Before I built a business, I built a breakfast routine that involved twin toddlers in opposite moods. Before I managed teams, I managed teenage drama, sports practices, and dueling personalities. My daughters, equal parts unstoppable and unfiltered, have taught me more about business than my education. Turns out, the real MBA lives under my roof...and occasionally borrows my mascara.

Born at just 25 weeks, each weighing barely a pound, they came into this world in true boss mode: tiny but mighty, defying odds with the kind of grit that makes Wall Street traders look like they're playing Candy Land. From the NICU to national honor societies, my girls have been breaking barriers like it’s their part-time job. (Which, ironically, they also have... because of course they do.)

#Lesson1: Grit > Glamour

In business, we talk about “grit” like it’s this elusive startup secret sauce. But if you want a master class in resilience, try watching two tiny humans fight for every breath, and then turn around 17 years later and lead sports teams, hold student government office, crush internships, and still make it home in time for curfew. (Well… most of the time.)

They’ve taught me that showing up, again and again, matters more than anything. In my company, that means showing up for clients, even when the brief changes twelve times. It means putting your name behind work you're proud of, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter to get there. My daughters do that in cleats and colorful highlighters. I do it with a computer and coffee. Same grit. Different tools.

#Lesson2: Surround Yourself With Company You’re Proud to Keep

My daughters are wildly different. One is type-A with a color-coded planner and a six-month outlook. The other has more flair than a ‘90s denim jacket and the kind of instinctive people-reading skills that would make the FBI jealous. But they share one essential truth: they choose their people wisely.

And that’s a business philosophy I live by. You can’t build an empire, or even a decent brand deck, if you're surrounded by energy vampires or people who don't pass the "would I want to sit next to you on a road trip?" test. The Company You Keep LLC isn’t just a name. It’s a core value my daughters model daily.

#Lesson3: Say the Thing

Teenagers are blunt. Mine are no exception. Whether it’s an outfit, a strategic pitch, or a questionable dinner idea, they’re going to let you know. But here’s the thing... they don’t just speak to criticize; they speak to clarify, to care, to call it like it is.

In business, we waste so much time avoiding hard truths. My girls have shown me the power of clear communication. Of saying, “This isn’t working,” or “That idea’s a miss,” or even, “Hey, you crushed it today.” I’ve learned to lead with more transparency, more candor, and yes, more sass.

#Lesson4: Compassion is a Superpower

You can be tough without being mean. You can be honest without being cold. You can lead without losing your humanity.

My girls have compassion in spades. Whether it's helping a classmate, mentoring a younger teammate, or standing up for someone who can’t yet find their voice, they don’t shy away from showing up with heart.

At work, I try to do the same. Because the best strategy in the world won't land if the people you're leading don’t feel seen. My daughters reminded me that empathy isn’t just good parenting, it’s great leadership.

#Lesson5: Never Underestimate the Power of a Well-Timed Eye Roll

Look, sometimes you just have to laugh. Teenagers are walking memes. The side-eye, the sarcasm, the TikTok references that make me question whether I’m still cool (spoiler: I’m not). But here’s the thing; humor keeps us grounded. It’s what gets us through tough meetings, late nights, and the days when nothing’s going right.

My girls have taught me to take the work seriously, but not myself. And that distinction? It’s the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

At the end of the day, my daughters didn’t just teach me about business. They taught me about life. About showing up for the hard stuff, celebrating the little wins, and never letting someone else define your worth.

So if you're looking for your next leadership seminar? I suggest a weekend with teenage girls who were born to beat the odds, built to lead, and never afraid to speak their truth. Just bring snacks. And maybe a therapist on speed dial. www.TheCompanyTeam.com

#TheCompanyYouKeep #LeadershipLessons #MomLifeBossLife #GritAndGrace #FromTheCribToTheBoardroom #ProudMamaCEO