New Baby, New Life

Over the past three years, the ScottMadden community has grown in amazing ways, with 28 children welcomed into employees’ families. Welcoming a child into your life brings a world of new beginnings, unexpected lessons, and everyday celebrations.

At ScottMadden, The Village is an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that provides a safe, collaborative space for working parents and caregivers. Members and allies come together to share experiences, support caregiver initiatives, and explore opportunities to improve work-life balance. The Village helps individuals bring their complete selves to work and fosters a culture of authenticity and connection.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month and Father’s Day in June, we’re honored to feature some of our newest parents in this special employee spotlight. They reflect on the joys and challenges of early parenthood, the creative ways they balance family and work, and how being part of The Village has helped them navigate this exciting new chapter.

Hayley Andrews and Rory

Hayley is a manager and has been with ScottMadden since 2021.

What has surprised you most about parenting?

What’s surprised me most is how much I’ve come to love the start of the day. I was never a morning person, but now I’m up early, even on weekends, and I truly enjoy that quiet time—drinking coffee, playing on the floor with Rory, and working on developmental milestones like rolling or sitting up. It’s become one of the most meaningful parts of our routine.

What advice would you give to other consultant parents?

Build your support network—at work and at home. Having colleagues, mentors, or fellow parents to lean on, vent to, or laugh with makes a big difference. I’ve been fortunate to deepen connections with other new parents at the firm as we navigate this phase together. That sense of community has made all the difference. Some of my favorite moments have been meeting up for stroller walks during parental leave, trading updates over text, sharing baby photos, and just checking in.

Key takeaway or lesson learned from The Village?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to parenting, and that’s okay. Connecting with other parents from The Village has shown me just how many ways there are to approach this stage of life. I’ve loved learning from their experiences, picking up tips and perspectives along the way, and then shaping those insights into what works best for our family. Those conversations have helped me feel less pressure to get it “right” and more focused on what feels manageable and meaningful day-to-day.

Wesley Woods and Benny

Wesley is an associate and has been with the firm since 2023.

What’s something your child has taught you?

My child has taught me, or at least reminded me, the importance of slowing down and being present with the people you love. Much of my day is now spent holding Benny without the ability to do anything “productive” other than being present with him and enjoying the day in front of us.

What’s the best part of your day with your child?

The best part of my day is seeing Benny grow and develop so quickly. Seeing him start to smile and laugh in his sleep has been the best! That and the times when he is completely passed out on my shoulder.

What’s one word that describes parenting for you right now?

Sleepless.

Elizabeth Schultz and Everette

Elizabeth is a manager and has been with the firm since 2017.

What’s a new experience you’ve recently shared with your child?

We went to see an outdoor symphony performance this past weekend. Everette got to play in the sand, and we just got to watch her see the instruments for the first time and take in all the new noises. At one point, she started clapping and it happened to be when Star Wars music was playing, which I thought was hilarious. The night ended with her seeing fireworks for the first time, and even though I was worried she might be scared, she loved them just as much as I do.

How have your routines changed at work since becoming a parent?

Balancing work and family have become a lot more of a priority for me since having Everette. It’s helped me set boundaries and figure out what work needs to be done today versus what can be done tomorrow because being with my daughter is so important. As a manager, it also helps me to role model boundaries with my team members who are also new parents.

How has The Village helped you as a parent?

The Village has helped me realize that many of my colleagues are also parents, going through similar experiences. It broke down a barrier for me, allowing me to show up as my true self at work and be open about the challenges I was facing. Every time we have a Village meeting, I walk away having learned something new. The support and shared experiences have been incredibly valuable.

Zach Capps and William

Zach is a manager and has been with the firm since 2019.

What’s the best part of your day with your child?

I have enjoyed hearing him start to laugh. The very first time William truly belly-laughed was when I was outside doing yard work, struggling to dig through a stubborn tree root. Apparently, watching Dad struggle is hilarious—and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish.

Do you have any traditions or routines as a new parent?

We’ve developed a pretty steady rhythm. I usually handle mornings and evenings. I give William his morning bottle and spend some playtime with him before work, then I take over again at night with bath time, his last bottle, and reading before bed. He’s sleeping on his own now, waking maybe once a night, and he’s just starting solids—sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, pears. Thankfully, he’s not a picky eater, yet!

What advice would you give to other consultant parents?

Take the full parental leave if you can—it’s honestly one of the greatest gifts ScottMadden offers. Those first weeks are pure survival mode. You’re sleep-deprived, second-guessing everything, and just trying to figure it out. But having that uninterrupted time allows you to build a functioning routine, connect with your child, and feel more ready when it’s time to return to work. It’s a huge blessing, and it’s worth every bit.

The Final Lullaby

Parenthood is a journey filled with surprises, learning, and a lot of heart, and having a community like The Village makes a world of difference. Thank you to the parents who shared their experiences with us, and congratulations to all who have recently expanded their families!