Meet Leigh, Senior Building Manager and proud dad of two young boys. With over seven years at Goodman, Leigh leads a team overseeing 17 sites in Sydney’s Port Botany region. Outside of work, he’s a hands-on parent who recently took extended parental leave to support his growing family. Leigh shares how flexibility at work helped him be present for his family during a major life transition – and what he’s learned about juggling parenthood and his career along the way.
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and current role?
I began my journey at Goodman seven years ago, transitioning into Building Management after working as a tradesperson servicing large HVAC systems at AirMaster. Since joining Goodman, I’ve held roles including Building Manager and Project Manager. In my current position as Senior Building Manager, I lead a team responsible for managing 17 industrial assets in the Port Botany region of Sydney.
How did you approach planning your parental leave after the birth of your second child?
The secondary carer’s leave policy at work offered the flexibility our family needed. I combined three weeks of secondary carer’s leave with annual leave and government leave, which created a seven-week break. That gave me the opportunity to support my wife and help my firstborn adjust to life with a new sibling.
What made that time at home especially meaningful for you?
You never get that time back, and it was so important to help Oliver adjust to being a big brother. With a newborn who mostly slept and fed, I got to spend meaningful one-on-one time with Oliver, who had just turned three. We went to cafes, playgrounds, skateparks, and the zoo – those experiences really strengthened our bond. Being home also meant I could support my wife during her recovery from childbirth. She’s an incredible mother, and I’m really grateful we had that time together.
How did your eldest respond to you being home during that transition?
He seemed to view it as a special holiday. We even reduced his daycare days so we could make the most of our time together. It helped us create some really special memories.
What advice would you share with other parents navigating the shift from one to two kids?
With a second child, you tend to feel more prepared for the challenges, like sleepless nights and unexpected messes, which helps you stay calmer. My biggest piece of advice is to be intentional about giving your eldest child extra attention. I often speak aloud to our newborn, saying things like, “One second Noah, I just need to help Oliver with this first,” to help both children, but especially our eldest, feel seen and valued. I credit a lot of my approach to my wife, Carly. Her support has been invaluable.
How did Goodman support you during this time?
Goodman’s flexibility really made a difference. They listen to your situation and allow you to shape an arrangement that works for your family. It’s pretty bespoke. That made all the difference. We were even able to make adjustments later, not just when Noah was born. It’s part of a broader culture of flexible work that makes me feel like a person, not just an employee.
As a busy working parent, what strategies help you stay present and engaged with your children while managing work demands?
For me, it’s about setting clear boundaries. When I’m at work, I’m fully focused on work. But once I walk through the door at home, I’m Dad. Creating that separation helps me be fully present in both roles and give my best to each.
How do you handle unexpected challenges, like your children being sick, unable to go to childcare, or a last-minute work deadline?
Fortunately, my wife Carly recently joined Goodman too, and they offer excellent flexibility for working parents. Depending on whose schedule is more flexible on a given day, we coordinate who will care for the kids. We approach it as a team and support each other to make it work.
