Balancing Fatherhood and Career: Insights from an Account Director

Balancing work and family life isn’t always simple, especially for dads who care deeply about both. Juggling the demands of a busy job while staying present at home can be a real challenge, particularly in industries like advertising where the pace is fast and the expectations are high.

Supportive workplace cultures can make a significant difference, not just for moms, but for dads too.

We heard from Danyelle, our VP of Digital and Programmatic Media, who shared her experience as a working mom in the fast-paced world of advertising. Now, we’re continuing the conversation with a look at fatherhood in the industry.

Jess Poe, Account Director at Brandience, talks about his experience as a working dad in the ad world. With over a decade of experience in client service and strategic leadership, Jess shares how he manages the demands of agency life while being a present and involved father.

His story offers a fresh perspective on modern fatherhood and highlights the importance of flexibility, empathy, and support in the workplace.

A Dad's Story of Work-Life Balance in Advertising (Q&A)

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the ad industry and your current role?

Advertising is about storytelling, about understanding people, their needs, and how to connect with them in a way that resonates. That’s what drew me in. I started my journey at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, where I developed a passion for marketing and strategy.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that great marketing isn’t just about delivering a message, it’s about crafting a story that brings a brand to life while genuinely helping the client succeed.

At Brandience, we work with incredible brands, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building strong relationships with our clients. Marketing is more than just campaigns, it's about trust, partnership, and understanding what makes each client unique. That’s what keeps me excited about this industry every day.

Q: Tell us about your family.

My wife Chelsea is incredible. She keeps everything running, making sure our family life is as seamless as possible. She’s also in marketing, which means we speak the same language when it comes to creativity and strategy. It’s great having someone who understands the industry, and we often bounce ideas off each other, whether it’s for work or just for fun.

We’ve been married for almost 10 years (in October…any anniversary gift ideas? I know I’ll need help), and together we have three amazing kids: Lillian Conrad (LC, 7), Oakley (almost 5), and Ford (almost 3). They bring so much joy, laughter and chaos to our lives, and watching them grow is the greatest privilege.

Q: Has your career path evolved since becoming a dad?

Absolutely. Fatherhood has reshaped my perspective on work and life. I’ve always been driven, but now I see success differently. It’s not just about career milestones, but about being present for my kids. Whether it’s a basketball/soccer game or a dance recital, I want to be there. I want them to see that hard work matters, but family matters even more.

Q: What does work-life balance mean to you?

For me, work-life balance is about being fully present in both my professional and personal life. I’m fortunate enough to work remotely two days a week, which allows me to walk three blocks to pick up LC from school, and soon Oakley will be joining her for kindergarten. Those moments, though seemingly small, are the ones that shape childhood and strengthen family bonds.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a new dad?

The biggest challenge is making sure I’m giving enough attention to both work and family. Marketing is a fast-paced industry, and it requires a lot of creativity and problem-solving. Time management is crucial. Without it, it’s easy to let one side take over. I always remind myself that family comes first, but I also want to set a strong work ethic example for my kids.

Q: How do you manage your daily schedule to balance work and family responsibilities?

It’s all about prioritization and time management. I structure my day to ensure I’m productive at work while also carving out time for my family. Whether it’s picking up my kids from school, attending their events, or simply being present at home, I make sure those moments are non-negotiable.

Q: What kind of support do you think is essential for new dads?

Flexibility is key. Having the ability to work remotely or adjust schedules when needed makes a huge difference. Support also comes from family—Chelsea and I work as a team, and I’m grateful for her partnership in navigating work and parenting.

I also owe a lot to my parents. My mom was a teacher, and my dad was a police officer (an “All-American Family,” right?). They worked hard, but they never missed a game, a school event, or a moment that mattered. Their dedication showed me that success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about being present for the people who matter most.

Q: How has your workplace supported you in balancing your roles as a dad and a professional?

Brandience has been fantastic in fostering a culture that values both career growth and family life. The flexibility to work remotely, the understanding that family matters, and the supportive environment all contribute to making it easier to balance both roles.

Q: How can leaders in the industry better support their employees who are parents?

It’s one thing for a manager to say family is important, it’s another to show it. Too often, companies encourage employees to prioritize family, but when it comes time to do so, there’s an unspoken pressure to put work first.

True leadership means setting an example, supporting employees when they need flexibility, encouraging work-life balance, and demonstrating that family really does come first. When leaders back up their words with action, it creates a culture where employees feel valued both professionally and personally.

Brandience does a great job of showing, not just saying, that family matters. It’s not about checking a box, it’s about creating an environment where employees don’t have to choose between being successful at work and being present at home. That makes all the difference.

Q: What advice would you give to other new dads who are navigating their career or trying to balance work and home life?

Prioritize what truly matters. Work hard, set a strong example, but never lose sight of the moments that make life special. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a school pickup, or cheering from the sidelines. Those are the moments your kids will remember.

Follow Jess's Journey

Jess's journey and tips on balancing work and family life offer valuable lessons for all of us. Connect with Jess on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest insights and experiences.