There are few women who rise to the highest levels in banking or politics yet Lisa Caputo has the rare distinction of making it to the top in both and has paired that with having two children. Today she is the Chairman and CEO of Women and Co., Citigroup's
membership program for women and the Chief Marketing, Advertising and Community Relations Officer of Citigroups's Global Consumer Group.
Previously Lisa was Deputy Assistant to President Clinton and Press Secretary to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. She lives in New York City with her husband and their son, Drew, age 3, and daughter, Caroline, 1.
Samantha: What is a typical day like for you?
Lisa: There is no typical day or at least that's what I'm finding! I am an early riser and get up with both of our children.
We have family breakfast together and then get the kids off to school.
Once I get in the office, I never know will happen. Everyday in the office is very different. I try to go to the gym in the evening and make sure I'm home in time to play and read to my kids, and put them to bed.
Then my husband and I usually settle in to dinner.
Samantha: What is your childcare situation?
Lisa: I have a wonderful nanny who has been with our family since my son was three months old.
We consider her part of the family. She adores my kids, and, my kids adore her.
Samantha: Once you had children, did you find the challenges of work life balance to be as you had anticipated?
Lisa: I didn't know what to expect and I am finding that the challenges differ from day to day.
I like to be in control but you can't be in control all the time. I have learned to ease up and not be so hard on myself when things happen. Everyday is a juggle.
Some days, I'll have fifteen balls up in the air and all fifteen balls manage to stay in the air! Other days, all fifteen balls come crashing down. And that's okay. You just pick the balls up again and work it out. You'll survive whether it's nine or fifteen balls that are in the air.
I've learned to keep my wits about me and keep a sense of humor.
Samantha: What role does your husband play a role in your ability to manage it all?
Lisa: My husband is amazing. He is a partner every step of the way whether he is in the pool with our daughter in a swim class or changing diapers or cooking dinner. He is an incredibly supportive spouse and a hands-on Dad.
We are partners on every level.
Samantha: Did you find it challenging to manage your responsibilities once your second child was born?
Lisa: I have found it doubly challenging having my second child because both of my children are not only different ages, but are at different stages of life and have different interests. We are much busier with two and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Samantha: Did you take maternity leaves? How was your transition back to work each time?
Lisa: I did. With my firstborn, the transition back to work was emotionally difficult. It was hard to leave my newborn son.
We were fortunate in that we found an extraordinary childcare provider.
With my son, it gradually became easier to emotionally handle leaving in the morning.
With my second child, the transition back to work was easier both because I knew what to expect and I knew that I was leaving her in caring hands during the day.
Copyright 2007 Modern Mom, LLC. All rights reserved.



