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Sharing Their Journeys
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a collection of stories from 18 working mothers from many walks of life in which they share both their parenting challenges and triumphs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When I returned to work after having my own children, I found myself questioning how others were managing it all the time. The struggle is real when you have young children and still want to have a thriving career, and I couldn’t find anything that shared the raw honesty of what it is really like. So, I decided to create the resource myself. I am all about supporting and uplifting others, and this book does exactly that.
You have pulled together a wonderful collection of inspiring stories. What was the collaboration process like with the co-authors?
It has been amazing. There have been lots of relationships and collaborations created from the co-authors in the book. They have all been very supportive and equally as passionate about the messages we are delivering from chapters.
I appreciated the candid nature with which these stories were told. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think I speak for all the co-authors when I say–it’s always hard to share the deepest insights of ourselves. The fear of judgment, of loved ones or others reading what we really think and feel and that causing any form of criticism or misunderstanding. A feeling that mothers are all too familiar with, and I am incredibly proud of all the co-authors for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and sharing their journeys in such an honest and vulnerable way.
What do you hope readers take away from this collection?
I hope that mothers take away the confidence to make what they want and need to happen. There is no easy way to juggle a career and motherhood, but there are always ways we can operate better. I hope mothers know they are not alone in whatever stage of the motherhood journey they are in, and this book creates the support and understanding that many mothers need.
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How do they handle the endless demands, the societal pressures to ‘do it all,’ and the guilt of feeling stretched too thin?
Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.
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: 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 and lows, 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.
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.
Empowering Takeaways & Worksheets: 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 their own real and honest journeys.
Working Mothers Inspiring Others
Working Mothers Inspiring Others, by Sarah Maconachie, is a heartfelt collection of stories from 18 working mothers who share their journeys of balancing parenthood and professional ambitions. The book highlights themes of resilience, empowerment, and adaptability, offering readers an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that come with being a working mom. Each chapter is a window into a different experience, ranging from corporate climbers to entrepreneurs, all tied together by their unwavering commitment to their families and careers. It’s a celebration of motherhood in all its forms, underscored by practical advice and inspiration for navigating life’s complex intersections.
The stories felt personal right from the start. Sarah Maconachie’s story about finding herself after years of self-doubt hit me hard. Her openness about the guilt and exhaustion so many of us face was raw and relatable. I found her emphasis on prioritizing mental health particularly powerful. Her journey to rediscover purpose and balance through mindset work felt like a reminder to invest in myself. Her story about asking for work flexibility, knowing what she wanted, and unapologetically making it happen was a wake-up call to all of us hesitant to advocate for our needs.
Another standout chapter for me was Vicky Wren’s. Her candid reflection on the pressures of being a “career-driven mum” and the struggles of breaking away from societal expectations felt like I was reading my own thoughts. I laughed and nodded along as she described balancing work and motherhood while battling inner critics. Her acknowledgment of ADHD and how it shaped her approach to work and parenting was refreshingly honest. She found joy and productivity by outsourcing tasks and embracing her strengths, which reminded me that sometimes it’s okay to ask for help.
The interviews added depth and variety to the book. Cheryl Edwardes’ conversation on workplace flexibility and Lisa Younger’s reflections on evolving workplace dynamics were both eye-opening. These stories illuminated the structural challenges mothers face and gave practical ideas on how to advocate for change in our workplaces. The book’s inclusion of these perspectives made it feel like more than just a personal narrative.
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a gem for any mom trying to juggle the chaos of kids, careers, and self-discovery. It’s perfect for working mothers looking for validation, inspiration, and practical advice, but I’d also recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the realities of modern parenting. The mix of humor, heartbreak, and hope makes it a compelling read that I’ll be coming back to whenever I need a reminder that I’m not alone in this wild ride.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0DPJR37F4
LITERARY TITAN 