Fish agrees . “ Delegating is a huge part of my new life ,” she says . “ I found a couple of girls who are helping me with orders and had to get a nanny for a couple of days a week . No , I cannot afford it , but I must .”
11 .
SHOW SELF- COMPASSION . “ It is easy for me to show compassion and empathy to others , but as a mother and leader , I often feel like I let someone down every day ,” shares Hibbard . “ I have to remind myself that I am enough , and surround myself with other leaders who share the same struggles .”
12 .
MAKE YOUR KIDS
LITTLE INTERNS . “ I involve my kids with my work and take them when I need to run errands so I can spend more quality time with them ,” says DeOrsey . “ Being a working mother helps my kids see the importance of working and how hard work pays off . They will learn and grow from good work ethic and also learn to be more independent at a younger age .”
13 . TAKE
CARE OF
YOURSELF . “ You can only help others if you yourself are in a good place mentally , physically and spiritually ,” Farrah reminds us . “ Selfcare is a must when trying to find balance between work and family .”
DADS JUGGLE TOO
Working dads have just as much responsibility to be present for their children as moms do and these spa dads are doing their best to balance work and home life with their families .
SHANE BIRD
Director of Spa Operations , Turning Stone Resort Children : Baylie ( 15 ), Ethan ( 13 ), and Abby ( 11 )
“ I am a better leader because of the attention I have paid on being an effective father and husband . My family has certain basic needs and those needs are often echoed by the staff and guests I see at work . I can have a conversation with my 13-yearold son one night about his desires and complaints and turn around the next day to have that same conversation with a staff member at work . It comes down to relationships , happiness , and meeting human needs .”
GARRETT MERSBERGER
Director , Kohler Waters Spas & Development , Kohler Co . Children : Haley ( 13 ), Carson ( 10 ), and Taylor ( 7 )
“ I think as a male , there is in an instinct that you must be the ‘ provider ,’ so that means you must work all the time . However , I think it is more important to stay present with your children . Take a digital detox when you walk in your home and turn off the phone . Balancing work and life is definitely the biggest daily struggle ; however , I find that when I balance the two , I am not only more productive at work , but I am also more present at home .”
JEREMY McCARTHY
Group Director of Spa & Wellness , Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Children : Dylan ( 6 ) and Max ( 5 )
“ We try to practice mindful presence with our kids . I find that if I spend some time being 100 percent engaged with my kids , giving them my full attention , they don ’ t mind if later I ’ m busy and I need some time to myself . I call this mindfulness exercise ‘ just be a parent ’ and I try to practice it every day .”
March / April 2017 ■ PULSE 51