Episode 37: Bonus Episode: Life Admin – with Amy Lockmiller and Jessica Onick

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this bonus episode, Tara sits down with Raise the Tide™ members (and life admin evangelists) Amy Lockmiller and Jessica Onick to talk about something most senior communicators quietly struggle with: the invisible workload of running a life, a home, and a career all at once. Instead of another conversation about "doing it all," they get honest about why it's not sustainable, how they've built support systems like house managers, family assistants, and concierge services, and why getting help isn't laziness or entitlement — it's a strategic decision that protects mental health, relationships, and career longevity. They share how they found their people, what they delegate, how they navigate guilt and "must be nice" criticism, and how this kind of support has directly impacted their work and families. Tara also explains why she openly talks about her own life admin support, and invites listeners to re-think what they're allowed to ask for in this season of their careers. In this bonus episode, Tara, Amy, and Jessica cover: Why ambitious women in comms don't "suck at adulting" — they're trying to do an impossible load The concept of life admin and why it's just as real as your inbox and stakeholder list Jessica's journey from senior internal comms leader to solopreneur — and why a house manager became non-negotiable Amy's experience as a VP-level comms executive, mom of (soon) five, and how a family assistant changed everything The difference between childcare, cleaning, and true house / family management support Tactical examples of what their helpers actually do: calendars, appointments, errands, returns, laundry, meal prep, trip packing, organizing, and more How they each found their support (local mom / babysitter groups, services like Fay, and creative role descriptions) The mindset work: guilt, "must be nice," money, and redefining what you're "allowed" to spend on Viewing life admin support as an investment in mental health, marriage, parenting, and career growth What it models for kids when they see adults asking for help and valuing a "village" instead of martyrdom Tara's offer to share her own house assistant job description so listeners can adapt it for their lives If you'd like a copy of the house assistant / life admin job description Tara referenced, reach out to [email protected] and her team will send it your way. We've also included a link to Faye, the family organizing service Amy uses, so you can explore whether a similar kind of support might be right for you. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter on advancing as a Communications Business Advisor:, Level Up: Be Extra and her Raise the Tide™ emails for women in the field Raise the Tide emails for women in the field.  This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a professional development ecosystem for women in communications - helping them grow, connect, and lead with confidence through mentorship, coaching, professional development and community. If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review — we create a movement when we spread a message.  

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