From Corporate America To Coaching Little League

Описание: In this deeply personal and insightful conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Jeff Jenkins, CMO of Carter’s and former marketing leader at iconic brands like Taco Bell, Whole Foods, and Carl’s Jr., to explore the rarely discussed intersection of high-performance leadership and intentional parenting.

Jeff opens up about the moment that forced him to reevaluate everything: a Saturday morning when his 5-year-old son asked, “Who’s going to take care of me this weekend?” and didn’t believe the answer would be “Dad.” That gut-punch moment became the catalyst for Jeff to shift priorities, change jobs, and start showing up differently at home.

Together, Kevin and Jeff dive into the challenges of balancing demanding careers with the desire to be fully present parents. They reflect on the real costs of career moves, the unspoken impact of travel and instability on kids, and the importance of rituals and routines that build connection. From car rides with no phones to no-fail dinner rituals and family pickleball matches, Jeff shares how small intentional choices can build lifelong memories.

Jeff also highlights the unexpected leadership lessons he’s gained from coaching youth sports, and how corralling a group of 8-year-olds has made him a more empathetic and effective executive. His honest take on impostor syndrome and how he finally learned to believe in himself will resonate with anyone who has felt like they’re faking it through their career.

They also explore Jeff’s bold moves in brand marketing, including the unlikely but wildly effective Gucci x OshKosh collaboration, and why cultural relevance is essential for legacy brands trying to connect with new audiences.

Whether you’re a parent leading a company or an ambitious professional figuring out how to build a meaningful life outside of work, this episode is filled with hard-earned wisdom, laughter, and the kind of grounded advice that stays with you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why imposter syndrome is more common than we admit, and how to manage it
• How one honest comment from Jeff’s young son changed his approach to parenting
• The value of coaching kids’ sports in building leadership muscle and emotional intelligence
• Why boundaries, guardrails, and grace are essential for sustaining work-life harmony
• How to raise resilient, curious kids while navigating career transitions and relocations
• The strategy behind brand collaborations that break expectations but stay on brand
• What Jeff means by “there’s no traffic if you make your own lane” and why it matters
• How to prioritize presence over perfection in both parenting and professional life
• Lessons from managing global teams and building trust in new cities (and countries)
• Why Gen Z’s expectations are reshaping the workplace, and what leaders need to learn

Top Takeaways:
• Imposter syndrome is common, but we’re often better than we think.
• Balancing family and work requires setting boundaries and support systems.
• Quality time is more impactful than quantity when you’re truly present.
• Coaching kids can transform how you lead teams at work.
• Career transitions can be disorienting but are full of growth potential.
• Cultural relevance is essential in modern brand marketing.
• Comparison is a trap - find your own lane and run your race.
• Presence is the greatest gift you can give your kids.
• Give yourself grace and space when life feels out of balance.
• Travel and cultural exposure can plant the seeds of confidence and curiosity in your kids.

About Jeff Jenkins:
Jeff is a seasoned marketing executive who has led brand strategy at some of the most well-known companies in the world. He’s currently the CMO of Carter’s, the #1 baby and children’s apparel brand in the U.S., and previously held marketing leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Whole Foods, and Carl's Jr. / Hardee's. Jeff is also a committed father, youth coach, and believer in leading with heart at work and at home.


00:00:00 Jeff Jenkins Introduction
00:01:36 Life Beyond Work
00:04:10 Transformative Moments in Parenting
00:06:11 Navigating Career Transitions
00:10:35 The Cost of Career Moves and Family Stability
00:14:23 Navigating Family and Education Post-Traveling
00:17:22 Balancing Work and Family Life
00:20:16 The Impact of COVID on Family
00:22:22 Redefining Work Life Balance
00:26:44 Risk-Taking in Marketing and Parenting
00:30:00 Finding your own Lane in Leadership and Parenting