Mothers In Advertising 2018, Tyler Easterling

Tyler Easterling
President & COO The Brandon Agency


Tell us about yourself and what you do in your current position.
I have worked in the advertising industry for 18 years, starting as a traffic manager before moving into client services. I worked my way up the agency ladder and currently hold the position of President and COO. I still manage day-to-day client work (by choice) - because it makes me a better leader and keeps me in touch with all the latest and greatest in the industry. I oversee the client services, administration and executive teams and spend a lot of time on agency operations, which includes things like processes, software, client and agency strategy, as well as financial and resource management.
Describe the culture at your agency; What is it like?
The culture here is very people-focused. I feel like we’re a big family and we all truly care about each other and about our clients. We’re lucky to have really smart people who get it all done and have fun doing it at the same time.
How does that culture compliment the juggling act that is being a working mother?
We are very flexible here. There are 24 hours in a day and we all know what we have to get done. That allows for me and others to be with our families during the hours that they need us most. Plus, there is plenty of time after my kids go to sleep for me to get more work done if it’s needed.
How has being a mother changed how you approach any aspects of your job?
I think it has made me more focused and caring. I have to be super intentional about my time, because I have a lot of responsibilities that I have to get done throughout the day. I also think about my children as I’m working with other teammates. How would I want them treated? I would want people to be honest, caring and give them all the tools they need to succeed. I try to do that for everyone at The Brandon Agency.
What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of being a working mother?
Getting to see my kids work hard and succeed—and having them see me do the very same, day in and day out.
What are the biggest challenges, if any?
I think it’s hard to let them have freedom. There are so many bad things going on in the world and because of social media we are so aware of everything. You want to protect them, but you also need to let them go and learn things on their own.
What steps do you take to ensure you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I try to leave my phone in my purse when I’m with my family. I spend a lot of time at work, so I think I owe it to them to be focused on them when we’re all together. I also try to exercise three times a week, eat dinner as a family every night, attend church together every Sunday and travel as a family as much as we can.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud that I’m able to manage all my responsibilities at The Brandon Agency, plus serve on five outside boards that are important to me.
What changes do you hope to see for future working parents?
Every family is different and you have to communicate and work together if both parents are going to work. You can absolutely have two working parents and show your children the importance of responsibility and hard work. Both men and women need to encourage and support each other—and every workplace needs the diversity and thought differentiation that both can bring.
Who are some working mothers that you admire/look up to?
I respect all working mothers—it’s a balancing act and all that do it need a pat on the back!


Tyler Easterling
President & COO The Brandon Agency