Fatherhood in Focus: Priorities and Growth

Introducing Conor Bell, a dedicated husband, father to two young girls, and a sales professional who embodies balance and resilience in juggling family life and career aspirations. 

Conor graciously shares insights into his journey of integrating fatherhood with professional responsibilities, offering valuable tips on finding equilibrium in today’s fast-paced world.

Establish Non-Negotiables:

“This was a big one for me!  Working 8am to 4pm enables me to do drop offs and pick ups from daycare. Putting the phone down at 4pm (most of the time) means I’m focused on spending time with the kids. Like anything, it’s a habit you have to stick with because otherwise it’s time poorly spent with the kids”

Conor was open and honest with his employer, HubSpot, when positioning his request to change his working hours to outside their standard working day.  His Managers offer unwavering support, accommodating his parental responsibilities and valuing his work-life harmony.

Set Clear Expectations:

In a world where family are geographically distant (Queensland, UK & Ireland), Conor and his wife lean on each other as their primary pillars of support.  This provided a solid foundation for Conor to have proactive conversations with his Manager right from the start. 

“When I interviewed with my new manager, I was upfront about my requirements as a parent and family coming first. If he wasn’t going to be onboard, it wasn’t going to be a good fit. Thankfully, that didn’t need to be a concern. He is super supportive and a quick call to tell him I’ve got to stop working for child related reasons never gets a raised eye-brow from him.”

This upfront approach, met with unwavering support from understanding leaders like Camilo and his former Manager Kellie, underscores the importance of transparent communication in fostering a supportive work environment.

Take a Pause:

Children, with their unfiltered perspectives, often offer profound lessons - Take a step back and think before acting. 

“This sounds silly but one day when getting my eldest in from daycare, I couldn’t carry her to the car and her shoes plus her bag. I thought it was a genius idea to throw the shoes to the door (I did get them to the door). My daughter looked at me and said ‘why didn’t you just put them in the bag’. The eldest, aged 2 - was 100% right. It would have been far easier.”

Her innocent question prompted a shift in Conor’s problem-solving approach,  encouraging him to pause and reflect before acting impulsively.. This newfound awareness fosters more  thoughtful interactions and solutions, both at home and in the professional realm.

Acknowledge the Stressful Days! 

Conor is a strong advocate for open communication.  Open dialogue with his support network at work ensures that challenges are met with understanding rather than judgment.

“And it sounds silly, but get out for a walk!  If the kids are having an off day, get out for a walk with them. Work is getting too much, take a break and stretch your legs. It gives you time to assess and think forward rather than being stuck worrying.”

Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

Embracing a culture of positivity and reflection within his family dynamic, Conor and his wife prioritise focusing on the positives and nurturing a growth mindset.

“Too often people focus on the negatives but when you focus on the positives, you realise you’ve had a much better day.”

Patience is the big one! 

Patience reigns supreme in Conor's household.  

Reflecting on his journey, Conor marvels at the evolution of his patience, both as a parent and a professional. Confronting sleepless nights with equanimity has translated into heightened empathy and receptiveness, resulting in productive interactions in all facets of life.

“Learning to be patient before responding and understanding the other person’s views has led to more productive conversations. We also try to get the kids to be patient with themselves as they want to learn everything at once.”

Conor’s journey exemplifies the art of harmonizing career ambitions with familial responsibilities. Through unwavering dedication, transparent communication, and a steadfast commitment to personal growth, Conor offers valuable insights for all of us seeking to thrive in both spheres of life.

A strong player in Conor's journey is the unwavering support he receives from his employer, HubSpot, in navigating the intricate balance between work and family life. 

HubSpot's commitment to empowering parents is evident through a range of policies and arrangements designed to support their employees through every stage of parenthood. 

From comprehensive health insurance to six weeks of paid parental leave, HubSpot's commitment to supporting families is evident.

Moreover, their inclusive culture fosters a sense of community and support among working parents, offering platforms like parental Zoom classes and a dedicated parent Slack channel where invaluable advice and resources are shared. With initiatives like ‘Bring your kids to work’ days and organized parental sessions, HubSpot champions a workplace environment that not only acknowledges but celebrates the diverse needs of working parents, ensuring they feel empowered and valued every step of the way.

In Conor's words, “HubSpot's support is nothing short of amazing!” 

enabling him to navigate the complexities of parenthood with confidence and ease.