HTSMP: How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty

In this episode of It’s Good To Talk, I chat with Art Green, dad of three, entrepreneur, and one of New Zealand’s most recognisable modern fathers. Art shares his journey from rural small-town kid to The Bachelor NZ, to building businesses, becoming a husband, and now raising three young children with his wife, Matilda. But what makes this chat so powerful is Art’s vulnerability and intention as a parent. He speaks candidly about identity shifts, redefining success, the pressure men feel to earn, the struggle to let go of career expectations, and the mindset work required to be a truly present dad. We dig into the realities of parenting in 2025, from mental load and gender roles, to finding time for yourself, decision fatigue, exercise as therapy, and the simple truth that everything is a phase. This episode is validating, thoughtful, funny, and deeply human. A must-listen for any parent (mum or dad) trying to find their footing in the chaos of early family life. We speak about: · Art’s honest journey into fatherhood and why he’s redefining what success looks like · How exercise, community and presence help him stay mentally healthy · Why dads need space, support and permission to be active caregivers · The ongoing challenge of balancing work, identity and family · How shifting from “earning” to “parenting” changed Art’s mindset · Gender roles: what’s changing, what isn’t, and why it still matters · The realities of decision fatigue, sleep deprivation and the seasons of parenting · Why grandparents, community and shared caregiving make all the difference · The advice Art would give to the version of himself before kids (“Everything is a phase”) Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I chat with Georgie Dent, one of Australia’s leading voices on gender equality, parental support, early childhood education, and the motherhood penalty. As Executive Director of The Parenthood, Georgie has spent years campaigning for a system that recognises, values, and properly supports the work of caregiving. Georgie shares her own lived experience, from her early career as a lawyer and journalist, to navigating severe burnout, to becoming a fierce advocate for parents and families across Australia. We unpack the structural drivers of the motherhood penalty, the economic impact of underfunded childcare systems, the cultural narratives that hold women back, and the practical policy changes that could transform families’ lives across Australasia. If you care about gender equity, the future of work, or raising children in a society that genuinely supports families, this conversation is essential listening. We speak about: · Georgie’s journey from lawyer to journalist to national advocate · The reality of burnout and why workplaces still misunderstand it · How The Parenthood is driving major policy reform across Australia · Why early childhood education should be treated as essential infrastructure · How the motherhood penalty affects families economically, emotionally and generationally · What governments must fix, and what businesses can do right now · Why fathers and partners are a crucial part of the solution · The cultural narratives that shame mothers (and how to rewrite them) · Practical change parents can push for in their own workplaces and communities Connect with Georgie The Parenthood: https://www.theparenthood.org.au/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode of It’s Good To Talk, I chat to Danielle Chew, a senior leader at ANZ and co-chair of the ANZ Whānau Network, an employee-led group transforming the experience of working parents inside one of Aotearoa’s biggest organisations. Danielle shares her personal story of navigating motherhood, senior leadership, part-time work, caring responsibilities, and the very real juggle so many parents face. She opens up about raising two young daughters, becoming a primary carer for her grandmother, and the moment she realised workplaces must change if parents are going to thrive. Together, we unpack the realities of flexible work, parental leave, the “line manager lottery,” why dads need to be part of the conversation, and the huge role organisational culture plays in either empowering or burning out working parents. It’s an honest, practical and uplifting episode for any parent trying to make work and life fit together and for any leader committed to doing better. We speak about: · How Danielle built a senior career at ANZ while working part-time · The family and cultural experiences that fuelled her passion for supporting working parents · Why she founded the ANZ Whānau Network and how it’s driving strategic change · The barriers parents face inside large organisations and how to shift them · The “line manager lottery” and why leadership capability matters more than policy · Why parental leave for dads and secondary carers is essential for equity · How flexible work, part-time roles and good job design keep women in the workforce · Why most people are caregivers and why caregiving is not a niche issue · The conversations every working parent needs to have with their partner, leader and themselves Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I chat with Michelle Allbon and Julia Bower, the powerhouse duo behind The Fractional Directory, a progressive platform redefining what leadership and productivity look like in today’s world of work. Michelle and Julia share the story of how they met as new mums in an antenatal class and went on to build a global business helping leaders and companies embrace fractional work, a model that challenges the outdated 40-hour work week and creates new opportunities for parents, women, and top-tier talent to work differently. Together, they unpack the cultural and structural barriers holding companies back from embracing flexible leadership, how the Fractional Directory is driving change across New Zealand, Singapore and Australia, and why “part-time” should no longer mean “less than.” This conversation is packed with insights on career reinvention, female leadership, systems change, and motherhood without compromise. It’s honest, smart, and deeply inspiring. We speak about: · How Michelle and Julia turned their shared frustration into a global startup · What “fractional work” really means, and how it differs from part-time or consulting · Why flexible leadership models are key to smashing the motherhood penalty · The cultural and policy barriers stopping companies from adopting new ways of working · How Singapore’s government is leading the charge with a national fractional hiring pilot · Why “hours ≠ value”, and why we need to measure productivity by outcomes, not time · How mothers can reclaim ambition, identity and financial power through new work models Connect with Michelle and Julia Fractional directory: https://www.fractional.directory/ Follow Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleallbon/ Follow Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julialbower/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20- year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217

In this episode of It’s Good To Talk, I chat with Roam With Kids founder Renata Wiles to talk about the invisible work of parenting, financial fairness, and the conversations every couple needs to have before, during, and after becoming parents. Renata shares how a lockdown pregnancy, one income, and the realities of raising two young kids inspired her to build Roam With Kids, an app helping parents find child-friendly cafés, playgrounds, walks and events across Aotearoa. But this episode goes much deeper than business. We unpack everything from KiwiSaver gaps and shared finances to equitable partnerships, parenting mental load, and why every household needs a “coffee budget” for sanity and self-care. It’s an empowering, down-to-earth conversation that will leave parents feeling seen, validated, and ready to make small but mighty changes at home. We speak about: · How Renata turned her parenting experience into a thriving startup, Roam With Kids · The KiwiSaver gap: why women fall behind financially during caregiving years, and how to fix it · What an equal partnership really looks like at home · How to talk about money, roles, and responsibilities with your partner · The truth about starting your own business as a parent · Why “the coffee budget” is essential for mental health · How to raise kids who see equality modelled at home Resources Discussed Follow or connect with Sophie: · Instagram: @roamwithkids, @renataroaming · Website: https://roamwithkids.app/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I chat with Nicola Raynes-Pene, Partner at KPMG, mother of three, and 2024 Part-Time Power Lister, about what it really takes to build a thriving senior-level career while working four days a week. Nicola shares her story of burning out during the GFC, returning to Aotearoa, and reshaping her life and work rhythm to protect her health and her family. She opens up about how boundaries, allyship, and honesty with colleagues and clients have helped her succeed without sacrificing well-being. We explore the deeper systems that fuel the motherhood penalty, from outdated attitudes to the language we use around “part-time” work, and what leaders, partners, and businesses can do to create a fairer, more inclusive workplace for all parents. If you’ve ever wondered how to combine ambition and balance, this episode is proof that you can lead on your own terms and still be present for the people you love. We speak about: ·     How Nicola built a senior career on a four-day week without losing momentum ·     The realities of burnout and why she re-engineered her career around health and family ·     The importance of boundaries and clear communication with clients and teams ·     Why authentic male allyship is key to smashing the motherhood penalty ·     How KPMG’s paid parental-leave policy is driving real change for both parents ·     Why we need to redefine “part-time” and design roles for all genders   Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family.  As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz  www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode of It’s Good To Talk, I chat with Josie from Play Based Pēpi to talk about the very real journey of parenting, relationships, and rediscovering who you are after kids. Josie unpacks conversations she and her husband have had around parenting their three children and the work that goes on inside and outside of the home. She shares the challenges, the laughter, the love, and the growth that comes from being a team. We explore the mental load, the invisible work that often goes unseen, and the importance of showing up for each other, even when life feels messy and chaotic. This episode is a candid look behind the curtain of modern family life, where no one has it all figured out, but everyone’s trying their best. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, underappreciated, or just needed reassurance that you’re not alone in this parenting gig, this one’s for you. We speak about: · How parenting can shift your sense of self and identity · The emotional labour and invisible work behind family life · What it really means to “share the load” · Why communication and empathy matter more than ever · How small moments of connection can rebuild a relationship Resources Discussed Follow or connect with Sophie: · Instagram: @playbasedpepi · Website: playbasedpepi.myshopify.com/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I chat with Jane Sweeney and Carolyn Kerr, co-founders of Anthem, one of New Zealand’s leading communications and marketing agencies. Together, they unpack how they’ve built a purpose-led, family-first workplace that challenges industry norms and how flexible, trust-based leadership can help smash the motherhood penalty for good. Jane and Carolyn share candid stories from their own careers, from being leading women in PR to raising families while leading major campaigns, and reveal how Anthem became a model for modern, human-centred business. They talk openly about flexibility that works for everyone (not just mothers), the part-time penalty, normalising men as caregivers, and why empathy and equity are key to building truly inclusive workplaces. If you’re a business leader, parent, or advocate for workplace equality, this episode will inspire you to rethink how work can work for all. We speak about: ·     The founding story of Anthem and how Jane and Carolyn built a “no sweatshop” culture ·     Why flexibility must go beyond gender and job titles ·     How trust, transparency, and human connection drive performance and retention ·     The unseen “part-time penalty” and how to challenge it ·     Real-life examples of progressive policies, from phased returns and job shares to paw-ternity leave ·     Practical advice for employers to support working parents (and all caregivers) ·     The cultural shift needed to normalise men working part-time ·     Why equitable pay, flexible roles, and open conversations matter more than ever   Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family.  As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz  www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

Welcome to this bonus and unique episode where as part of the TVNZ documentary “The Motherhood Penalty TBC”, I interview Tāmati Rimene-Sproat. Well, in fact, Tāmati actually interviews me in advance of him becoming a first time dad. We talk about what his expectations are as he looks forward to becoming a dad, what kind of a dad he wants to be and he gets curious about how he might best support his partner.  Tāmati shares his memories of how hard his Dad worked for his family and how that role model has influenced him along with how he might want to re-frame what success is in being a Dad.   Resources Discussed https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/counting-the-beat Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family.  As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz  www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode of It’s Good To Talk, I chat with Sophie Moskowitz, founder of Imperfect Parents, to unpack what it really means to parent in today’s world, without the pressure to be perfect. Sophie shares how her experience as a mum of three and an early childhood teacher led her to create Imperfect Parents, an inclusive community offering antenatal classes, postnatal groups, and playgroups that focus on the well-being of parents, not just babies. We explore the themes of equity at home, parental guilt, perfectionism, and the mental load of caregiving. We discuss how to share the load with partners, how to navigate returning to work, and why creating safe spaces for honest conversations can change everything for working parents. From “maternal gatekeeping” to the myth of “baby brain,” Sophie offers a refreshing, compassionate take on modern parenting and the importance of building community around imperfection. We speak about: · Why “good enough” parenting is healthy for both parents and children · How to navigate guilt, resentment, and perfectionism as a working parent · The importance of shared caregiving and equitable partnerships · How to advocate for yourself when returning to work after parental leave · The power of inclusive parenting spaces and safe conversations Resources Discussed Follow or connect with Sophie: · Instagram: @imperfectparents.nz Website: www.imperfectparents.co.nz/ You can also hear Sophie on the Why Do You Parent Like That? podcast, where she’s a regular contributor. Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I chat with Jane Wrightson, New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner, to unpack how motherhood impacts women’s long-term financial security. Jane shares her personal experience of becoming a mother in the 1990s without paid parental leave and highlights how policies like KiwiSaver, superannuation, and workplace flexibility directly shape women’s financial futures. From the gender pay gap to the retirement savings gap, she explains why even short breaks from the workforce have long-lasting effects, and what families, employers, and policymakers can do to change the system. This candid conversation blends policy insights, practical advice, and big-picture thinking about how to value caregiving and create fairer systems for mothers in Aotearoa. If you’ve ever wondered how career breaks, flexible work, and financial planning intersect with gender equity, this episode will give you both clarity and a call to action. We speak about: · Why the motherhood penalty shows up in retirement savings · How KiwiSaver contributions (or the lack of them) compound over time · The importance of agency and open conversations with employers, partners, and whānau · What employers can do to reduce inequity and close the pay gap · Why NZ Super is a feminist issue and what changes Jane believes would make a real difference Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode of It’s Good To Talk, I chat with Emily Parks, marketing manager at the Dr. Libby Group and host of the Have It All podcast, about the realities of working parenthood, the messy middle of motherhood, and why honest conversations matter. This candid conversation offers practical insights and gentle encouragement for parents navigating career, kids, and everything in between. If you’ve ever felt like you should be doing it all, or wondered if anyone else feels the same, you’ll love this episode. We speak about: · The pressures of “having it all” and where those expectations come from · Why outsourcing, flexibility, and systems at home can be game changers · How the mental load affects women, even when partners share responsibilities · The identity shift many parents experience after having children · Why conversations with yourself are just as important as conversations with your partner, workplace, or community Resources Discussed · Listen to Have It All on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JS44o7ZEUAdhgT73Xwkqz Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I chat with Stephanie Pow, founder of Crayon, a startup on a mission to reduce financial stress in the moments that matter most. Crayon is best known for creating the New Zealand Parental Leave Register, which brings transparency to over 300 verified parental leave policies nationwide. Stephanie shares the personal journey that inspired her to launch Crayon, and why even with a finance background, she found navigating the costs of parenthood unexpectedly challenging. She explains how lack of transparency and support around parental leave can deepen the motherhood penalty and how better policies, planning and paid partner leave could change everything. Stephanie also opens up about her own experience juggling entrepreneurship, parenting and the invisible mental load, and why she believes paid partner leave could be the single biggest lever to smash the motherhood penalty. We speak about: · The financial realities new parents face and why they’re often unprepared · How the NZ Parental Leave Register works and why it’s changing the conversation · The hidden pitfalls of clawback clauses and qualifying criteria · Why return-to-work support and “returnships” matter · The link between paid partner leave and closing the gender pay gap · Practical steps employers can take to support parents and retain talent Resources Discussed · https://www.gocrayon.com/ · https://nyupress.org/9781479835454/what-works-for-women-at-work/ · https://hbr.org/2021/09/the-problem-with-greedy-work Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

How often do dads get real about what’s going on in their heads? In this episode, I sit down with Aidan Kryke Smith, founder of Dadventure, to unpack the often-unspoken world of fatherhood, masculinity, and the invisible mental load that dads carry. From late-night worries to guilt around “who has it harder,” Aiden shares insights from years of working with dads who are desperate for deeper conversations, but don’t always feel they have permission to start them. We speak about: · Why the mental load of fatherhood is so rarely discussed. · The myths around masculinity that keep men quiet. · How to start meaningful conversations with your partner (without turning it into a competition). · Simple, low-stakes ways to talk about fatherhood with your mates. · Why workplaces need to rethink flexibility and culture for parents. · How sharing “what it feels like to be you right now” can transform relationships. Resources Discussed · Dadventure: https://www.dadventure.net/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

What would our workplaces and homes look like if caregiving was truly valued, shared, and supported? In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Joe Consedine and Jess Stuart from Mobilise to unpack the invisible labour of caregiving, the systemic barriers that keep gender norms in place, and the opportunities we have to innovate for equity. From the daily “mental load” of running a household, to the stigma men face when taking parental leave, this conversation challenges us to rethink what we reward in both professional and personal life. Jess and Joe share their vision of a world where caregiving is recognised as a skill, not a burden, and where policy, culture, and mindset shifts work together to create real change. We speak about: · Why unpaid care work remains undervalued, and how it impacts gender equity · The structural and cultural barriers to shared caregiving in families · How organizations can innovate HR policies (flexibility, job design, parental leave) to reflect the future of work · The importance of normalizing men as active, equal caregivers from the very start · The “boring but essential” caregiving tasks that keep households running and why sharing them matters as much as the joyful moments · What it will take to rewire workplaces, families, and society to support true equality Resources Discussed · Mobilise: https://www.menasallies.co.nz/mobilise-programme · Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeconsedinenz/ · Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-stuart-559a7940/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

Welcome to. It's Good to Talk. The podcast that equips working parents with the conversations they need to be having. My name's Emma McClain. I'm an executive coach and I work exclusively with working parents. I know for sure that working and having a family is hard. But I think the answer to real long-term sustainable change is talking. So in this podcast, we're gonna shine a light on conversations that have mattered for my guests, the ones that they wish they'd had sooner, and the ones that have changed everything. This podcast will appear fortnightly, right here where you're listening to this. I really hope you join me. I'm excited to have these conversations, to share different perspectives on the conversations we need to be having.

What are the conversations that truly make a difference for working parents? In this episode of It’s Good to Talk, I turn the tables on Anna Johnstone, executive coach, founder of The Female Career, and host of the podcast of the same name. Anna shares her journey from global corporate roles in Europe to returning home to New Zealand and building a business dedicated to lifting women up in their careers, and the conversations she wishes she’d had. We speak about: · The gritty, practical advice that helped Anna navigate life as a working parent. · Why investing in childcare is also an investment in your career. · The importance of being proactive about kids getting sick (and why you need backups to your backups!). · The role of honest conversations, with partners, employers, and friends, in avoiding burnout. · What dads need when it comes to having “their people” and joining these conversations too. · How boundaries, support networks, and courageous asks can help women thrive at work and at home. Resources Discussed · The Female Career: https://www.thefemalecareer.com/ · The Female Career Podcast: https://www.thefemalecareer.com/podcast/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I talk to Victoria Crockford, Project Director of the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness, to shine a light on an issue too often hidden from view: the growing housing insecurity faced by women in Aotearoa New Zealand. Victoria brings her wealth of experience across community housing, advocacy, the arts, and climate action to unpack the complex realities behind women’s homelessness. She explains why older women, sole parents, and Māori women are disproportionately affected, and challenges the myths that homelessness is a “choice.” This is not one of the conversations we have had on the podcast yet, and we do talk about the relationship between women's homelessness and domestic & sexual violence. Please listen with care. We speak about: · The 57,000 women in New Zealand currently experiencing homelessness (Census 2023). · Why women’s homelessness often looks different, more hidden, through couch surfing, unsafe housing, or staying in violent relationships. · The link between the motherhood penalty and long-term housing insecurity. · How systemic issues like the gender pay gap and benefit structures keep women in poverty. · Practical actions landlords, policymakers, and communities can take to reduce women’s homelessness. Resources Discussed ·https://www.coalitiontoendwomenshomelessness.org/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Amanda Sterling, Principal Director, award-winning consultant, and proud mum, to unpack her groundbreaking PhD research to help organisations remove systemic barriers and close gender pay gaps. Amanda combines decades in corporate leadership development and culture change with work that is backed by data, driven by curiosity, and fuelled by a deep commitment to creating workplaces where women can thrive. We speak about: · Amanda’s personal story of returning to work post-parental leave, and how it led to her PhD · The subtle ways bias and outdated assumptions sideline mothers in the workplace · Surprising findings from Amanda’s latest survey of 212 women in leadership roles · Why manager support and partner support top the list of career success factors for women · Practical steps organisations can take to hold leaders accountable and build inclusive leadership capability · The role of parental leave policies in shifting gender norms and why paying both parents matters · How to have the “awkward but essential” career conversations at home · Why the solution isn’t telling women to “lean in”, it’s changing the system Resources Discussed · Connect with Dr Amanda Sterling: https://dramandasterling.com/ Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/

In this episode, Emma sits down with two of New Zealand’s 2024 Part-Time Power Listers: Emma Thompson and Liz Blythe. Emma is a partner in PWC’s private business team and a chartered accountant with a passion for simplifying finance through technology. She supports privately owned businesses with virtual CFO services, finance function, transformation and general accounting and tax. Emma co-leads PWC’s women in business founder series championing woman-led businesses to connect, grow, and reach their goals. Liz is a partner at Russell Mcveagh, heading up technology, digital, and strategic sourcing law practice in Auckland. Liz also sits on Russell Mcveagh’s Board of Management and is the board lead for the firm's AI transformation program. Liz has worked on a reduced hours arrangement at Russell Mcveagh since 2022. These two incredible women are senior leaders in law and finance, and they’re doing it all while working reduced hours and raising young families. Together, they unpack the reality of senior part-time roles, the mental load of motherhood, setting boundaries at work, and how they’ve shaped careers on their own terms. From how to structure a four-day workweek, to the importance of organisational support, to creating equity at home and in the workplace, this conversation is packed with wisdom, real talk, and practical takeaways for anyone balancing ambition with caregiving. Whether you’re eyeing a more flexible career path, already working part-time, or leading a team that includes parents, this episode will shift how you think about leadership, success, and what’s really possible. We speak about: · The real power behind reduced-hours roles and why they work at senior levels · How Emma and Liz set (and protect) their non-working days · Managing guilt, boundaries, and expectations in high-pressure industries · The truth about mental load and why “help” at home isn’t the answer · How supportive leadership and open conversations make all the difference · The importance of role modelling flexible success and why visibility matters · Why part-time does not mean part-talented, part-driven, or part-committed Nominations are open for the 2025 NZ Part Time Power List - a list that celebrates innovative employers who are creating senior career building part time roles. Nominations close on August 18th 2025: https://forms.gle/mAw8e35zbaK1yEj49 Resources Discussed · Anna Whitehouse Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mother_pukka/?hl=en · Dirty Mother Pukka Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5f2dP1jR7pYrhGRzz5NMKy?si=f235bb67ad76474e · "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky https://www.fairplaylife.com/ · "Fair Play" card deck (A Couple's Conversation Deck for Prioritising What's Important) https://shorturl.at/bXaLl Connect with Emma This podcast was funded and created by Emma Mclean, the founder of Works for Everyone. Emma Mclean is a mum of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business that partners with NZ's leading corporates to help them retain and grow their working parent talent. She does this through innovative leadership programmes, executive coaching and keynote speaking. She founded her business in 2019 following a 20-year career in corporate strategy where she experienced first-hand how hard it was to have a career and a family. As an impatient optimist when it comes to system change, she launched her successful podcast “How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty” in 2023 where she talks to humans who are actively working to change the system that creates financial penalties that only mothers pay. And in 2024 she launched the first NZ Part Time Power List – to shine a light on those senior roles in NZ that are career building, not side stepping." To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz www.worksforeveryone.co.nz https://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/