NextGen Work Culture: HR, Management, Inclusive Parent-Friendly Work Environment, Employee Recruitment and Retention, Talent Kortney Ross

In the first season of Playgrounds and Paychecks, we'll pull back the curtain on the struggles of working parents balancing childcare among all their other responsibilities. This intro episode shares a slice of my own childcare journey as a former teacher who now works from home. With my guests this season, we'll break down the complexities of balancing school drop-offs and pickups, managing work from home with kids, and finding care for a child with special needs. Plus, we'll tackle unique situations such as working non-traditional hours and belonging to the 'sandwich generation' – being caregivers to both their children and aging parents. To offer insights and solutions, we have some exciting guests lined up, including the innovative founder of a daycare, co-working space, and gym in one. With an array of real stories, struggles, and solutions, we'll explore the different aspects of the childcare conundrum faced by many of us today. 
This season is dedicated to my great aunt, Mrs. Betty, a woman who played a hand in raising many children in her years and was the perfect example of what every parent wants in a childcare provider.
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RossLearningSolutions.com
LinkedIn: @kortneyross
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How does your family tackle the chaos that is the beginning of the school year? Join me as I chat with Eli, a dad of three, about how he and his wife deal with the whirlwind of pickups, locations, and people they juggle to get the kids to school and daycare, all while managing their professional lives as a marketer and teacher.
We talk about how to navigate the intricacies of balancing work, parenting, and self-care. A supportive boss who understands the unique needs of a parent and a flexible workplace play a large role in being able to manage drop-offs, pick-ups, and even sick kids.

We explore the significance of communication and trust between partners, elements that are particularly crucial when both are stretched to their limits. We also reflect on the struggle of parenting while preserving our individuality. We discuss the importance of self-reflection, maintaining a sense of self, and the necessity of taking time for personal care. 

Eli talks about the course for parents that he and his wife co-wrote. Learn more about 'Team Parenting: The Toddler Years' at www.goodbonesunited.com

Eli Johnson is a husband, a dad of three kids under seven, and a teacher-turned-marketer in the Midwest. He also freelance writes through Good Bones United, LLC. When he's not working or doing the dishes again, he's probably (re)watching Survivor, listening to an audiobook, or trying out a new recipe for dinner. You can find him on LinkedIn and on Good Bones United.
Connect with us at:
RossLearningSolutions.com
LinkedIn: @kortneyross
Instagram: @nextgenworkculture
Facebook: @nextgenworkculture

Balancing your careers and caring for a toddler can be difficult enough, but it can be even harder when your spouse is a shift worker with unconventional hours. In this episode, Kortney chats with Katie Roark about how she and her husband navigate childcare amidst traveling for work and 12-hour shifts. Katie shares candid insights into how she and her husband have found a rhythm that works for them.
We also chat about the often frustrating world of daycare, and how the costs seem to pile up even when her toddler isn't attending.  Amidst the challenges, Katie and her family find joy, and her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of working parents everywhere. Tune in, and you might just find a strategy or two that could make your life a little easier.
Connect with us at:
RossLearningSolutions.com
LinkedIn: @kortneyross
Instagram: @nextgenworkculture
Facebook: @nextgenworkculture

Can you imagine a world where working and parenting harmoniously coexist? A community that supports parents' needs and provides stress-free childcare? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Britt Riley, the visionary founder of Haven Clubs, who brings this ideal to life. Britt shares her journey to creating an ecosystem that unites childcare, workspace, and fitness, emphasizing the need for more flexible childcare options and caring for the whole family. She gives us insight into how the power of community can fundamentally change the parenting experience, especially in the first five years.
Navigating the crossroads of work and parenting is no easy feat, and Britt's innovative solution is truly a breath of fresh air. In our chat, we dive into the topic of the childcare cliff and the urgent need to expand access to these essential services. We ponder on the financial burden of childcare and how both public and private sectors have a role to play in alleviating this stress. Britt also underscores the critical role of early childhood educators and the importance of better pay to acknowledge their immense contribution. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges the childcare industry standards and reimagines parenting in the 21st century.

Britt is a visionary entrepreneur and a leader in childcare innovation and work-life integration. With over 6.5 years of experience as the CEO and founder of The Haven Collection, the team has created a network of clubs that offer fully licensed daycare, coworking, and fitness to all member families. Her mission is to provide a foundation for parents to balance their personal and professional lives during their children's first five years, without compromising their productivity or career progression.

Learn more about The Haven Collection at yourhavenlife.com
Find out more about franchising at havenfranchising.com

Learn more about Moms First, the organization Britt mentions as advocates for childcare at momsfirst.us

Connect with us at:
RossLearningSolutions.com
LinkedIn: @kortneyross
Instagram: @nextgenworkculture
Facebook: @nextgenworkculture

In this episode, Kortney has a conversation with Amanda Hall, a former teacher and current product designer. Amanda and Kortney both offer insights into their transition out of the classroom and how their own children's needs drove their shift in careers.
Amanda also provides a peek into her journey of navigating childcare for her son with an intellectual disability, particularly during the summer break. Amanda highlights the incredible difference a shift to remote work made in her life and how it has empowered her to manage her son's needs more effectively.

Amanda accredits her supportive boss and flexible work hours as crucial in allowing her to accommodate her son's school pickups and days off. The conversation sheds light on the importance of understanding employers and how a good boss can contribute to a healthier work-life balance for parents.

Amanda Hall is a product marketing and design lead at an EdTech startup, with a background in teaching. Outside of work, she loves to travel, cook, bake, and spend time outdoors. 

Amanda leads a Facebook group with resources for transitioning teachers. Find it at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/transitioningteacher
You can also connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manda-hall/

Do you work remotely? Check out Episode 3 where I have a conversation with Britt Riley, founder of Haven. At Haven, childcare, remote work, and fitness are all under one roof! 
https://playgroundsandpaychecks.buzzsprout.com/2246967/13754628-reimagining-childcare-a-conversation-with-the-haven-collection-s-founder-britt-riley
Connect with us at:
RossLearningSolutions.com
LinkedIn: @kortneyross
Instagram: @nextgenworkculture
Facebook: @nextgenworkculture

Ever faced challenges with finding accessible childcare in your community? Today's guest, Loryn Duke struggled to find childcare in a rural Colorado town and decided to take matters into her own hands. She and her colleagues persuaded their employer, Steamboat Ski Resorts, to open an employer-sponsored childcare center that has solved childcare struggles for their employees and alleviated some of the childcare problems in the community.
We journey through Loryn's challenging yet rewarding endeavor of convincing her employer to provide this benefit for their employees. Loryn highlights how employer-based childcare centers can be a game-changer, particularly in rural areas where childcare options are scarce. We dive into the unique challenges and rewards of operating an employee-sponsored childcare center and discuss how they can boost employee recruitment and retention.

We also touch upon the broader implications of employer-sponsored childcare and the significance of investing in early childhood education to create a foundation for our future generation. Loryn and I invite you to join the conversation and share your experiences and thoughts about childcare accessibility and employer-sponsored childcare.

About Loryn:
Loryn Duke a 23-year veteran of the Ski and Public Relations/Communications industry joined the resort in 2008. She is responsible for the strategic communications direction of the resort, the Steamboat Grand Hotel and resort development. She has served as the President of the Ski Town U.S.A. Morning Rotary Club, and on the board of the Steamboat Springs Chamber, Partners in Routt County, Steamboat Reading and other local nonprofit organizations.
Loryn is passionate about advocating for working parents and was a member of the team that initiated the Steamboat Child Care Center which opened in December 2021. Loryn continues her advocacy as a Network member of EPIC (Executives Partnering to Invest in Children) and a member of Moms F1RST. Loryn and her husband are proud to call Steamboat Springs home and instill their 2.5 year old daughter with a love of the outdoors.

Connect with Loryn and Steamboat Ski Resort:
Instagram: @SteamboatResort  and #SteamboatResort
Facebook: @SteamboatResort and #SteamboatResort
LinkedIn: lorynduke
Website: www.steamboat.com or specifically www.steamboat.com/childcare

Connect with us at:
RossLearningSolutions.com
LinkedIn: @kortneyross
Instagram: @nextgenworkculture
Facebook: @nextgenworkculture