Family and Business: A Blueprint for Managing Both | Summer Craig on Women Leaders Association Podcast

Craig Group CEO Summer Craig was a guest on Julianne Kirkland’s Women Leaders Association podcast, talking about the hat trick of juggling the demands of business and parenting. 

For anyone walking this road, Craig’s message is simple: it’s demanding and it doesn’t necessarily get easier over time. However, there are strategies and skills to help manage both aspects effectively, and the resilience it fosters in parents and kids is invaluable. Here are some highlights:

An “A-Ha” That Changed Everything

Craig’s corporate journey took a pivotal turn while on vacation with her newborn. As she rocked her baby in Colorado, she experienced a panic attack—not from fear of failing but from a powerful realization: “I wanted to build something. I wanted to build value for my family.”

This epiphany led her to leave her job and start the Craig Group, a revenue growth advisor for middle-market, private-equity-backed portfolio companies. This pivot highlights the importance of seizing opportunities to align personal and professional aspirations, even when it means stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

The Importance of Grace and Gratitude

According to Craig, the key to balancing family and business lies in maintaining a mindset of gratitude. She believes that acknowledging and appreciating what you have—despite the constant push for more—creates a positive mindset that supports both personal and professional growth. 

“Acknowledging the support we receive and appreciating the journey can lighten the load of managing multiple responsibilities,” she said.

By focusing on gratitude, Summer finds joy in her achievements and everyday wins. This approach not only helps in coping with daily challenges but also leads to a more fulfilling work-life balance.

Realness in Work-Life Integration

Craig’s take on authenticity is the ethos she’s built into Craig Group’s corporate culture: “We are who we are and everyone brings their full selves to Craig Group every day.” 

This emphasis has allowed for greater transparency and acceptance in professional settings. Craig is a working parent as are many of her staff. Rather than detract from the service and results client’s see, being authentic actually fosters genuine connections and creates a supportive – and effective – work culture.

Embracing Imperfection and Celebrating the Wins

Sometimes you win at business and sometimes the parenting ‘fail’ can be an opportunity for growth. Craig shared a story about her work for a big client meeting, completely forgetting that her daughter had put her tooth out for the tooth fairy.

Craig got the client. Her daughter still had the tooth.

“Taking a moment to pause, I realized that my daughter’s kindness turned a missed tooth fairy moment into a meaningful conversation about fun, magic, and silliness,” she said.

Crafting Growth from Grit

While the struggle is real, balancing family and business is sometimes tough but worth the effort. Embracing gratitude, showing authenticity, and nurturing resilience can transform challenges into stepping stones. Craig’s approach proves that aligning personal values with professional goals leads to a fulfilling life that honors both family and career. 

For more powerful insights from trailblazing women, check out the Women Leaders Association podcast with Julianne Kirkland.

Craig Group is a revenue growth advisor for middle-market, private-equity-backed portfolio companies.