Aligning Family and Work WITHOUT GUILT
If you don’t yet know who she is, Jacinda Ardern is one of the most influential leaders of our time. In the aftermath of the Christchurch attack, as Prime Minister, she led with empathy, love, and political grace. She called on other world leaders to show compassion to their Muslim communities and modelled exactly what that looks like in New Zealand.
She is a powerful, peaceful force to be reckoned with.
But what does any of this have to do with working parents?
In an interview with Waleed Aly, Jacinda is asked, “Have you had time to be with family?” At the time, her daughter was just nine months old. She replied:
“No, not much. Actually, at the moment my time with them probably wouldn’t be quality because I feel such a draw to be focused on doing what’s needed for those who have lost loved ones.”
That moment showed her clarity and congruency. Her nation needed her presence more than her family did... and she wasn’t afraid to say so.
And just a few months earlier? She made history by taking her baby to the UN General Assembly. When asked why, she answered, “Because she needs to be fed to stay alive.”
Amen to that.
Working parents live in this tension all the time.
Of course, not all things are equal — Jacinda has more support and flexibility than most parents. But she gives us a powerful example of what it looks like to align your work and family, even when the demands are high.
She doesn’t talk about work-life balance. She lives by the idea of work-life blend. There’s no perfect day or week. There are just moments where you keep your priorities in view... and moments where one priority temporarily takes the lead.
That’s not failing. That’s alignment.
If you're a working parent trying to do justice to both your career and your kids, here are three things you can take from her example:
PASSION: Do work that is meaningful to you
When you’re connected to your work, you feel energised by it — not just drained. That passion becomes fuel for your family, too. When your kids see you care deeply about what you do, they learn something powerful about purpose.
PRIORITIES: Know what matters most
There will be days when your work is front and centre, and days when your kids need your full attention. It’s not about perfect balance. It’s about knowing what matters and giving yourself permission to shift focus without guilt.
PRESENCE: Be all there
When you’re with your kids, be with them. When you’re at work, be there too. Multitasking might feel efficient, but presence builds trust. Whether you’re at the boardroom table or playing on the lounge room floor, your presence is what makes the difference.
When you align with your purpose and values — both at home and at work — you stop chasing perfection and start living with more intention.
And that, right there, is the kind of leadership your family and your workplace need most.
Where are you already showing up with passion, clear priorities, and presence — and what does that make possible for your family?
If you're craving more clarity in how to blend your work and family life without burning out, my From Stressed to Best Parent method is a great place to start. Take the first step toward a more intentional way of parenting and leading.
