By James Brady Washburn
Balancing life in the C-suite while raising a family is a challenge few people truly understand. As a CEO and a father of four, I’ve experienced the intense pressures of running a business while also trying to be present for my children. Over the years, I’ve learned that work-life balance isn’t about perfect equality between professional and personal life—it’s about intentional choices, prioritizing what matters most, and creating systems that allow both sides of your life to thrive.
Understanding the Myth of Perfect Balance
When I first climbed the corporate ladder, I believed I could “have it all” at the same time. I thought that with enough effort, I could give 100% at work and still never miss a school event, a family dinner, or a weekend outing. But the truth is, work-life balance is not about perfection. It’s about making thoughtful trade-offs and understanding that some days, work will dominate, and other days, family will. Accepting this reality is the first step to creating a sustainable and fulfilling life.
Prioritization: The CEO Skill That Works at Home
One of the most important lessons I’ve carried from the boardroom to the family room is the power of prioritization. In business, a CEO must constantly assess what tasks, meetings, or projects deserve immediate attention and which can wait. That same skill applies at home.
With four kids, every day presents competing demands. There are homework deadlines, soccer practices, family obligations, and everyday parenting challenges. By treating family commitments with the same urgency and planning as business priorities, I can ensure that I’m truly present when it matters most. Prioritization helps me avoid the trap of being “physically present but mentally absent.”
Setting Boundaries: Protecting Time and Energy
Another crucial lesson comes from setting boundaries. In business, I’ve learned that leaders who don’t set limits often burn out and lose effectiveness. The same applies at home. Early in my career, I struggled to “switch off” from work, checking emails late at night or thinking about strategic decisions during family time. Over time, I realized that to be an effective leader and a present parent, I needed clear boundaries.
I established rules: no work emails after dinner, dedicated family weekends, and nightly check-ins with my kids. These boundaries create space to recharge, strengthen relationships, and prevent work from bleeding into every moment of life. They also model for my children the importance of balancing commitments and self-care.
The Importance of Flexibility
Flexibility is another key lesson. Life is unpredictable, whether it’s a last-minute meeting or a child’s illness. Early in my career, rigidity led to frustration—both at work and at home. Learning to adapt and embrace flexibility has been transformative.
At the office, flexibility means delegating responsibilities, trusting my team, and adjusting timelines when needed. At home, it means recognizing that a missed baseball game can be rescheduled and that sometimes my children’s needs must take priority over a work task. Flexibility allows me to maintain perspective and reduce unnecessary stress, which benefits everyone in my life.
Leveraging Teamwork in Family and Business
One lesson from football and business that applies equally to parenting is the power of teamwork. Leading a company and raising a family are both collaborative efforts. Just as I rely on my executive team to achieve business goals, I rely on my spouse, extended family, and sometimes friends to create a supportive environment for my children.
Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strategy for sustainability. By leaning on others and fostering strong partnerships both at work and at home, I can maximize impact and presence in every area of my life.
Embracing Quality Over Quantity
As a CEO and father, I’ve learned that it’s not the amount of time you spend that matters most—it’s the quality of that time. I may not always have long hours with my children, but the moments I do spend with them are meaningful, intentional, and undistracted. Whether it’s helping with homework, sharing a meal, or attending a sporting event, I focus on being fully present.
At work, the same principle applies. By concentrating my energy on the tasks and decisions that truly drive impact, I can be more effective without extending my workday unnecessarily. Quality, not quantity, defines success in both spheres.
Leading by Example
Finally, balancing the C-suite and fatherhood isn’t just about personal survival—it’s about setting an example. My children observe how I manage responsibilities, respond to stress, and prioritize values. Showing them that work is important but not at the expense of family, health, or integrity teaches them lessons that no classroom ever could. Leadership at home and at work is about embodying the principles you hope others will adopt.
Closing Thoughts
Work-life balance in the C-suite is not a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a dynamic, ongoing process that requires self-awareness, prioritization, boundary-setting, flexibility, and teamwork. For me, it also involves embracing imperfection while striving to be fully present in both my professional and personal life.
Being a CEO and a father of four is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The lessons I’ve learned from both roles feed into each other, strengthening my leadership and deepening my connection with my family. Ultimately, balance isn’t about splitting time evenly—it’s about showing up fully, making intentional choices, and living a life aligned with what matters most.