I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 15

15 Minutes of Fame

They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame during their lifetime. Mine came in 2005. I was managing a global marketing communications job, a four-year-old son, and a one-year-old daughter. Life was full, to say the least!

A Mom on a Mission

I clearly remember the day I had to return to work after having our son. It’s a tough thing for a mom, to drop her baby off with a caregiver and trek back to the office. Yep, I cried in my office. Not my proudest moment at work, but it was honest, I suppose.

I was struggling to balance a full work day with the demands that come with nursing a baby. That meant two trips each day to an unsecure conference room – or bathroom stall – dragging a bag with a nursing pump and cooler. It was tough. It became even tougher when a manager asked how I planned to cover the time for my two 10-minute “breaks” each day. Ouch. Really?!

Second Time’s a Charm!

When I was expecting our daughter four years later, I was determined to make a change. Armed with data and determination, I scheduled a meeting with the HR manager to discuss the benefits of a company lactation program. With his blessing, I pulled together a business case for investment and policy change. By the time my maternity leave rolled around, a corporate lactation support program was in place, complete with a supportive policy, private and comfortable rooms, hospital-grade equipment, and the support of a certified lactation consultant. Don’t believe this type of program is worth investment? Federal studies have proven that lactation support programs reduce employee turnover, reduce medical care costs, and increase employee engagement.

This is Who?

Happily settled into maternity leave with our daughter, I was surprised by a phone call one afternoon. Turns out a journalist from Working Mother magazine had heard my story and was interested in running a feature about my experience. The phone calls and interviews culminated in a photo shoot, four-page article, and a trip to New York City.

I walked into our small town Barnes and Nobel one afternoon and was asked, “Hey, didn’t I see you in Working Mother magazine”? Yep! That was me!

I’ve experienced a lot of cool things over the years, but Working Mother magazine makes the list of highlights. Not for the 15 minutes of fame, but for the validation that I was a successful working mother – effectively balancing my work and family.

Over the years, I’ve kept a copy of that magazine at every desk I’ve occupied. When the day is tough, I pull that article out to remind myself that no obstacle is too big. Great things can be accomplished when we stick to our core values - maybe even a little fame!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.