Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

5 Actions People Leaders Can Take to Support Parents and Boost their Team's Success

In today's dynamic workforce, where mothers and fathers share caregiving responsibilities, People Leaders hold the key to a supportive, empathetic workplace.

Discover the 5 game-changing steps to make an immediate impact.

These actions pave the path to genuine equality, shared responsibilities, and a work-life balance where life enriches work, not the other way around.

People Leaders, you hold the power to shape the future!

Your actions can empower working parents and steer your team toward unprecedented success. 🌠

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Harnessing your Superpowers as a Working Parent.

As working parents, it's essential to embrace our dual roles, recognise our strengths and our unique learning opportunities.

By doing so, we can thrive in our careers and create a fulfilling family life.

How do we embrace our Working Parent Superpower?

How do they empower us to lead a balanced and fulfilling life?

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Embracing the Dual Roles and Finding the Balance with Nadine O'Regan

Meet Nadine O'Regan, an unstoppable working parent.
I found her on LinkedIn from her post on “👩‍💼💪 Balancing Life, Motherhood, and Leadership 🌟🐾” where she shared a gold nugget for all working parents:

“My secret? Organisation, flexibility, and a support system. Colour-coded calendars, agile routines, and enlisting help from loved ones keep us on track. Embracing imperfection and learning to let go of perfectionism have been transformative.”

Discover her secrets and more in our article, where Nadine shares her journey of parenting and professional success.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Navigating the End-of-Year Chaos

Reflecting back to last year's end, I had the foresight to jot down a note for myself on 1st October 2023. A reminder to ask myself, "What can I do now to alleviate some of the stress that often comes with the last term of the year?"

I wanted to share some suggestions with you to help ease your stress. My hope is that you can wrap up the year and enter the holiday season feeling ready to relax. 🎄✨ Let's make this year's home stretch a bit more manageable!

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Mastering Work-From-Home: The Parent Edition

Working-from-home for parents, is a two-edged sword. While on one hand you have the freedom to work your hours around your family commitment, the juggle of: work + kids + the infinite number of Zoom meetings, all seems to go up a notch.

I've been playing this game for a while now, and whether you're a parent currently in the overwhelm stage, desperately trying to get it all done, or a novice about to embark on this journey, don't worry — I’m here to share some of my hard-earned wisdom on how to set yourself up for success as a parent working from home.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Valuable Tips from One Parent to Another

Are you about to embark on the incredible journey of parenthood for the first time? Or perhaps you're a seasoned pro seeking new perspectives?

In my role, I have the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with parents at every stage of their journey. Just last week, I had the privilege of speaking with a compassionate mother who is currently navigating the whirlwind of parenting - juggling a newborn, a toddler, and her professional life.

Her insights were nothing short of priceless, and I just had to share her wisdom.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Task-Switching & Mono-Tasking: Two Sides of the Parenting Coin

A day in the life of a parent is a non-stop juggling act 🤹‍♂️ 💻 work 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 parenting 👨‍🍳 cooking 🛒 groceries 🧦 washing .......

🙋‍♂️ Hands up if you're a Multitasking Maestro 🙋‍♀️

Well studies reveal that our brains aren't wired for juggling tasks. 🤯
In fact, only 2% of us can multitask effectively!
Explore the powerful lessons Mums and Dads can teach each other in the 'real world of multitasking' 💡Task-switching and Mono-tasking 💡

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Are You a 'Yes Parent' or 'No Parent?'

Life's a whirlwind of opportunities, and I've always said "YES" to its adventures. But when parenting put me to the test, my inner control freak took over – hello, "NO Parent"! Who knew?! 🤷‍♀️

**The Yes Parent** embraces chaos, spills, and spontaneous paint parties. Their motto: *Chill and Create!* 🎨

**The No Parent** is the creator of routines and the master of structure. Their secret sauce: *Order and Routine!* 🗓️

But what if we could have it all??? The chaos, the structure, the spontonaity, the order….does it exist?!

Read my experience of discovering I was a ‘No Parent’ and what I’ve learnt from my ‘Yes Parent’ sister.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

The Parenting Mirror: Reflecting, Recalibrating, and Soaring

Ever caught yourself channeling your Mum’s classic “Because I said so!” while talking to your little one?
Maybe you've experienced the uncanny feeling of your own sarcasm bouncing back at you from your child's lips.
Or your suddenly aware of habits you didn't even know you had, leaving you wondering why change hadn't come sooner?
And those moments when you glimpse at your pre-teen and see a snapshot of your 90s self?

🙋‍♀️That would be me!
Let's not leave me hanging here! Raise your hand if you're nodding along too…

Parenting, where our actions get reflected right back at us by our little apprentices. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and maybe a dash of nostalgia.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Part Two: Navigating the Dual Working Parent Life: Insights from Natalie Nguyen

It’s time to introduce Natalie Nguyen, the next dynamic parent in this amazing dual-working family.

Balancing career ambitions with the joys of raising a family is a complex art, and Natalie's story uncovers the raw truths and triumphs that come with it. Immerse yourself in the inspiring story of Natalie whose candid insights will inspire and uplift.

She unveils the secrets that empower her to maintain a harmonious life amidst the dual demands of work and family.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Part One: Navigating the Dual Working Parent Life: Insights from James Vongdara

Meet James Vongdara, one half of an amazing dual-working family in Sydney.

Being a dual working parent is no easy feat, and we can all learn from James Vongdara, as he shares his journey from spontaneous adventurer to organised Dad.

His openness about his experiences in parenthood is truly inspiring and speaks to the ongoing journey all parents are on, constantly striving to find that delicate balance that works for their unique families.

James reveals his secrets to balancing his work and family life, including shared calendars and "Daddy Days." He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to take eight months of paternity leave, creating a strong bond with his kids, and gaining the confidence to handle any situation that arises, while also fostering deep respect and understanding for his partner's experiences at home.

Don't miss the full article to gain valuable insights from James' incredible journey and be inspired to embark on your own path of dual-working parenthood.

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Decoding the Enigma of Communication when it comes to Equal-Parenting.

Growing up, we absorbed ‘traditional norms’ within our families like sponges.

We saw our mothers skilfully juggling domestic duties and our fathers striving to be the breadwinners. It became ingrained in our minds that certain tasks and responsibilities belonged exclusively to one parent.

But times have changed, and so have we.

Embracing equal-parenting means stepping into uncharted territory—a world where roles and responsibilities are more fluid, where teamwork and partnership shine like guiding stars.

But why does 'Honey, let's share responsibilities equally' lead to an explosion of emotions?

Why does it ignite a nervous tension inside?

The answer isn’t too complicated and the steps to ease that tension aren't too hard. Take a read and as you navigate the adventure of equal-parenting, approach each challenge with a sense of humour, patience, and understanding.
Together, you've got this! 💚 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 💚

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Before you bring everyone back to the office...

Flexibility fuels exceptional skills and dedication from working parents, but are companies risking it all by pulling back on flexible work options?

This open letter to Employers and People Leaders, advocates for the undeniable value of flexibility and the incredible strengths working parents bring to the table. Embrace the power of flexibility and don't let talent slip away!

#workingparents #embracethefuture #flexibleworking #powerofchoice #workingfamilies #futureofwork #untappedpotential #talentstrategy

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Insights from a Working Parent: Embracing Values, Goals and Unexpected Superpowers!

An engaging conversation with a remarkable individual Shirley Sutton, People & Culture Regional Leader - Australia & NZ at SoftwareOne Australia.

She is a true go-getter. Her tenacity and exceptional mindset have led her to remarkable achievements. Shirley provides valuable insights and inspiration that will undoubtedly resonate with all parents seeking personal and professional growth.

Enjoy diving in....

Read More
Rachel MacDonald Rachel MacDonald

Refresh & Recharge, a mid-year Mojo Boost

Halfway through 2023, and it's clear that my New Year's goals need a major update. I’m feeling the need for a fresh start. Anyone else?

This week I’m celebrating not only my birthday, but all the things I’ve achieved over the last 6 months and clicking reset on some new personal and family goals. Do you want to join me?

Are you ready to supercharge the rest of 2023 with your family and accomplish remarkable things?

Then check out my approach below, with an added bonus if you’re interested….

#midyearreview #midyearcheckin #goalsetting #goalsettingtips #workingfamilies #workingparents

Read More