The Working Parent Playbook: Gabrielle Gambrell’s Secrets
In a world where ambition often comes at the cost of personal and family time, I find that many high-achieving parents face the same daunting challenge: how to lead effectively at work while being present, intentional parents at home?
It is possible to thrive both at home and in the workforce. Through the ongoing boardroom juggling, client calls and classroom drop-offs, I have effectively developed a set of actionable, heart-centered strategies that empower working parents to lead with confidence, clarity, and care—at home and in the workplace.
1. Prioritize Family in Your Calendar
Make constant time for your children including planned play dates, movie dates, museum dates, special pizza dinner nights and more. Your children must be an active part of your schedule and day-to-day routine. This must be intentional and non-negotiable.
Treat parenting time with the same importance as work meetings.
Set clear boundaries for instance ending work at 7:00 PM to preserve evenings for meaningful family connection.
2. Lean on Your Village
Parenting and leadership are demanding roles, but they don’t have to be solitary ones. There’s so much power in creating a village and asking for help. Ask for help, you deserve it!
In terms of workforce development, during high-stakes decisions, I often consult my mentors and sponsors for their invaluable help in navigating my with clarity and confidence.
In terms of executive leadership, surrounding myself with a strong team is integral to my success. A great team allows me to be fully present when I’m with my children.
By actively leaning community—professionally and personally—it will help to sustain high performance while maintaining peace of mind. Success is never a solo act.
3. Be Fully Present—Quality Over Quantity
The quality of your presence matters more than the quantity.
Establishing meaningful routines and traditions like daily prayers and affirmations, birthday celebrations, and movie nights and planning strategic travel experiences to not only have fun, but moreover, teach children about different cultures can be impactful. These thoughtful, consistent rituals foster connection, confidence, and curiosity.
Thriving as both a leader and a parent is not about doing everything yourself. It’s about focusing on what truly matters and being intentional with your time and energy. Don’t know where to start? Feel free to start with these actionable steps:
Block family-centered time in your calendar as firmly as work meetings.
Build your support network, both at work and home, before stress peaks.
Listen, celebrate and support the evolving dreams of your children every day.
