Hi everybody! This week on Her Leadership Mindset, we are discussing work-life balance! I wanted to interview a business owner to provide readers with a more real-life perspective on this topic. So, with that being said, let’s meet Brooke MacTaggart!
Brooke is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner who founded Rooted Pediatric Healthcare in Manchester, Iowa. She has experience in pediatric intensive care along with case management. Brooke is a dedicated provider who is trained in both functional and traditional medicine focusing on transforming healthcare for local families. Fun fact: Brooke is the sole pediatric healthcare provider in Delaware County!
Let’s dive into the interview:
What inspired you to start your own business? Has being a mother influenced the way you run your business?
Brooke mentioned since she lives in a rural community, there are not a lot of options for pediatric care without driving an hour one way, which she wanted to change. She founded Rooted Pediatric Healthcare to give families in her community a trusted pediatric healthcare provider closer to home. Brooke also mentioned that she started her own business because she wanted to be present in her kids’ lives without feeling like she missed out on anything. Brooke said to me, “Family is first, and being a mom is my first job.” This stuck out to me because it shows how family-oriented she is not only in her personal life but within her practice.
What does work-life balance mean to you?
Brooke said, “As long as I can find time for my family, I think my work-life balance is always in check.” She clarified by saying that if she can be fully present in her professional life and personal life she is happy with the balance.
How do you manage the mental load of running a business while caring for your family?
Shutting her work brain off when she is at home and vice versa when she is at the office. Brooke is very adamant about getting her work done at the office before she leaves so when she goes home she can be fully present with her family.
How has your role as a mother shaped your approach to leadership?
She admitted that being a mom has changed the way she does some things within her career. Brooke noted that when she first started as a registered nurse working in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) she was naive because she did not have kids yet. However, once she became a mom she understood where parents are coming from more than she did before. She also mentioned that it has made her more compassionate with others’ feelings and concerns and made her even more aware of others’ feelings.
How do you ensure you’re taking care of your mental and physical health while juggling so many responsibilities?
Brooke informed me that she tries to give herself at least an hour a day to be by herself. Sometimes that may be going for a walk, other times it is a workout.
What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own business while balancing family responsibilities?
“Recognize when you need to ask for help and don’t turn it away”
Overall, I hope this article was helpful for you to see how a business owner balances their business and their personal life. Work-life balance is very important for everyone and it is a topic that will be brought up multiple times throughout this blog and this semester. I hope you enjoy it!
- Brea
Have any tips or advice that helps you balance your work and personal life? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to know more about Brooke or Rooted Pediatric Healthcare? Links are below!
Phone 563-920-1515
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