Welcome to THE BALANCE PROJECT: a series of relevant and refreshingly candid interviews featuring inspiring and accomplished women talking about balance. I’ve always been curious about how women I admire manage the tragically glorified “doing it all” craze. So I asked them. As I suspected, no one really does “it all.” Everyone’s making sacrifices somewhere. And that should make us all feel a little better. I hope the conversation will be steered toward that reality rather than toward the flawed and dangerous assumption that we should try—or even want to try—to perfectly do “it all.”
By the way, looking for THE BALANCE PROJECT novel that was inspired by these interviews? It’s here.
No. 124: Kelley Spoljaric, Co-Founder and CMO of ComfortCam
Age: 36
Where I live: New York City
Job: Co-Founder and CMO of ComfortCam, a safe and secure WiFi-enabled baby monitor that allows you to see your child from anywhere in the world
Kids: A son, Chase (3) and a daughter, Madison (16 months)
Have you changed jobs or adjusted anything in your career to have more balance?
Starting ComfortCam with my husband while raising two young children, plus all the other commitments I have (being a wife, daughter, sister, and friend) has forced me to find a better work-life balance. I quickly learned to delegate certain responsibilities in an effort to make my life less stressful. One of the first things I did was to ask our incredible nanny to prepare the kids’ meals in bulk and freeze them for us. As a full-time working mom, I want to maximize the time I have with my kids during the weekdays, so dinner is already prepared when I get home from work. Even on the weekends, I can just heat up a pre-made home-cooked meal for my kids rather than spend the time trying to follow a recipe out of a cookbook that never turns out the way I would have liked.
Do you think having “it all” is realistic or overrated and why?
I wish it was realistic. To be honest, this is an inner struggle that I routinely face myself. However, the older I get, the more I realize that it is impossible to have it all. What is realistic is being able to find a balance in life that gives you a sense of inner peace and happiness. That is what I strive to find on a daily basis.
What part of “balance” can you just not seem to figure out?
Finding time for me. I know how important it is to allow myself a little “me” time. It makes me a better and happier person, mom, wife, and boss. However, I just can’t seem to place my personal needs above my kids and work. Everything else seems way more important right now, but I’ve lost a little bit of me. Since we don’t have family that lives nearby, my husband is doing his best to give me a break here and there.
What part of “balance” are you getting better at?
Getting organized and putting EVERYTHING in a shared calendar with my husband. He can no longer say “I never told him about something” and vice versa.
Do you have a favorite time management tool, hack, or other strategy you use that helps you achieve balance that you would recommend to others?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “There is not enough time in the day to do everything I need to accomplish.” But, thanks to my husband, I’ve discovered the importance of mapping out my day as thoroughly as possible on a Google calendar and segmenting the different tasks I need to complete into set periods of time. I used to proudly boast that I was the queen of multitasking (which I still am), but this sort of behavior can breed stress and anxiety. Now, I break down my day into sections and even insert breaks and lunchtime. I may not always stick to the day’s calendar, but this time management tool has drastically reduced the anxious feeling I used to get. It also forces me to prioritize certain tasks and stay focused.
What was the best advice you ever heard on balance?
From a mentor/co-worker? “Family comes first.”
From your mother? “When you are experiencing challenges in your life, remember it is just temporary. It won’t always be like this.”
From your spouse/partner? “Focus on what you have rather than what you want. Be grateful.”
From your kids? “Mommy, it’s just 5 more minutes.” This is a daily comment my 3-year-old son makes in an effort to have me stay and have breakfast with him instead of running out the door for work.
If you had one extra hour in each day and you couldn’t work or be with your family, how would you spend that hour?
Sleeping!
What do you wish you’d known when you were 20?
That working for someone else isn’t going to bring me closer to fulfilling my dreams.
What do you hope to know by time you’re 60?
That other people’s opinions of me don’t matter that much.
What part of your home life do you wish you could outsource?
Cleaning up the kitchen.
Whose job do you wish you had?
Jessica Alba (the entrepreneur) appears to have the whole work-life balance figured out. She’s done an incredible job building The Honest Company with her co-founders, has created a truly special work environment and culture that inspires its employees and is passionate about the products her company produces and the causes she supports. All the while, she is actively raising two young children. She also handles criticism and negative backlash like a champ. I am a fan!
Whose job are you glad you don’t have?
A pediatric oncologist for obvious reasons. With that said, I have such incredible respect for those who choose this profession. They wake up every day and try and save lives.
Favorite books?
Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. I cry every time I read this book to my son. And Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
What are you reading right now?
I’m embarrassed to say nothing. I just can’t find the time to read a book right now. Audibles are my go-to as I head to and from the office. I just finished listening to Shawn Anchor’s The Happiness Advantage.
Biggest vices…
Food? Dessert. I have the BIGGEST sweet tooth.
Website? Daily Mail.
How many hours do you generally sleep at night during the week?
6 hours, but I am trying to get more.
What do you read every morning?
My email.
Complete the following sentences:
I think I: will have just one more bite (as it relates to dessert).
I wish I: could speak another language fluently.
My kids: are amazing!
Do you have a personal motto or favorite saying?
Ask, believe, and receive.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I think there is a real importance in women helping and supporting other women. There are a handful of powerful women in business like Susan Lyne who are really doing their part to support working women, but there are also unknown women in their local communities helping other females. I think we can all do more. Susie Schnall is certainly doing her part! Thank you very much for including me in The Balance Project.
About Kelley:
Kelley Spoljaric is Co-Founder and CMO of ComfortCam, a company that makes and sells a WiFi-enabled camera and app that safely and securely allow you to see your child from anywhere in the world with your smartphone and tablet. She co-founded the company in 2013 with her husband, Ray Spoljaric, shortly after having her first child when she couldn’t find a baby monitor with all the features she needed to stay connected to her son while she was at work. Kelley is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of the company’s marketing and advertising initiatives, new product development, and customer service.
Kelley has over 13 years of marketing and PR experience with expertise in luxury goods working for such prestigious brands as Patek Philippe and David Yurman.
Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. She lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her husband and two young children.
Find out more about Kelley:
www.comfortcam.com
Facebook: ComfortCam
Twitter: @comfortcamllc
Instagram: comfortcamllc
Pinterest: comfortcam
WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT WORK-LIFE BALANCE? CHECK OUT MY NOVEL THE BALANCE PROJECT!
Related Posts
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 1: Jessica Mindich, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 2: Veronica Beard, Fashion Designer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 3: Emily Liebert, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 4: Lyss Stern, Mom-trepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 5: Lauren Slayton, Nutritionist
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 6: Elizabeth Moyer, Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 7: Annabel Monaghan, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 8: Holly Gordon, Director
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 9: Jill Salzman, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 10: Jennifer Levinson, Jen’s List
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 11: Jenny Hutt, Media Personality
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 12: Angela Santomero, Kids’ Media Creator
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 13: Carola Donato, Yogi
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 14: Tiffany Washington, Pastry Designer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 15: Emily Giffin, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 16: Alana Sanko, Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 17: Cara Lemieux, Journalist
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 18: Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke, Authors
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 19: Nikki Mark, Author & Foundation Director
Shonda Rhimes on Doing It All
Indra Nooyi on Balance
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 21: Jill Bryan, Comedian
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 22: Cindy Callaghan, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 23: Stephanie Hirsch, Artist
My Times of India Interview on Work-Life Balance
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 24: Whitney Dineen, Author/Baker
AmEx’s Sobbott on Balance
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 25: J0-Laine Duke-Collins, Dessert Stylist
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 26: Whitney English, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 27: Jennifer Gooch Hummer, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 28: Melissa Amster, Book Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 29: Nigel Marsh, Author and Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 30: DayNa Decker, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 31: Amy Selling, Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 32: Heather Sonnenberg, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 33: Allison Winn Scotch, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 34: Bibi Kasrai, Entrepreneur and Chef
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 35: Karen Sutton MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 36: Samantha Ettus, Balance Expert, Author, TV/Radio Personality
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 37: Pam Yudko, Holistic Health and Transformational Coach
THE BALANCE PROJECT| No. 38: Nancy Huang, Nonprofit Outreach Director
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 39: Mary Laura Philpott, Writer, Editor and Illustrator
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 40: Towanda Long, Marketing Communications Specialist
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 41: Kristyn Kusek Lewis, Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 42: Tracy Pollan, Actor and Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 43: Christianne Phillips, Fitness Consultant and Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 44: Susannah Lewis, Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 45: Kimi Culp, Producer, Author and Creative Consultant
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 46: Traci Bild, Entrepreneur
The Balance Project Interview Series Turns 1!
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 47: Laura Vanderkam, Journalist and Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 48: Amy Tara Koch, Style Expert and Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 49: Cozy Friedman, Kids’ Hair Expert
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 50: Bobbii Hach-Jacobs, Music Promoter
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 51: Niketa Jhaveri, Game Creator and Web Designer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 52: Sheri Silver, Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 53: Lori Pollan, Cookbook Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 54: Chatón Turner, Attorney and Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 55: Joanne Wilson, Investor and Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 56: Nicola Kraus, Author and Creative Coach
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 57: Shiri Sarfati, Marketing Expert
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 58: Audrey McClelland, Entrepreneur and Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 59: Jessica Lahey, Writer and Teacher
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 60: Lindsay Bressler, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 61: Marie Claire Lim Moore, Banker, Author and Speaker
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 62: Stacey Ballis, Novelist and Cookbook Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 63: Amy Hochhauser: Co-Founder, JoyRide Cycling Studio
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 64: Molly Sims, Actress, Author and Humanitarian
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 65: Colleen Oakley, Writer and Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 66: Nichole Montoya, CEO of Cheddar Up
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 67: Eileen Palma, Author and Instructor
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 68: Adina Grigore, Founder of S.W. Basics
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 69: Dana Pollan, Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 70: Melissa Hawks, Owner, The Well Appointed House
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 71: Emily Greenspan, Art Consultant
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 72: Michelle Hodges, Software Executive and See Girl Be Founder
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 73: Kendra Basner Mallen, Attorney
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 74: Alysa Bajenaru, Dietitian and Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 75: Anita Shepherd, Founder of Anita’s Yogurt
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 76: Dana Marlowe, President of IT Consulting Firm
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 77: Jill Royster, Marketing Consultant
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 78: Debra Olshan Cooper, Entrepreneur
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 79: Zainab Zaki, Technology Product Manager
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 80: Marisa de los Santos, Novelist
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 81: Kamy Wicoff, Writer and Publisher
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 82: Kristy Woodson Harvey, Writer and Blogger
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 83: Jane Green, Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 84: Meredith Schorr, Author and Paralegal
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 85: Melissa Marks Papock, Founder of Cabana Life
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 86: Cindy Chupack, TV Writer/Producer and Author
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 87: Betsy Ames, Founder of Mindful Style
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 88: Erin Baebler, Author, Writer and Coach
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 89: Danielle Weisberg & Carly Zakin, Founders of theSkimm
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 90: Heather Bauer, Dietitian and Founder of Bestowed
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 91: Jennifer O’Regan, Teacher, Coach, Book Champion
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 92: Debbie Major, CEO of Zylofone and Performer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 93: Dorie Clark, Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker, Professor
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 94: Peggy Davenport, Attorney
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 95: Terrianne Patnode, Attorney
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 96: Jillian Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 97: Gillian Zoe Segal, Author and Photographer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 98: Pauline Nakios, Apparel Company Owner
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 99: Jessie Rosen, Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 100: Reese Witherspoon, Actor/Producer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 101: Elyssa Friedland, Writer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 102: Lisa Reichmann and Julie Sapper, Running Coaches
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 103: Jackie Kolek, Communications Executive
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 104: Stacy Sukov Blackman, MBA Consultant
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 105: Nancy Easton, Wellness in the Schools Executive Director
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 106: Lisa Sugar, POPSUGAR Founder and Editor in Chief
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 107: Bobbi Rebell Kaufman, Reuters Anchor and Reporter
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 108: Jennifer Berson, PR Executive
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 109: Jo-Ná Williams, Attorney and IP/New Business Advisor
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 110: Susan Ascher, Author, Coach and Speaker
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 111: CC Minton, Author and Health Advocate
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 112: Sara Blakely, Founder of SPANX
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 113: Courtney Nichols Gould, Co-Founder & Co-CEO SmartyPants Vitamins
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 114: Kristy Wallace, COO of Ellevate Network
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 115: Kimra Luna, Personal Branding & Online Business Strategist
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 116: Jenna Segal, Producer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 117: Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich, Media Specialist/Career Expert
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 118: Khanh Nguyen, Fashion Designer
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 119: Sarah Marie Martin, Investment Banker
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 120: Julie Fasone Holder, Management Advisor
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 121: Georgene Huang, Founder of Fairygodboss
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 122: Jordana Holovach, Branding Consultant
THE BALANCE PROJECT | No. 123: Lindsey Mead, Executive Recruiter