In this episode, we interview Hussain Ali who is an engineer and finance leader. We first came across his profile in an article in The Age about managing a career and parenthood and I found his words refreshing. We think you will too as in this podcast he shares his reflections on transitioning out of the workforce onto parental leave and back into the workforce – a voice of a father that you don’t often hear. We hear first hand about the conversation with his partner before their son was born and how workplace systems supported their transitions, and how some health, child nurse and vaccinations services are still gender biased – for example, Hussain faced the question of whether his wife should be the primary contact on his son’s file. We delve practically into the decisioning and choices with taking parental leave, both the internal fears about the backlash to careers, the reality of the way the system works and how leadership behaviours play a part. Hussain shares a unique perspective on his journey of parental leave and transitioning back from a skills and personal development lens. This is a valuable insight to both individuals and employers. Listen out for his advice at the end, about making choices and playing the long game. Please enjoy the generous and reflective leadership of Hussain Ali.