Podcast Summary: The CPG Guys
Episode: The Work-Life Challenge with NielsenIQ’s Nicole Collida Davis & Jennie Bell
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of The CPG Guys, hosts Sree Rajagopalan and Peter V.S. Bond delve into the intricate balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. They are joined by two esteemed leaders from NielsenIQ—Nicole Kalita Davis, Managing Director for US National Accounts, and Jenny Bell, Managing Director for US Global Clients—to discuss their approaches to managing work-life balance amidst demanding roles in the CPG and FMCG eCommerce industries.
Guests Introduction and Personal Backgrounds
Sree Rajagopalan begins by introducing himself and Peter V.S. Bond, highlighting their roles in The CPG Guys podcast and their commitment to shaping the future of commerce. He shares a personal touch by mentioning his daughters’ musical pursuits, adding a relatable dimension to the conversation.
Peter V.S. Bond contributes by discussing his role at Flywheel, the commerce acceleration division of Omnicom, and shares a personal anecdote about spending time with his daughter at Stu Leonard's—a unique local store with animatronic features that provide a fun experience for children.
Defining Work-Life Balance
The conversation swiftly moves to the crux of the episode—work-life balance. Sree poses the pivotal question: "What does a day in the life of each of you look like?" prompting Jenny and Nicole to share their daily routines and strategies.
Jenny Bell (06:05) emphasizes the variability in her day-to-day life, influenced by her children’s activities and professional commitments. She states:
“I have three teenage boys who love to eat and that is the definition of success as a mom is what I feed them.”
Nicole Kalita Davis (07:05) contrasts Jenny’s routine by highlighting the challenges of managing a household without a driver, especially with a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. She shares her method of prioritizing tasks to maintain balance:
“Work life balance for me looks a little different every day. It's prioritizing the things that matter to me in that day so I can make it work for me and for my family.”
Jenny further elaborates that work-life balance is subjective and evolves with life’s phases:
“We have amazing friends that help. And I said it again, it takes a village, and you have to be comfortable with that.”
Personal Strategies for Achieving Balance
The hosts inquire about the guests' personal strategies to carve out "me time," essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Jenny Bell (14:02) discusses the importance of physical activity and building a supportive network:
“I really do try to get in the steps, you know, before I... It’s about surrounding yourself with people that are also making similar choices or motivating you.”
She also touches on integrating family time into personal wellness:
“I feel like I'm investing in my kids' future and helping them see the world.”
Nicole Kalita Davis (16:08) shares her evolving approach to "me time," given her stage in life, and emphasizes the significance of having a confidant:
“Finding the right person at work, that handful of people at work that really are your tribe or your best friends... helps me find that balance and keep myself centered on the things that really are the priorities in our lives.”
Managing Day-to-Day Challenges
The discussion transitions to handling unexpected disruptions and maintaining commitments. Sree raises concerns about the pressures of meeting tight deadlines and maintaining professional responsibilities without compromising personal life.
Jenny Bell (18:29) highlights the unpredictability of each day and the importance of preparation and teamwork:
“The most important thing is... to take that time and understand what my day looks like when something blows up or when there's a great new opportunity that we want to go chase.”
Nicole Kalita Davis (20:04) adds that accepting imperfection and prioritizing effectively are crucial:
“Releasing some of that control... can really help you manage your day effectively and pivot when all the changes roll in.”
Impact of Business Travel on Personal Life
Sree draws attention to the challenges of frequent travel, a common aspect of their professional lives, and its impact on family dynamics.
Nicole Kalita Davis (23:28) discusses coping mechanisms during travel, such as sending videos home, while also recognizing the unintended disruptions it can cause:
“I sent a video home at the beginning of the trip, and it really disrupted the household. It sent my daughter into a tailspin because she didn't know where mom was or why I wasn't there.”
Jenny Bell (25:51) reflects on staying connected with her teenagers despite being on the road:
“I send videos of where I'm staying... but it's also been a transition that they're fairly independent, and I've had to adjust to that.”
Peter V.S. Bond (28:05) shares a heartfelt moment with his daughter, emphasizing the emotional connection maintained through technology:
“Her first reaction when she finally gets out of her trance is to say, I love you, Daddy. I'm like, oh, that just melts my heart.”
Approach to Vacations and Time Off
The conversation shifts to the significance of vacations and how each guest redefines their time off.
Nicole Kalita Davis (29:52) recounts her experiences with taking time off for health reasons, underscoring the importance of trusting her team and viewing vacations as an investment:
“Vacation is an investment in coming back better than I was before, and also an investment in letting my fantastic leaders manage through situations.”
Jenny Bell (32:06) cherishes vacations as quality time with her family, emphasizing preparation and empowering her team:
“There’s a lot of experience gained from US leaders being out of the office and giving people the chance to shine and step in for you.”
Wellness Practices in Leadership
Delving deeper into professional life, the guests discuss how they integrate wellness into their leadership roles and support their teams.
Jenny Bell (35:27) focuses on building strong relationships and being present for her team:
“Being present when you're in a meeting, being there for someone... that's when people need us most.”
Nicole Kalita Davis (36:42) emphasizes the value of personal connections and meeting team members where they are:
“The highest compliment that I've ever received from a member of my team is he... you always find time. To me, there is nothing better.”
Peter V.S. Bond (38:37) adds that personal wellness stems from meaningful relationships and professional support systems:
“Being able to talk to anyone, whether it's a family member, a relative of a good friend, or a therapist, is something that keeps us all healthy.”
Key Takeaways and Advice for Listeners
As the episode approaches its conclusion, the guests share valuable advice for listeners juggling demanding careers and personal lives.
Jenny Bell (40:41) advises building a supportive "village" and embracing the ebb and flow of career demands:
“It takes a village... create your friend network, create your family network and really take advantage of it.”
She also warns against staying perpetually at the peak of career success, advocating for periodic breaks:
“Everything goes up, has to come down and create that cycle over and over again to ensure you can create that balance.”
Nicole Kalita Davis (42:29) reinforces setting realistic priorities and letting go of perfection:
“Set priorities that are right for you right now... releasing yourself from that expectation of perfection.”
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks from the hosts to their guests, emphasizing the importance of discussing work-life balance within the CPG industry. They encourage listeners to engage with their content and share their own experiences, fostering a community focused on both professional growth and personal well-being.
Notable Quotes
- Nicole Kalita Davis (07:05): “Work life balance for me looks a little different every day. It's prioritizing the things that matter to me in that day so I can make it work for me and for my family.”
- Jenny Bell (14:02): “Surrounding yourself with people that are also making similar choices or motivating you.”
- Nicole Kalita Davis (16:08): “Finding the right person at work... helps me find that balance and keep myself centered on the things that really are the priorities in our lives.”
- Jenny Bell (35:27): “Being present when you're in a meeting, being there for someone... that's when people need us most.”
- Nicole Kalita Davis (42:29): “Set priorities that are right for you right now... releasing yourself from that expectation of perfection.”
This episode of The CPG Guys provides an insightful exploration into the delicate balance of managing high-pressure careers while nurturing personal lives and relationships. Through candid discussions and shared experiences, Nicole and Jenny offer valuable strategies and heartfelt advice for listeners navigating similar challenges.