A Day in the Life of Stephen Moore: Balancing Parenthood and a Senior Account Director Role

Stephen Moore’s career at Medialab has been one of growth and development. Starting as an Account Executive, Stephen has worked his way up to his current role as Senior Account Director with expertise in client management and leading innovative campaigns. Stephen is one of several Medialabbers who has been with the agency for over 10.

Now, as he navigates parenthood alongside his work life, Stephen shares how he chooses to balance the many roles of a working Dad. Stephen was initially nervous about how becoming a new parent might affect his work-life balance, however as he reflects on his experience, Stephen shares how his concerns were alleviated thanks to the support of his team at Medialab:

“The transition periods both ways were a lot smoother than expected thanks to my team at Medialab. I spent more time at home the month before Louie was born, working remotely and only being in the office when I was needed, which worked brilliantly for us. Returning to work was initially overwhelming, but with a flexible approach and support from my team and my partner, Holly, things fell into place. Balancing work and family life isn’t easy, but it becomes manageable once you find your rhythm. Medialab has been incredibly flexible and supportive throughout.”

Here’s what a day in Stephen’s new life looks like:

PRE-MORNING  

My mornings revolve around my son, Louie. Depending on whether I’m working from the office or home, my routine varies. If I’m at the office, I’ll make Louie’s bottle and hand him to my partner, Holly. On work from home days, I handle feeding him. Our mornings depend on Louie’s sleep; he’s not the best sleeper, influencing how Holly and I juggle our tasks.

Once Louie is settled, I usually have my coffee and catch up on the news if I’m home.

MORNING  

I’m a morning person so I prefer getting into the office early, around 8 am. My first task is making a coffee if I haven’t had one yet, then I settle down to go through my inbox and to-do list. This early hour is my most productive. I love greeting my colleagues as they come in throughout the morning, a small but important part of my routine. After a productive start to the day, I feel more than prepared to join client meetings. There’s some really exciting stuff we’re supporting National Trust with at the moment, so a lot of my mornings are dedicated to them currently.

LUNCH 

If I’m in the office, I like to bring my own lunch into work, often leftovers, and make sure to leave my desk for a walk, even if it’s just for half an hour. These walks are refreshing and sometimes involve errands for Louie. Fresh air and a change of scenery helps to keep me energised for the rest of the day. Medialab is extremely respectful of my time over lunch so if I’m at home I make sure I get away from my laptop and spend time with Louie, taking him for a walk and giving Holly a bit of a break.

AFTERNOON  

My afternoons usually involve fewer client meetings, as those tend to be scheduled in the mornings. Instead, I focus on one-on-one catchups, managing my team, and mentoring when needed. This time is also reserved for tackling the larger tasks that need to be completed by the end of the day. As I mentioned earlier, one project I’m particularly excited about is the National Trust Brand Campaign. We’ve just launched phase two, so ensuring a smooth rollout has been a top priority of mine recently.

EVENING  

I aim to leave work by 5:30 pm and enjoy reading on my commute home – something crime-based with an exciting plot. By the time I get home, I’m hoping Louie isn’t too fussy. He’s starting to recognise faces, so seeing his smile, even for a brief moment before he gets cranky, makes my day. At home, I do most of the cooking while Holly looks after Louie. Our evenings are relaxed, currently filled with watching our favourite TV shows.

IF YOU WEREN’T AT MEDIALAB, WHAT YOU BE DOING? 

I’d probably do something manual and outdoor-oriented, like gardening or DIY projects. I love being outside and getting my hands dirty, although it probably wouldn’t be as fun during the winter months!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY?

My advice would be to do a bit of research on the types of clients you’d love to work with and find agencies that cater to those clients. For instance, at Medialab, we have a lot of charity clients, which is incredibly fulfilling. Aligning your interests with the agency’s client-base can make a big difference in job satisfaction. Furthermore, keep applying yourself, do some self-learning at home, and stay updated on industry news. Persistence and knowledge are key.

ADVICE FOR WORKING PARENTS

Find a balance that works for your family and carve out quality time where you’re fully present with loved ones. For me, that’s evening family time. Establishing a routine and setting clear boundaries with colleagues is also crucial. Most importantly, cherish every moment with your little one – time flies faster than you think. Also, remember that what works for me might not work for you – it’s all about finding your own routine and what works best for you and your family. Balancing a senior role and parenthood has its challenges, but with planning, flexibility and the support from your work colleagues, you can thrive in both areas.