New Leadership Book Lead Like a Father Challenges the Way We Think About Power, Performance, and Presence at Work

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Sydney, Australia — 1st February 2026

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At a time when burnout, disengagement, and trust deficits continue to challenge organizations globally, a new leadership book is cutting through the noise by asking a different question:

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What if the most sustainable leadership lessons didn’t come from the boardroom — but from fatherhood?

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Now available across major online platforms, Lead Like a Father by Australian executive leader and coach Mark Jeffery offers a grounded, human, and quietly radical reframe of modern leadership.

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Rather than promoting charisma, control, or constant urgency, Lead Like a Father draws on real-world leadership experience and the lived realities of fatherhood to explore what it actually takes to lead people well over time.

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In Lead Like a Father, “father” is used as a lens, not a statement on gender. It reflects a way of showing up — with presence, responsibility, protection, and care — rather than a biological or gendered role. The principles explored in the book apply to leaders of all genders and backgrounds, drawing on the universal human experience of responsibility for others.

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“This book isn’t about being a ‘nice’ leader,” says Jeffery.
“It’s about presence, judgement, accountability, and protecting the people you’re responsible for — especially under pressure.”

 

Beyond Frameworks and Quick Fixes

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Written for senior leaders, managers, and organizations navigating increasing complexity, Lead Like a Father responds to a growing frustration with surface-level leadership development.

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While many leaders are saturated with models, podcasts, and performance dashboards, Jeffery argues that what’s missing is depth — the ability to regulate under pressure, make clear decisions, and build trust that holds when things get hard.

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Drawing on decades of executive leadership across not-for-profit, community services, and commercial environments, the book explores themes such as:

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• Why presence matters more than authority

• How clarity reduces load and unlocks team performance

• The difference between control and protection

• Why people remember how leaders make them feel — especially on hard days

• How leadership habits formed at home often mirror those at work

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Leadership That Holds Under Pressure

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At its core, Lead Like a Father challenges the idea that leadership is a role, a title, or a personality trait.

Instead, it positions leadership as a daily practice — one shaped by small decisions, consistency, and the willingness to take responsibility before assigning blame.

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The book has already resonated strongly with leaders across corporate, government, and community sectors who are seeking a more sustainable way to lead without burning themselves or their teams out.

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Now Available

Lead Like a Father is now available in print through major online retailers.

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It is designed to be read slowly, reflected on, and returned to — not consumed and forgotten.

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“This book is for leaders who are tired of performing leadership,” Jeffery says.
“And ready to practice it in a way that actually lasts.”

 

About the Author

Mark Jeffery is a senior executive leader, coach, and author with extensive experience across complex organizations in Australia. His work focuses on clarity under pressure, leadership judgement, and building cultures that are human, accountable, and resilient.

 

Media Enquiries & Interviews

For interviews, podcast appearances, keynote discussions, or review copies:

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Mark Jeffery
Website: www.leadlikeafather.com

Email: info@leadlikeafather.com