that works to thrive in their careers without sacrificing their role as a mother.
What you’ll take away from Working Mothers Inspiring Others:
- Raw, Real Stories: This isn’t your typical “how-to” parenting book. It’s filled with the honest truths of working mums who’ve been through the highs, lows, and in-betweens, offering a look into what worked well, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently.
- Relatability & Support: Finally, feel truly seen and heard. These stories reflect your own struggles and victories. You’ll walk away feeling less alone, with a new sense of belonging to a community that understands.
- Balance Strategies That Work: These mums have tried, tested, and honed approaches that have allowed them to thrive at work and at home. Each story is packed with tips and strategies you can try in your own life.
- Empowering Takeaways & Worksheets: Alongside their stories, you’ll find actionable advice, hands-on worksheets, and steps you can use to make positive changes in both your work and home life.
- Inspiration to Embrace Both Roles: This isn’t about just getting through the chaos—it’s about flourishing. This book is for mums who want to feel empowered, balanced, and confident in their dual roles as dedicated mothers and driven professionals.
Are you ready to feel seen, to gain new strategies for creating balance, and to be inspired to redefine what “having it all” looks like for you? Working Mothers Inspiring Others is here to support and uplift you through every twist and turn of your own journey as a working mum.
Plus! Check out the companion book, Working Dads and Balancing Acts, where 20 dads share
What others have to say:
“This book celebrates the strength, resilience and commitment that Working Mums have whilst juggling work, family and personal growth. I was left encouraged and inspired ! ❤️✨” Emma
“I couldn’t put it down- I read the whole book in one sitting”- John
“The book I wish I had as a new Mum This book is a collection of stories from working Mums filled with heart, vulnerability, courage, honesty and compassion. For anyone who is a working Mum, knows one, supports one or is curious about the realities of modern-day working parents, this is for you” Leisa
