The lines between “work” and “life” haven’t just blurred. They’ve vanished. In a 24/7 industry like ours, that reality hits parents the hardest. But as Mile Marker President & CEO Scott Shamberg recently shared in AdAge, that pressure creates a unique kind of ingenuity for media agencies.
In Ad Age’s latest feature, “Work-life balance for agency parents,” Scott joined 22 other executives to discuss how the chaos of raising children sharpens the skills we need to shape media agency culture, solve problems, and navigate the media landscape.
Here are the key takeaways from Scott’s contribution to the conversation.
In a media world defined by fragmentation, understanding how the next generation consumes content is critical. Scott admitted that his children serve as his “guinea pigs” for testing new apps and media habits.
“I’ve showed them startup apps and even got my son with a bunch of his friends to beta test some of the sports apps I’ve looked at. They are a very good beacon… I’ll just walk into the kitchen and be like, ‘All right, tell me, how are you communicating? Snapchat, Instagram, text, what is it?’”
This isn’t just parenting; it’s real-time market research that informs how agencies approach modern connectivity.
Creating a strong agency culture, much like a strong family dynamic, comes down to one thing: trust.
Scott notes that parenting has taught him to approach workplace errors with curiosity rather than judgment. “Talking to folks at work about conflict… starts with trust, just like it starts with trust with your kids,” Scott explains.
When an someone makes a mistake, inevitable in the fast-moving agency business, the conversation mirrors the one he has at home: “You made a mistake. What did you learn? Let’s not do it again”. This approach fosters an environment where honesty trumps fear, allowing the team to move faster and smarter.
While “work-life balance” may be a concept that “died on the vine” during the pandemic, the need for a support system is stronger than ever.
The article highlights that finding a “village” at work isn’t just for parents of toddlers crashing Zoom calls. As Scott points out, he is currently navigating the “empty nest” phase, a transition that requires its own form of support.
“There is a transition, especially at the executive level for ad execs, when their kids get older that is unique,” Scott notes. Whether you are raising infants or sending adults into the world, having colleagues who understand the journey is essential to long-term success.
Agency life is demanding, but the skills honed at home—patience, multitasking, and the ability to pivot instantly—are exactly what make for better leadership in the boardroom.
Read the full feature: See how 23 executives are mastering the art of parenting and leadership. Read the full article on Ad Age
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