Working dad and Project Manager Ziad shares his journey through career growth, fatherhood, and a recent period of parental leave – after nearly seven years at Goodman. With two young daughters, a supportive partner, and his mum all under one lively roof, he reflects on the realities of modern parenting, the value of workplace flexibility, and the lessons learned from stepping into full-time caregiving. His story is a warm and honest look at what it means to juggle work, life, and caregiving, and why taking parental leave was one of the best decisions he’s made.
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and current role?
I’ve been with Goodman for almost seven years now, starting out as a Building Manager, then stepping into a Project Coordinator role, and now I’m a Project Manager in the Projects and Operations team. It’s been quite the journey, plenty of learning curves, a few grey hairs, and lots of coffee, but I’ve been lucky to grow within a team that genuinely supports development.
We’d love to hear about your family – who’s in your crew at home?
At home, I’ve got a very lively crew. My wonderful wife, Anika, keeps the household running like clockwork, and we’ve got two cheeky daughters: Eiliyah, who’s 4 and already thinks she’s in charge, and little Zoya, who’s 1 and not far behind in confidence! They definitely keep me on my toes – more than any project deadline ever could.
We’re also incredibly blessed to have my mum living with us. It means the world to me that my kids get to grow up with their grandmother around – learning the values of family, respect for elders, and the beautiful chaos that comes with a big household. It’s loud, it’s full-on, but it’s everything I ever hoped for.
We understand you’re just back from parental leave. How did your team or manager support you before, during, and after leave?
The support from Goodman was fantastic – from the moment I mentioned taking leave, right through to my return. There was genuine encouragement from my manager and team, which really made the whole process seamless. The introduction of the policy itself says a lot about the company’s culture – it’s one thing to say you support work-life balance, it’s another to genuinely enable it.
What was it like stepping away from work and into full-time caregiving?
Honestly? It was a mix of joy, chaos, and way more nappies than I ever imagined. The shift was real – my calendar swapped out meetings and site visits for snack negotiations, nap refusals, and the occasional meltdown (sometimes theirs, sometimes mine). But it was also incredibly grounding.
One thing I really appreciated was not carrying that constant sense of urgency, especially in the mornings. I loved being able to take my time. No rushing to get everyone ready, no juggling breakfast while replying to emails. Bringing my kids out of bed each morning, having those slow starts, and being fully present with them was something I’ll always treasure. It gave me a different kind of perspective and calm.
And yes, I finally understood why my wife always looked so tired, but in that wonderfully fulfilled kind of way.
What made you feel most supported by Goodman throughout the process?
Knowing I could step away and not worry about things falling apart – or worse, being forgotten – was huge. The open communication and check-ins (without pressure) made a big difference. There was a real sense of trust and respect, and that made it easier to focus on being a dad for a few weeks.
How has parenthood changed your perspective on life and your career?
It’s made me more present. I’ve learnt to prioritise what truly matters, be more empathetic, and probably more efficient too – because let’s be honest, if I can survive a toddler tantrum, I can survive back-to-back meetings. But above all, it’s taught me patience like I’ve never known before. The kind of patience you don’t pick up in any office training or project briefing. I’ve also realised how important flexibility and support are in the workplace – especially for working parents navigating the beautiful chaos of family life.
What do you enjoy most about being a working parent, and what are the biggest challenges?
What I enjoy most is that moment when I walk through the door and see my girls’ faces light up – the big smiles, the tight hugs, and the excited (sometimes very loud) “Baba!” It’s the perfect reset from work mode to dad mode. I cherish the little things too – bedtime stories, messy dinner chats, spontaneous park adventures, and being climbed on like a jungle gym. It’s in those moments that I feel most grounded and reminded of what truly matters.
The biggest challenge? Time. There’s never quite enough of it. And with that comes the guilt. The constant juggling act of trying to give 100% to both work and family can be tough. You question whether you’re doing enough on either side. But you adapt. Sometimes that means sending emails after bedtime, laptop in one hand, baby bottle in the other. It’s not always picture-perfect, but it’s real.
What advice would you give to other dads considering taking parental leave?
Do it. Don’t overthink it. It’s an eye-opener. You’ll gain a whole new respect for what mums do and you’ll build a bond with your kids that’s just priceless. Plus, being the favourite parent (for now) is a pretty nice bonus!
How do you and your partner share the load?
We run things like a well-oiled project team: shared goals, daily huddles (often at 6 am), and lots of delegation! But seriously, we approach everything together. Whether it’s the sleepless nights, daycare runs or making parenting decisions—we stay united. That teamwork has made everything that bit easier.
