About this episode

In this bonus episode, Tara McDonagh discusses the invisible workload of managing life, home, and career with guests Amy Lockmiller and Jessica Onick.

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this bonus episode, Tara sits down with Raise the Tide™ members (and life admin evangelists) Amy Lockmiller and Jessica Onick to talk about something most senior communicators quietly struggle with: the invisible workload of running a life, a home, and a career all at once. Instead of another conversation about "doing it all," they get honest about why it's not sustainable, how they've built support systems like house managers, family assistants, and concierge services, and why getting help isn't laziness or entitlement — it's a strategic decision that protects mental health, relationships, and career longevity. They share how they found their people, what they delegate, how they navigate guilt and "must be nice" criticism, and how this kind of support has directly impacted their work and families. Tara also explains why she openly talks about her own life admin support, and invites listeners to re-think what they're allowed to ask for in this season of their careers. In this bonus episode, Tara, Amy, and Jessica cover: Why ambitious women in comms don't "suck at adulting" — they're trying to do…

People in this episode

Host: Tara McDonagh

Guests: Amy Lockmiller, Jessica Onick

Topics covered

• life admin
• work-life balance
• support systems
• mental health
• career longevity
• delegation

Keywords

• life admin
• invisible workload
• support systems
• mental health
• career
• delegation
• women in communications

More episodes of Communications Business Advisor

• Episode 45: The Strategy That's Still in Your Head · April 20, 2026 · 20 min
• Episode 44: Long-Term Planning Is Dead (No, It Isn't) · April 6, 2026 · 18 min
• Episode 43: Thinking Alone Has a Leadership Ceiling · March 23, 2026 · 20 min
• Episode 42: When Helpfulness Becomes a Career Ceiling · March 9, 2026 · 18 min
• Episode 41: When Everything Feels Heavy, You Might Need More · February 23, 2026 · 18 min
• Episode 40: Path to CCO+ with Laura Duda · February 9, 2026 · 45 min

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