Sarah Smelt is a mortgage broker, business owner, and mum of two but her story isn’t what you’d expect. After launching Finance Society and watching it take off, Sarah and her husband Mitch made a big decision: he’d become a full-time stay-at-home dad so she could fully step into her role as the breadwinner.
Since then, they’ve built a home life and a business that actually works for them even if it doesn’t follow the usual playbook. In this chat, Sarah talks about flipping traditional roles, leading with clarity, and building a business on her own terms without sacrificing what matters most.
Let’s start with the big shift – how did you and Mitch come to the decision for him to stay home full-time while you focused on growing Finance Society?
Honestly, it all started with some really open conversations about what life would look like after our second child, Albie, was born. By that stage, Finance Society was at a real tipping point and I knew it needed more of me. Mitch had already scaled back to part-time work when our eldest, Bowie, turned two, and he found he really enjoyed being more present at home.
When we stepped back and looked at our strengths, values, and long-term goals, it just made sense to flip the script. The traditional model we’d both grown up with – dad working long hours, mum at home – wasn’t serving us. This arrangement gave me the space to focus on growing the business without guilt and gave Mitch the chance to thrive in a role he genuinely wanted. It wasn’t about doing what was expected, it was about choosing what actually worked best for our family.
What were some of the biggest adjustments or surprises that came with flipping that traditional model?
The hardest adjustment was letting go of those ingrained ideas about “mum does this, dad does that.” It was confronting at times, not just for us but because of the outside opinions and expectations that came with doing things differently.
The biggest surprise was how much Mitch thrived as a full-time parent. Watching him step into that role so naturally gave me the freedom to focus on growing the business without guilt. What we didn’t expect was the ripple effect it had on his circle of friends – many of them hadn’t even considered full-time or part-time parenting as an option until they saw Mitch do it. A few have since chosen to reduce their hours so they can be more present at home with their own kids.
You’ve grown Finance Society from a solo venture to a team of five. What’s been the biggest learning curve as a leader?
At the start I was doing everything myself, so the shift to leading a team was huge. I had to learn how to let go, communicate my vision clearly, and actually trust people to run with it. The biggest lesson? People do their best work when they feel real ownership and can see how their role contributes to the bigger picture. Empowering my team has been a game-changer.
Mortgage broking can be an intimidating space. What sets your approach apart, and how do you build trust with clients early on?
The industry can feel really heavy on jargon and pressure, and I’ve always wanted to be the opposite of that. My focus is on clarity, transparency, and always doing what’s in my clients’ best interests. I use socials to share bite-sized, easy-to-understand tips, and in conversations I explain things in plain language. I never see myself as a salesperson – I’m there as a guide. Building trust is about making clients feel seen and supported right from the start.
How do you make space for both business and family on a weekly basis? Any routines or boundaries that help?
Weekly planning is key. During work hours, I’m all in on the business, but when the laptop shuts, I make sure I’m really present at home. Family dinners, weekends, bedtime routines – they’re my non-negotiables. Mitch being at home has given me the headspace to focus at work, but it’s also taught me to be intentional about switching off. Those boundaries make a big difference in actually enjoying both sides of my life.
What advice would you share with other women who are trying to figure out how to do business and family on their own terms?
Don’t be afraid to design your life differently. There’s no “right way” to balance business and family – only the way that works for you. Get clear on your values, talk openly with your partner or support system, and give yourself permission to step outside traditional expectations. Some people won’t like your setup, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself, play the long game, and remember that authenticity matters far more than perfection.
