BOOKS
Working Dads and Balancing Acts: The Future of Fatherhood
By Sarah Maconachie
Ready to hear from real dads, honest stories and a new model for modern fatherhood?
The role of a father is changing—and so are our expectations.
Today’s dads want to do more than just “provide”—they want to be present, involved, and connected. But the path to achieving balance in work and family life isn’t always clear—or easy.
In Working Dads and Balancing Acts, mindset expert and founder of Work Hard Parent Hard, Sarah Maconachie, curates 20 powerful stories from modern fathers navigating the highs, lows and hard calls of parenting while pursuing fulfilling careers.
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.
These are the real conversations we don’t hear often enough—from dads who’ve missed milestones and wrestled with guilt, to those who redefined success, restructured careers, and showed up in ways they never thought possible.
You’ll hear from CEOs, creatives, primary caregivers and professionals who share the regrets, breakthroughs and mindset shifts that changed everything—from missing their kids’ early years, to challenging what it means to be a “good dad,” to building a version of success that works for them.
After reading these chapters you will:
– Feel inspired to challenge outdated stereotypes and gendered expectations—so dads can lead more authentically at home and at work
– Experience honest insight into the regrets and missed moments many men carry—and what they’d do differently
– Gain real-world strategies to better support your partner, prioritise time with your kids, and speak up for what you need
For organisations, this book is a must-read reminder that supporting working dads is essential for creating more inclusive, balanced and high-performing workplaces.
For every dad who’s ever felt stretched too thin, silenced by outdated expectations, or simply wondering if he’s doing enough—this is your reminder that you’re not alone, and that there is another way.
When we support fathers, we strengthen families, workplaces and entire communities.
What Others Have to Say
Working Mothers Inspiring Others: Navigating the Juggle and the Struggle
By Sarah Maconachie
Are you ready for real stories, raw truth, and practical hope for career-driven mums.
Do you ever found yourself asking, “how do other mums do it?”
Balancing work, parenting, ambition, and wellbeing can feel like a relentless cycle of guilt, pressure and exhaustion. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
In Working Mothers Inspiring Others, mindset expert, author and founder of Work Hard Parent Hard, Sarah Maconachie brings together 17 powerful stories from women who’ve faced the same inner conflict—how to show up fully for both their careers and their families, without losing themselves in the process.
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.
Through honest storytelling, real-life insight and a shared determination to rewrite outdated expectations, this book showcases what’s possible when mothers are supported to define success on their own terms. From CEOs and lawyers to creatives and entrepreneurs, these women prove that fulfilment and flexibility can coexist.
This book isn’t just about stories—it’s about solutions.
– The importance of personal development—because knowing what you want for you is the first step toward creating a life that feels intentional.
– Permission to outsource, delegate and let go—because doing it all is never going to end well!
– Practical inspiration to challenge what’s considered “normal”—from taking your kids to the office or on work trips, to boldly asking for what you need.
For organisations and leaders, this is a powerful reminder of why investing in the mindset and wellbeing of working parents is no longer optional—it’s essential for retention, performance, and progress.
For every mother trying to do it all—this is your permission to do it differently, to challenge the status quo and to create a life that works for YOU!