About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In Episode 59 of the Mission Admissions podcast, host Jeremy Tiers sits down with Kelli Roberts to discuss her thoughts on work-life balance as a working mom and leader, emphasizing the importance of communication, asking for help, and managing your energy.
Key Takeaways
- Work-life balance is a myth. Instead, focus on work-life integration, where career and family coexist in a flexible way.
- Prioritize communication. Open dialogue with colleagues and family members is key to setting expectations and reducing stress.
- Be intentional with your time. Quality over quantity matters, whether with work or family.
- Learn to ask for help. Build a strong support network and recognize when you need assistance.
- Set clear boundaries at work. A 24-hour response rule helps keep communication flowing without constant stress.
- Manage energy, not just time. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally helps sustain productivity and avoid burnout.
- Parenting can shape leadership. Just as children have different needs, employees require individualized support and guidance.
- Self-care is essential. Whether it’s yoga, music, or reading, finding small ways to recharge makes a big difference.
Work-Life Integration: Why Balance is the Wrong Goal
Many professionals in higher ed talk about work-life balance, but Kelli Roberts argues that this creates a false idea of competition between career and personal life. Instead, she embraces work-life integration, where both aspects naturally coexist. Some days, work takes precedence; other days, family comes first. The key is to remain flexible and prioritize what matters most in the moment.
A crucial part of this integration is recognizing urgency versus importance. Kelli emphasizes that learning which tasks require immediate attention and which can wait is a skill that improves over time. Additionally, she applies a 24-hour response rule—ensuring that all emails and requests receive acknowledgment, even if a full answer isn’t ready yet. This approach reduces stress and helps manage expectations.
Communication is the Foundation of Success
Whether in leadership or at home, communication is everything. Kelli and Jeremy discuss how strong communication with a spouse or significant other is essential for navigating the demands of a higher ed career. When both partners are on the same page about schedules, responsibilities, and priorities, managing career and family becomes more sustainable.
This same principle applies to team leadership. Clear communication about responsibilities, expectations, and workflows minimizes confusion and ensures that work continues smoothly—even when someone is on leave. Kelli shares how she struggled with this early on but eventually learned that stepping back and trusting her team during parental leave was the best decision for everyone involved.
Setting Boundaries and Learning to Ask for Help
Kelli admits that one of her biggest lessons as a working parent was learning to ask for help. Early in her career, she resisted the idea, fearing it would make her seem incapable. However, she realized that no one expects her to do everything alone. Building a strong support system—including family, colleagues, and supervisors—made it possible for her to juggle responsibilities more effectively.
She also emphasizes that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about trusting your team. By setting clear expectations and empowering her staff, she has created an environment where work gets done even when she needs to step away for family obligations.
Energy Management: The Key to Avoiding Burnout
Rather than focusing solely on time management, Kelli subscribes to the idea of energy management, a concept championed by NACAC CEO Angel Perez. The idea is simple: productivity isn’t just about time—it’s about maintaining the right energy levels. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking mental breaks all contribute to sustained success.
For Kelli, self-care includes reading (especially anything with dragons!), hot yoga, and solo car rides blasting 90s pop music. She also prioritizes good nutrition and sleep for her kids, believing that a well-rested and well-fed family is a happier and more resilient one.
Parenting Lessons That Apply to Leadership
Leading a team is a lot like parenting—each individual has different needs, goals, and communication styles. Just as Kelli adapts her parenting approach for each of her four children, she customizes her leadership style for her staff. Some team members thrive with structured guidance, while others prefer more autonomy. Recognizing these differences is key to creating a supportive and productive work environment.
She also stresses the importance of recognizing what really matters to your employees. Even if someone isn’t a parent, they may have personal passions or commitments—whether it's a book club, a sports league, or continuing education. Valuing and respecting these aspects of their lives helps build a strong and motivated team.
How to Know When It’s Too Much
Despite her ability to manage multiple responsibilities, Kelli acknowledges that there have been moments when she’s felt overwhelmed. The tipping point for realizing she needed more help? Having her fourth child. She started forgetting things, missing deadlines, and struggling to keep up with her usual level of organization. That was the moment she recognized the need to step back, reassess, and lean on her support system.
Jeremy adds that knowing when you’ve taken on too much often comes down to energy levels. If you feel constantly exhausted, mentally foggy, or unable to focus, it’s a sign that something needs to change. The key is recognizing these signals early and making adjustments before burnout sets in.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Leaders Who Want a Family
For those in higher ed who aren’t parents yet but plan to be, Kelli offers this advice:
- Time is finite—energy is key. Learn to manage your personal energy, not just your schedule.
- Hone your communication skills. Whether with a team or a family, clear communication is essential for success.
- Prepare for gradual growth. Leadership and parenting aren’t all-or-nothing—they evolve over time.
- Find your tribe. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, family, and mentors who can help you navigate challenges.
- Accept that perfection isn’t possible. Flexibility and adaptability matter more than rigid structure.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
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