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How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Emma Mclean
Working and having a family is hard. But what is really fatiguing is that it is only mothers that pay a penalty when they become parents. It is only mothers that pay an up to 60% salary penalty over the first five years of establishing their family. Only mothers that see their retirement savings penalised because of the caregiving requirements they are fulfilling. And only mothers that get sidelined in their careers because of the lack of quality part time roles. In this podcast we are going to get curious about the system that creates the motherhood penalty and curious about the solutions that are going to smash it. We will talk to some of the experts who are actively smashing it, find out their story and figure out what we can learn from them. Hosted by Emma Mclean, CEO & Founder of Works for Everyone, this is a punchy, practical, and peppered with laughter podcast that equips listeners with ideas they can take back to their homes and workplaces to help smash the motherhood penalty
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- 3 days ago29 min
I'm Back: What Remains Stuck in the Fight for Equity
I'm back, my friends. After six months away writing a book, I'm kicking off this new season of How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty with a solo episode, sharing what I've been up to, checking in on my word of the year and unpacking three big "what remains stuck" ideas.In this episode, I get into why dads are the missing piece of the equity puzzle, why New Zealand still doesn't have a dedicated voice advocating for working parents, and why the mental load remains stubbornly gendered, no matter how many boundaries, girls' weekends or to-do lists we throw at it. I share what I learned from a King's College London webinar on supporting working dads and why creating space, for dads at home and at work, might be one of the biggest unlocks we're missing.This is a punchy, honest catch-up episode: part personal reflection, part provocation, and a reminder that if we want real equity at work, we have to get serious about equity at home.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why "strong" became my word of the year, and how I've translated it into real behaviourWhat a Global Women Hui panel revealed about what remains stuck in gender equityWhy dads are, in my view, the answer, and why they need their own spaces to be realThe story behind Elliot Rae's insight: "when dads see the word parent, what they really see is mums"Why New Zealand still doesn't have a holistic voice advocating for working parents, and what that's costing familiesWhy the mental load remains stuck, and why being seen for the work matters more than another to-do listWhy curiosity, not agreement, is the first step to shifting conflict at homeConnect with EmmaThis 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.nzwww.worksforeveryone.co.nzhttps://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/
- Jan 26, 202620 min
Ep 5: Books and Podcasts That Emma Recommends | It’s Good to Talk Summer Edition
Happy Holidays and welcome to my Limited Edition Summer Series! This summer, I’m bringing you this limited-edition mini-series designed to help you reconnect with you. These episodes are all about reflection, self-leadership and setting yourself up for a year that feels intentional, not accidental.In the final episode of the Summer Series, I close the series with a personal book roundup, sharing six books that deeply influenced my thinking, mindset, and growth in 2025.Rather than a traditional book review, this episode is a reflective conversation about permission: permission to want more, to seek pleasure, to change, to let go, to lighten up, and to live a life that feels aligned.I explain why each book resonated with me, how it connects to themes explored throughout the Summer Series, and what each one offers for anyone navigating change, leadership, parenting, identity, or self-belief.From big thinkers like Glennon Doyle, Mel Robbins and Jacinda Ardern, to lighter reads that bring humour and perspective, this episode is an invitation to be intentional about what you consume. Because what you let in shapes how you think.It’s a thoughtful, generous closing episode that reminds us: you are allowed to put yourself at the centre of your universe and you don’t have to do it alone.Join the waitlist for Switch Up 2026!Email me at emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz with the subject line “Switch Up 2026!” to join the waitlist. Can’t wait to see you there!Resources:· "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle· "We Can Do Hard Things" book by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle.· "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins· "Femonomics. What data tells us about women's lives and how to get the most out of yours" by Corinne Low· "Disappointing Affirmations" by Dave Tarnowski· "The Next Day - Transitions, Change and Moving Forward" by Melinda French Gates· "A Different Kind of Power" by Jacinda Ardern· The Mel Robbins Podcast - The "Let Them" Theory Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Z2wR3WNIHlhJDELXNYcTi?si=1gFVS8GEQD2lFSsMHGluMw· We Can Do Hard Things Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0eFL5HJejQHZrdgAFdPnOm?si=36c8676145ca4868Connect with EmmaThis 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
- Jan 19, 202623 min
Ep 4: Cultivating a mindset that supports you | It’s Good to Talk Summer Edition
Happy Holidays and welcome to my Limited Edition Summer Series! This summer, I’m bringing you this limited-edition mini-series designed to help you reconnect with you. These episodes are all about reflection, self-leadership and setting yourself up for a year that feels intentional, not accidental.In this episode, I dive into mindset. Why it matters, how it shapes our behaviour, and how we can take back control of the thoughts that quietly run the show.Through personal stories from my corporate career and coaching practice, I illustrate how two people can experience the same situation in completely different ways, simply because of mindset. From assuming you’re about to be fired to believing you’re about to be promoted, I show how our internal narratives affect our confidence, energy, and outcomes.This episode is especially for anyone stuck in the guilt loop: feeling bad for being at work when you “should” be home, or feeling bad for being home when you “should” be at work. I offer three practical, doable mindset tools you can start using immediately. No vision boards or toxic positivity required.If you want to feel calmer, clearer, and more confident in how you show up at work and at home in 2026, this episode is for you.Join the waitlist for Switch Up 2026!Email me at emma@worksforeveryone.co.nz with the subject line “Switch Up 2026!” to join the waitlist. Can’t wait to see you there!In This Episode, You’ll Learn:· Why mindset is a critical capability for modern working parents· How your internal narrative shapes your confidence and behaviour· A powerful story about fear, imposter syndrome, and reframing· The invisible weight of guilt many parents carry at work· Why we attach our self-worth to things we cannot control· Three practical ways to cultivate a healthier, more intentional mindsetThe 3 Mindset Tools I Share:1. Swap “Sorry” for “Thank You” How changing your language can instantly shift guilt, energy, and confidence.2. Use Full Stop Silence Why over-explaining undermines your needs and how saying less makes you stronger.3. Believe the Good Stuff How to listen for positive feedback, use a brag book, and consciously surround yourself with people and content that lift you up.Connect with EmmaThis 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/
- Jan 12, 202620 min
Ep 3: Lessons from starting your own business | It’s Good to Talk Summer Edition
Happy Holidays and welcome to my Limited Edition Summer Series! This summer, I’m bringing you this limited-edition mini-series designed to help you reconnect with you. These episodes are all about reflection, self-leadership and setting yourself up for a year that feels intentional, not accidental.The third episode of the Summer Series brings together the themes of the series with a practical, honest conversation about starting something of your own. Particularly a business, side hustle, or new direction that’s been quietly sitting with you for a while.I share my own journey from a successful corporate marketing career to entrepreneurship, coaching and speaking and what I’ve learned over the past six to seven years about building a sustainable business, without the hype, hustle culture, or “overnight success” myths.This episode explores how to listen to your inner voice (your “whispers”), why jealousy can be a powerful clue to what you actually want, and the critical importance of solving problems that people are genuinely willing to pay for.I talk about why getting messy in the problem matters more than rushing to a solution, how to articulate your idea clearly, and why you don’t need a website, business cards or perfection to begin, you just need to start.It’s grounded, encouraging and full of lived experience, practical advice, and reassurance for anyone considering a new path in 2026.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:· Why your inner voice already knows what you want. You just need to hear it· How jealousy can be a message from your future self· The difference between a nice idea and a problem worth paying to solve· Why clarity matters more than complexity when explaining your business· The value of getting “messy” in the problem before locking in a solution· What I learned by niching into working parents and corporate clients· Why you don’t need a website, branding or business cards to begin· How telling a clear personal story helps people understand your value· Why consistency beats visibility and why social media likes don’t equal success· The importance of accountability, community, and not doing it aloneConnect with EmmaThis 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 andgrow 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/
- Jan 5, 202623 min
Ep 2: How to change your life | It’s Good to Talk Summer Edition
Happy Holidays and welcome to my Limited Edition Summer Series! This summer, I’m bringing you this limited-edition mini-series designed to help you reconnect with you. These episodes are all about reflection, self-leadership and setting yourself up for a year that feels intentional, not accidental.In this episode, I explore change. Why we crave it, why we resist it, and how meaningful change actually happens.Drawing on my own life transformation over the past five years, I share the pivotal moments that helped me radically reshape my career, health, relationships, and sense of self.From writing my own obituary (yes, really), to confronting the question “What do you want?”, to learning how to hear my inner voice again after years of putting everyone else first, this episode is a compassionate guide for anyone who knows something needs to shift but doesn’t yet know what or how.Rather than offering quick fixes or prescriptive answers, I invite you to slow down, remove distractions, try new things, and surround yourself with people who truly believe in you.It’s an episode about trusting yourself, getting curious, and remembering that real change comes from listening inward, not outsourcing your life decisions to someone else.If you’re standing at the edge of change, this conversation will meet you there.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:· Why change feels hard even when we know we need it· My personal story of intentional life change over five years· The powerful exercise of writing your own obituary (and why it works)· What your 95-year-old self can teach you about what matters now· The deceptively simple but life-changing question: “What do you want?”· How I realised I’d lost touch with my own inner voice· Why removing distractions is essential for clarity· How doing different things creates different thoughts· Why you can’t think your way into change. You have to act· The role of coaching, therapy, and support during major life transitions· Why believing people who believe in you can change everythingConnect with EmmaThis 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/
- Dec 29, 202529 min
EP 1: What Are You Proud Of? | It’s Good to Talk Summer Edition
Happy Holidays and welcome to my Limited Edition Summer Series! Over the next five weeks, I’ll be bringing you this limited-edition mini-series designed to help you reconnect with you. These episodes are all about reflection, self-leadership and setting yourself up for a year that feels intentional, not accidental.Across the series, I’ll share tools I’ve used for years as an executive coach and working parent, along with some of my own personal stories and lessons. Think of it as your summer reset: gentle, grounding, spacious, and totally centred around what you want from 2026.In this first episode of the Summer Series, I introduce you to The Gloria’s: a simple, energising, macro-level planning ritual I’ve used for the past five years to close out the old year and get intentional about the new one.Part reflection exercise, part dance party, part coaching session, The Gloria’s is all about stepping back from the day-to-day noise and asking yourself the big questions:· What am I proud of from this year?· What did I learn about myself?· What do I want to be proud of next year?· And what’s my Word of the Year to guide me?I walk you through the process step by step, sharing how I use music, movement, post-it notes, colour, and conversation to help this yearly ritual come alive and why doing it with a partner or friend can make it even more powerful.You’ll finish this episode feeling clearer, lighter, and ready to create a one-page plan for 2026 that keeps you grounded and focused on what truly matters.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What “The Gloria’s” is and how it became my annual reset ritualWhy reflecting on pride, lessons and intentions mattersHow to create your own one-page plan for 2026The power of movement and music in sparking clearer thinkingWhy your “Word of the Year” works as an anchor for decision-makingHow to turn insights into systems… not just goalsWhy doing this exercise with a partner deepens clarity and accountabilityListen to Gloria by Laura Branigan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNEb2k_EmMg Connect with EmmaThis 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.nzhttps://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/
- Dec 3, 202538 min
It’s Good to Talk: Redefining Fatherhood and Success with Art Green
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 EmmaThis 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/
- Nov 27, 202547 min
Georgie Dent: What Happens When We Support Parents Properly?
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 CEO 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 communitiesConnect with GeorgieThe Parenthood: https://www.theparenthood.org.au/Connect with EmmaThis 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/
About How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty
Working and having a family is hard. But what is really fatiguing is that it is only mothers that pay a penalty when they become parents. It is only mothers that pay an up to 60% salary penalty over the first five years of establishing their family. Only mothers that see their retirement savings penalised because of the caregiving requirements they are fulfilling. And only mothers that get sidelined in their careers because of the lack of quality part time roles. In this podcast we are going to get curious about the system that creates the motherhood penalty and curious about the solutions that are going to smash it. We will talk to some of the experts who are actively smashing it, find out their story and figure out what we can learn from them. Hosted by Emma Mclean, CEO & Founder of Works for Everyone, this is a punchy, practical, and peppered with laughter podcast that equips listeners with ideas they can take back to their homes and workplaces to help smash the motherhood penalty
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