Stories offer so much insight, in this instance about balancing family and work. Facilitated by Mary Jacobs, three panelists and members of the audience were generous with their stories. The springboard for the dicussion was Liz O'Donnell's book Mogul, Mom, & Maid, a highly recommended read that focuses on mothers in professional positions.

From the discussion about the balancing act came these observations:

• Everyone, not only mothers, needs flexibility in the workplace because time is such a valuable currency. Without flexibility, the stress of the job mounts up fast.
• Personnel policies that are family friendly--regardless of how you define family--recognize that we all deserve consideration and flexibility. Fair and flexible personnel policies support the ability of all colleagues to work together to the benefit of the organization.
• The balancing act is all about choices, expectations, and managing to those expectations.
• You can accomplish the most when you involve the full team--whether your family team or your team at work.
• Sometimes you just need to get out of the way and let your spouse, partner, or colleague contribute the best way they know how.
• Clear communication about everyone's commitments is critical. Visual reminders can do wonders in keeping everyone on track, whether you use a large print calendar, a digital calendar, or an app (e.g., check out Cozi Family Calendar).
• Be sure to support each others' choices (e.g., the choices of stay-at-home mothers and fathers) regardless of how they differ from your own choices.
• Networking with professionals is essential, as is networking with people who don't do the same things you do. Getting perspectives unlike your own can be helpful.
• If you're willing to offer help to friends, then when friends offer you help, you have to be willing to receive their gift.
• You can have it all but not all at the same time. Besides, the balance changes all the time, so you'll always be readjusting your course and how you go about defining and getting what you need and want.

Thanks to audience participants who offered their stories; session facilitator Mary Jacobs; and the three panelists—Paula Hewson, Adewunmi Lewis, and Jennifer Fadden.