Chaos, Empathy, Strategy: Lessons From Motherhood
Jackie Thanos, VP, Director of Engagement Strategy
On a walk with my daughters one day, a three-year-old and a one-year-old, I found myself reflecting on what motherhood has taught me so far: how to bring calm to chaos, the power of ruthless prioritization, the art of negotiation, leading with deeper empathy, and just how essential a solid strategy is to getting buy-in on an idea (broccoli = mini trees in our house!). The more I thought about it, the more I realized these skills show up at work every day — and they’ve made me better at my job and at leading a team.
Like any good strategist, I needed data and insights to validate that perspective. So, it's my absolute honor to introduce you to some of the incredible moms at Digitas Health, who are sharing the skills they've gained through motherhood and how those skills make them exceptional at what they do.
Emma Mule, VP, Director, Engagement Strategy
“Over the past few years, I’ve significantly strengthened my ability to prioritize, make decisions quickly, and lead with empathy, largely because I’ve had to operate in a much higher-stakes, time-constrained environment outside of work. Having a toddler is much like doing constant user testing, it has made me much more focused on clarity and simplicity in the way I communicate!”
Maria Alfonso, Manager, Data Strategy
“As a WFH mom, my day often starts with what feels like real-time data analysis—tracking breakfast consumption, locating missing items, and managing unexpected urgent requests all before 8am. That daily need to understand the full picture, identify patterns, and bring structure to complexity has translated naturally into my work as a Data Strategist. “
Jessica Corcoran, VP Group Creative Director
Becoming a mom reminded me that we can’t forget to play. We need to try new things, find new hobbies, meet new people. These are the experiences that fuel our creativity and make our ideas richer, more authentic, and just more fun!
Carolina Garcia-Benitez, VP, Account Director
“Motherhood has given me a masterclass in adaptability and problem-solving, and I bring that same solutions-first mindset into how I show up every day at DH.”
Elizabeth Greenspan, SVP, Project Management
“Motherhood has taught me that true leadership isn’t about managing tasks; it’s about anticipating needs, staying calm under pressure, and bringing out the best in people. Raising my children has sharpened my ability to prioritize what truly matters and pivot without missing a beat, making me a more empathetic leader driven by fierce accountability — because the people counting on you, at home and at work, always deserve your very best.”
Juliana Daughenbaugh, Account Supervisor
“Being a mom has taught me that you can’t control everything—but you can stay steady, adapt quickly, and keep people moving forward. That mindset has made me more resilient, more focused, and better at leading through change—and very comfortable operating on little sleep. Having the support and flexibility at DH makes it possible to show up fully in both roles.”
Eileen Kois, SVP, Head of Data Strategy
“Motherhood has made me a sharper strategist, a more patient listener, and an infinitely better multi-tasker... because when you've survived a school morning with a high-energy little boy who resists eating, getting dressed, and basically everything else that’s not playing with his toys, a tight deadline and a packed agenda feel downright easy. It's taught me that sometimes the most important thing you can do is just slow down and ask, "What do you need right now?” whether that's your kiddo, your teammate, your client, or an audience you're targeting.”
Yael Lavon, Director, Social Excellence
“Raising a 5 and 7-year-old is essentially a masterclass in content strategy. Short-form is key, consistency matters, and the moment you stop being interesting, they scroll. I'm a better social strategist because of it."
Erin Fitzgerald, SVP, Group Account Director
“Being a mom has reminded me that the idea of “perfect” can get in the way of realizing what’s already great. In parenthood, and in advertising, nothing will ever be the way you dreamt it up originally- but the magic happens in the mess and the unexpected turns along the way. Embracing that makes for a much more enjoyable journey! “
Charlotte McGonagill, VP, Director, Engagement Strategy
“There’s nothing like trying to get out the door on time with a toddler who refuses shoes to teach you patience, creative thinking, and adaptability. Motherhood has helped me think faster on my feet, be more creative with problem-solving, and better at staying composed in high pressure moments.”
Tereze Kunkel, SVP, Group Account Director
“Being a mother has taught me the utmost resilience. There is very little that can be thrown my way that I don’t know how to navigate more calmly and with greater grace. Learning how to navigate being a mom (especially of an almost 4-year-old feisty and dinosaur loving boy), I’ve developed a steadiness and perspective that shows up in my work every day — helping me lead through complexity, stay grounded under pressure, and move forward with intention.”
Jazzie Puno, Art Supervisor, Creative
“As a mom, having kids didn’t slow me down—it just upgraded my skill set. I’ve mastered multitasking, creative problem-solving, and delivering under tight (and very loud) deadlines. Motherhood keeps me on my toes, and honestly, it’s made me sharper, scrappier, and a whole lot better at what I do.”
Kate Mays, Group Director, Project Management
“Raising kids is basically agile project management: flexibility over perfection, constant change, rapid pivots, and success measured one small iteration at a time—growing right alongside what you’re building.”