Episode Overview In this candid, funny, and deeply relatable panel episode, Emily brings together three partners, Phil Wong, Yasmin Sampson-Da Rocha, and Adam Napora, to talk honestly about what it actually feels like to become a working parent today. From shifting gender roles to the mental load, from school‑run logistics to parental leave, this conversation lifts the lid on the partner perspective we rarely hear. The group explores how expectations have changed across generations, what co‑parenting really looks like, and why culture and flexibility at work matter more than ever. As Emily says in the episode: “Real change means hearing from everyone involved… not just mums, but partners, employers, friends and more.” Phil is a Management consultant and a dad of two, navigating parenting pre‑ and post‑COVID.Yasmin Sampson‑Da Rocha a leadership consultant, non‑birth parent, mum to a four‑year‑old, passionate about flexible working and identity.Adam Napora Emily’s husband, dad of two boys, reflecting on how becoming a parent reshaped his priorities and leadership style...how could we have a partners episode without him? ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Stay at Work Mums Emily sets the scene for the series and today’s focus: hearing directly from partners about the realities of working parenthood. 01:32 — Meet the Panel Phil, Yasmin, and Adam introduce themselves 04:17 — How the Partner Role Has Changed The group reflects on generational shifts, from dads who never changed nappies to today’s expectation of hands‑on co‑parenting. 08:41 — Co‑Parenting, Communication & ‘Good Enough’ Parenting Yasmin shares how she and her wife learned to prioritise presence over perfection — and why logistics dominate modern relationships. 11:07 — Real-Time Communication & Invisible Assumptions Adam opens up about defaulting to old patterns and how subconscious expectations can create friction. 12:59 — The Non‑Birth Parent Experience Yasmin describes the sudden identity shift of becoming a parent overnight while returning to work quickly. 15:17 — Physical vs. Mental Load Emily and the group explore how pregnancy and birth shape the birth parent’s experience — and why partners often take longer to adjust. 17:43 — How Parenthood Rewrites Your Priorities The panel shares how becoming a parent changed their leadership styles, stress levels, and sense of what actually matters. 23:11 — Why the Workday Isn’t Built for Parents School pick‑ups at 3pm, clubs that don’t align with working hours, and the “military operation” of daily logistics. 23:55 — What Would Actually Make Working Parenthood Easier Flexibility, culture, parental leave, and leaders who parent out loud. Key Themes: Co‑parenting requires constant communication and a shared definition of “good enough.”The mental load is real, and partners can play a huge role in reducing it.Flexible working isn’t a perk; it’s essential for modern families.Culture matters more than policy, especially when senior leaders model boundaries.Parental leave for all parents transforms bonding, wellbeing, and equity. Have a story about navigating work and parenthood, as a mum, partner, employer, or friend? Emily would love to hear from you. Follow @stayatworkmums on Instagram and connect with Emily Napora on LinkedIn for updates, behind‑the‑scenes content, and future episode topics.
