How Identity Has Influenced an Associate Director of Professional Learning at Rocketship Public Schools' Career
Lauren, Associate Director of Professional Learning, openly integrates her parental identity into her mission-driven career, demonstrating that "it's okay to have an identity outside of your profession," and leveraging the valuable time management skills gained from parenting to excel at work. This approach not only normalizes work-life integration for others but also showcases the transferable skills developed through parenthood.
Leadership, Work-Life Integration, Social Justice, Mission-Driven Organizations, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Keough
Associate Director of Professional Learning
Rocketship Public Schools
UCLA - 2008
Lehman College - CUNY (2010) - Masters of Arts in Social Studies Education & Stanford University (2019) - Masters in Policy, Organization & Leadership Studies
History, Art History
Education
Education
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Being a parent has impacted Lauren's career positively by allowing her to model work-life integration and show that it's possible to excel professionally while also being a visible parent.
2. Lauren emphasizes the importance of not keeping parenthood a secret in the workplace, especially for those in senior positions, to set a positive example for others.
3. Lauren highlights that parenting skills such as time management and prioritization are valuable and transferable assets in the professional world, urging parents to leverage these skills in their careers.
Transcript
As someone who is a parent, has that impacted how you navigate your career?
I've realized that when I work in a social justice, mission-driven industry, especially as a senior member of my organization, I can't parent in secret. This is something many people with children do. For example, my husband is an attorney, and a child running in and out of the room during his meetings could be a real issue.
I need to set the example that I can do my work and publicly be a parent at the same time. I make sure everyone sees that I'm getting my work done. I have a visible calendar that shows all my work-related activities throughout the day.
But I also do daycare pickup, and I put that on my calendar. It's not just a busy hold or a secret thing I do. I think as many people in an organization as possible should do this, especially if you're more senior.
It's about setting the example that it's okay to have an identity outside of your profession and that you can be really good at your work. As a parent, don't count yourself out, even if it feels like you're always playing catch-up, especially in the beginning.
You are incredibly proficient at managing your time as a parent. If I have an hour to get things done, it's amazing how much I can accomplish because I understand the value of that hour during nap time or other quiet moments. So, take the experience and skills you've learned as a parent and bring them into your work. Do it out loud and publicly. I really believe you can be successful there.