Keeping it Real

Blending work and family often feels like a balancing act—one that, as a young(ish) business leader, I’m constantly trying to navigate. It’s always been important to me to lead an organization that’s inclusive of parents and caregivers. The opportunities for growth and fulfillment far outweigh the challenges, in my opinion.

Recently, I decided to bring one of my kids along on a work trip to Austin, Texas. Fairness is everything to kids, so we drew names from a hat, and my middle child, Olan, was selected. Packing his bag alongside mine, we prepared not just for a typical business trip but for a shared experience—one that would let him see a side of my life he’s rarely had the chance to glimpse. I was a bit nervous. I often bring my kids to local work events, but traveling across the country with one of them was new territory. And, if I’m being honest, I felt guilty leaving the other two behind. They’ll each get their turn in the coming months, but that guilt still sat there like a heavy weight.

At the same time, I was excited to spend one-on-one time with my son—a boy who’s growing up all too quickly and who constantly keeps me on my toes. This trip would be a special chance for us to bond and connect.

In Austin, I spoke in front of hundreds of people on topics close to my heart: the unique health challenges facing frontier communities, the growing disparities they experience and the urgent need for AI advancements to serve these areas more effectively. As I took the stage, I could see Olan in the audience, watching intently, curious about what “work” looks like for me. Not to mention that people coming up to me after the speech made me look super cool, or sigma (?) as the kids say these days.

For both of us, this trip became more than just an experience. It was a chance to show him the passion that drives my work—a passion that sometimes takes me away from home, but is also a part of who I am. I wanted him to see that this passion and my role as a parent aren’t mutually exclusive. Parents can pursue careers that fulfill them and raise their families with dedication and love.

Throughout the trip, Olan got to see that while work may sometimes demand my time and focus, it’s possible to bring along the ones we love in unexpected ways. I hope that in that packed room, he saw something more—that blending work and family isn’t only about managing time; it’s about creating moments that bridge both worlds and leave lasting impressions on those who matter most.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com.