C-Suite Moms: Kevelyn Guzman Of Coldwell Banker Warburg On How To Successfully Juggle Motherhood and Work

An Interview With Vanessa Morcom

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on making the time you do have with your kids count. Instead of worrying about the number of hours you spend together, prioritize meaningful interactions and activities that create lasting memories.

In today’s fast-paced business world, women in executive roles face the unique challenge of balancing high-powered careers with the demands of motherhood. Despite progress in workplace equality, female executives often carry a disproportionate share of domestic responsibilities. How do these successful women manage both spheres of their lives so effectively? In this interview series, we would like to explore this intricate balance and we are talking to women executives from various industries who are also mothers, to share their insights and strategies for successfully juggling their professional and personal lives. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kevelyn Guzman.

As of January 2024, Kevelyn is the Regional Vice President of Coldwell Banker Warburg. Throughout her tenure at the firm, Kevelyn has been a driving force behind several game-changing initiatives and pivotal relationships and partnerships, including the successful rebranding of the company under the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program in 2021. She has disrupted the traditional brokerage model by viewing agents as the client and constantly seeks innovative ways to empower agents for long-term success in the competitive Manhattan real estate market.

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us the “backstory” behind what brought you to this point in your career?

I am a born-and-bred New Yorker with a knack for strategy, a passion for making things happen, and a genuine love for connecting with people. I’ve been part of the Coldwell Banker Warburg (formerly Warburg Realty) family since 2008, and in 2024, I was named Regional Vice President.

Before I landed at Coldwell Banker Warburg, my journey began on Wall Street more than twenty years ago with a real estate investment firm. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry (formerly Mercy College). I’m a member of the REBNY Fellows Leadership Program and CHIEF, an organization for women leaders.

Can you share with us how many children you have?

I have two beautiful children, an 8-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl.

Where were you in your career when your child was born/became part of your family?

When my daughter was born in 2013, I was the Director of Operations at Warburg Realty (now Coldwell Banker Warburg), and when my son was born, I became the Chief Operating Officer.

Did you always want to be a mother? Can you explain?

No, I didn’t always want to be a mother. Being the youngest of four girls with eight nieces and nephews, I didn’t see motherhood the way my sisters did. I wanted to travel and be the aunt who was fun and free, whatever free meant at the time. I was focused on my career. I was a homeowner at the age of 26 and had traveled substantially before the age of 30, which was important at the time. I was set on living my life to the fullest.

Did motherhood happen when you thought it would, or did it take longer? If it took longer, what advice would you have for another woman in your shoes?

Motherhood didn’t happen when I expected it to; in fact, it took longer than I ever imagined. When the desire to have a baby finally hit me years later, it consumed my thoughts. I went from being unsure about having children to desperately longing for a baby of my own. When I finally welcomed my precious baby girl into the world, it was a period filled with immense stress as I juggled work responsibilities and navigated the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy. Looking back, I was a nervous wreck throughout my pregnancy and even after my daughter was born.

If I could offer advice to another woman in a similar situation, it would be this: trust in the timing of your journey. While it may sound cliché, I’ve learned that everything truly does unfold as it should, in its own divine timing. Instead of fixating on the uncertainty of the future, focus on overcoming the challenges you’re facing in the present moment. Trust that the universe has a plan for you, and have faith that eventually, everything will fall into place exactly as it’s meant to.

Can you tell us a bit about what your day-to-day schedule looks like?

It all begins bright and early at 5:30 a.m., a time when most sane people are still fast asleep. Weekends are the only exception, thank goodness. Mornings are all about ensuring my kids start the day right with a hearty homemade breakfast. I firmly believe in the power of a warm meal made with love to kick-start their day on the right note. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, potatoes — you name it, I’ve got it covered. And while I’m bustling around the kitchen, I somehow manage to squeeze in answering a handful of work emails. Multitasking at its finest!

After the morning rush, it’s off to the office until the evening hours, sometimes as late as 7 p.m. Once I’m back home, it’s time to dive into the second shift: homework, dinner, and quality time with my little ones.

But the best part of my day? Bedtime stories. It’s a precious time when my daughter, son, and I unwind and reflect on the day’s events. My son is always curious about my work life, eager to know how many meetings I had that day. So, we chat and bond until we’re both drifting off to sleep, cherishing these quiet moments together. That’s a snapshot of my daily routine — a delicate balancing act of work and family life. It’s busy, it’s demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Has being a parent changed your career path? Can you explain?

Becoming a parent has been more than a life-changing experience — it’s been a profound shift in perspective that has influenced my career aspirations in unexpected ways. Contrary to what some might expect, parenthood hasn’t altered my career path; rather, it has fueled a newfound desire within me to achieve even greater heights professionally.

With the arrival of my children, I’ve found myself more motivated than ever to make a meaningful impact in my chosen field. Their presence has instilled in me a sense of responsibility not only to provide for them but also to serve as a role model, demonstrating the value of hard work, determination, and resilience.

Parenthood has heightened my awareness of the world around me, inspiring me to seek out opportunities to make a difference, not just for my own family but for the community at large. Whether it’s advocating for work-life balance initiatives, championing diversity and inclusion efforts, or spearheading projects that address pressing social issues, I am driven by a deep-seated desire to create a better future for my children and generations to come.

Moreover, being a parent has taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and resourcefulness — traits that have proven to be invaluable assets in my professional journey. When you have children, you can’t predict what’s going to happen next — children get hurt, for example, and you have to drop everything you’re doing to take care of it. It’s the same way with real estate — a deal might fall through, an agent might leave the company and I have to adapt. Things happen in real estate that I have no control over. The real estate landscape is always changing and you have to find a way to adapt. My children have taught me how to adapt because everything in the world of children is unpredictable. As an executive, I’m often expected to take meetings at all hours of the day, but with children, that’s very difficult. So my children have taught me to live by a fluid schedule depending on the needs of my children and of the agents.

Balancing the demands of parenthood with the rigors of a career has taught me to be more efficient, creative, and solution-oriented in my approach to work.

In essence, far from derailing my career aspirations, parenthood has served as a catalyst for growth, pushing me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life. It has imbued me with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, driving me to pursue my goals with even greater passion and perseverance. As I continue on my career path, I do so with the knowledge that every success I achieve is not just for myself but for the bright future I envision for my children.

Has being a mother made you better at your job? How so?

Absolutely, motherhood has definitely made me better at work. I’ve acquired the patience of a saint — or maybe just the patience of someone who’s survived toddler tantrums and terrible twos and terrible threes and drama! This newfound patience helps me tackle work challenges with an even-keel attitude, no matter how chaotic things may get.

But it’s not just my patience that’s evolved; my entire outlook on life has shifted since becoming a mom. Suddenly, those little hiccups that used to send me into a tailspin don’t seem like such a big deal anymore. After all, once you’ve dealt with a diaper blowout in the middle of a grocery store aisle, everything else pales in comparison! Now, I am much more calm when they get hurt at soccer or volleyball. So, yeah, you could say motherhood has given me a whole new perspective — and a killer set of coping skills to boot.

What are the biggest challenges you face being a working mom?

One of the most significant challenges I encounter as a working mom revolves around the stereotypes and biases that persist regarding a mother’s abilities in the workplace. There’s often this assumption that because I’m a mom, I might not be as committed or capable as my male counterparts. In all my years working in the industry, people tend to think that female executives cannot manage their day-to-day work and being pregnant. When I was pregnant with my first child, some people had doubts that I wouldn’t be able to get everything done. It’s disheartening to feel like I have to constantly prove myself, working twice as hard to demonstrate my competence and dedication. On the other hand, it’s important to acknowledge the reality that it takes the body almost a year to recover from pregnancy, so that should also be a factor that’s considered in the workplace.

The pressure to dispel these misconceptions and surpass expectations can be overwhelming at times. It’s a constant balancing act between fulfilling my responsibilities at work and meeting the demands of motherhood. Despite these challenges, I remain steadfast in my determination to excel in both roles, proving that being a mom only adds to my strengths and capabilities, rather than detracts from them.

Because of my experiences, I’ve also been a champion of broadening the company’s leave policies to make sure they’re fair and realistic and listening to my employees’ needs.

Are there any stories you remember from the early days of parenthood that you want to share?

Ah, the early days of parenthood — the tales I could tell! But one story stands out above the rest, a poignant reminder of the unpredictable journey that is motherhood.

It all began with the arrival of my firstborn, a moment I had eagerly awaited with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Like many new parents, I naively believed that I had to have all the answers, that there was some magical manual out there that would guide me through the ups and downs of motherhood.

Reality, however, had other plans. From the moment my precious bundle of joy entered the world, it became abundantly clear that there was no instruction manual for this gig. No amount of preparation could have braced me for the whirlwind of emotions and challenges that lay ahead.

Perhaps the most vivid memory from those early days is the relentless crying — oh, the crying! For three long months, like clockwork, my baby would begin wailing at 7 p.m. and wouldn’t stop until the wee hours of the morning. I tried everything in my power to soothe her, to ease her discomfort, but nothing seemed to work.

In a desperate bid for relief, I would bundle her up in her car seat and embark on aimless drives through the night, the hum of the engine the only solace amidst the ceaseless cries. Hour after hour, mile after mile, I would navigate the empty streets, my heart heavy with the weight of exhaustion and frustration.

It wasn’t until the four-month mark that the crying finally subsided, leaving in its wake a profound sense of relief and gratitude. Looking back, I realize now that what I had experienced was perfectly normal, a rite of passage that many new parents endure. But in those dark, sleepless nights, I couldn’t help but feel like a failure, like I was somehow falling short of the mark as a mother. It took time and perspective to understand that motherhood is messy and unpredictable, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty.

Yet through it all, there is an undeniable resilience that emerges, a fierce determination to weather the storms and emerge stronger on the other side. And so, I learned to embrace the chaos, to find beauty in the imperfections, and to trust in the journey, knowing that no matter how rocky the road may seem, everything will be okay in the end.

Are there any meaningful activities or traditions you’ve made up or implemented that have enhanced your time with your family? Can you share a story or example?

There are numerous activities and traditions that we cherish as a family, each adding a special touch to our time together. One of my favorites revolves around the holiday season, particularly Christmas.

Every year, I craft a magical box to kickstart the holiday festivities. It arrives at our doorstep with a note from Santa, signaling the official arrival of the elves. Inside the box, we find an array of activities carefully curated for us to enjoy together throughout the entire month. From baking cookies and crafting ornaments to watching classic holiday movies and visiting local light displays, each activity is a cherished opportunity for us to bond and create lasting memories.

The anticipation of receiving the box and the excitement of exploring its contents together truly make the holiday season come alive for us. It’s a tradition that brings us closer as a family and fills our hearts with joy and laughter.

In addition to our holiday tradition, we also find joy in simpler moments, like gardening together or exploring the great outdoors. These shared experiences strengthen our bonds and create opportunities for meaningful connections.

Another highlight for us is our love for travel. We make it a priority to embark on adventures at least twice a year, immersing ourselves in new cultures and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We went to Aruba for spring break last year and we went to the Dominican Republic in 2022. Last year, we went to Quebec, and we went to Miami and the Bahamas. This year, we’re going to Greece. Whether it’s exploring a new city, lounging on a tropical beach, or embarking on a road trip, our travels bring us closer together and enrich our lives in countless ways.

We all live in a world with many deadlines and incessant demands for our time and attention. That inevitably makes us feel rushed and we may feel that we can’t spare the time to be “fully present” with our children. Can you share with our readers 5 strategies about how we can create more space in our lives in order to give our children more quality attention?

1. Establish Tech-Free Zones and Times: Designate specific times and areas in your home where technology is off-limits. This creates dedicated spaces for quality family time without distractions from work emails or notifications.
2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on making the time you do have with your kids count. Instead of worrying about the number of hours you spend together, prioritize meaningful interactions and activities that create lasting memories.
3. Practice Mindful Transitions: Use transition moments between work and family time to shift your mindset and be fully present with your kids. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to decompress during your commute or engaging in a brief mindfulness exercise before walking through the door, these small rituals can help you transition from work mode to parent mode.
4. Delegate and Outsource When Possible: Identify tasks and responsibilities that can be delegated to others or outsourced to free up more time for the family. Whether it’s hiring a cleaning service, enlisting help from family members, or outsourcing meal prep, finding ways to lighten your workload can give you more flexibility to spend quality time with your kids.
5. Plan Special Activities and Rituals: Schedule regular, meaningful activities or rituals that you can look forward to sharing with your kids. Whether it’s a weekly movie night, a monthly outing to a favorite park, or a special breakfast tradition on weekends, having planned moments of connection can help you stay engaged and present amidst a busy schedule.

How do you inspire your child to “dream big”? Can you give an example or story?

I inspire my kids to dream big by nurturing their interests and passions and encouraging them to embrace challenges with confidence and resilience. For example, when they show curiosity in new endeavors, I support them wholeheartedly, reminding them that setbacks are part of the journey toward success. I also expose them to diverse experiences and lead by example, showing them the value of pursuing their dreams with determination and enthusiasm. Through love, encouragement, and personal example, I inspire my kids to believe in themselves and reach for their highest aspirations.

I sometimes help coach the soccer team, which is a role that landed in my lap. My son is a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, he wears his jersey while he’s in the house and he’s always talking about him. So before one of the games, I said to him, “You’re going to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo.” And he scored two goals that day and his team won two games. So I encouraged him to dream, and now he tells everyone that he’s the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

How do you define success in both your career and your family life, and how has this definition evolved over time?

Defining success in both my career and family life has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, evolving over time as I navigate the various roles and responsibilities that come with each aspect of my life.

In my career, success has traditionally been measured by tangible achievements such as promotions, salary increases, and professional recognition. Early on, I equated success with climbing the corporate ladder and achieving external markers of accomplishment. However, as I’ve matured professionally, my definition of success has expanded to include factors such as personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and the impact I have on others. Today, I see success in my career as not only achieving my goals and aspirations but also finding fulfillment and meaning in the work that I do, making a positive difference in the lives of others, and maintaining a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.

Similarly, in my family life, success was initially defined by societal norms and expectations, such as providing for my family financially and ensuring their well-being. As a parent, success means raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children who excel academically and socially. However, as I’ve grown as a parent and gained more experience, my definition of success has shifted to focus more on the quality of our relationships, the values we instill in our children, and the memories we create together. Success in my family life is now measured by the strength of our bonds, the love and support we offer each other, and the joy and fulfillment we find in our shared experiences.

Overall, my definition of success in both my career and family life has evolved from being solely focused on external achievements to encompassing a more holistic view that prioritizes personal growth, fulfillment, and meaningful connections. It’s a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, guided by my values and aspirations and fueled by a desire to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Success today has everything to do with my kids’ mental health and their well-being, as well as my happiness. At work, I have numbers I have to meet, and there are tangible goals. The definition of a successful company has to do with profitability and how many deals my agents are closing. But that has less to do with my definition of success than the success of the company. My definition of success is how happy I am and for my children. For instance, my children don’t take state tests, for example, because I worry about the level of anxiety it’s going to put them through. So I opt them out every year from the state exam to avoid them developing anxiety. To me, it’s more important that they are mentally healthy and their stress levels are low.

What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a better parent? Can you explain why you like them?

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: This classic book offers practical communication strategies for improving parent-child relationships and resolving conflicts with empathy and respect. I appreciate its emphasis on active listening, validation, and problem-solving, and its focus on fostering open and honest communication between parents and children.

“The Power of Showing Up” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: Another insightful book by Siegel and Bryson, “The Power of Showing Up” explores the importance of secure attachment in parenting and offers practical guidance for building strong parent-child bonds. I appreciate its emphasis on the importance of presence, attunement, and responsiveness in nurturing healthy child development

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote” that you share or plan to share with your kids?

One of my favorite life lesson quotes that I like to share with my kids is:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde

This quote encapsulates the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. It reminds us that we are unique individuals with our own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks and that trying to be someone else only diminishes our own value. By embracing who we are, flaws and all, we can live more fulfilling and genuine lives and make a positive impact on the world around us. I want my children to know that they are enough just as they are and that their authenticity is their greatest asset.

If you could sit down with every new parent and offer life hacks, must-have products, or simple advice, what would be on your list?

Life Hacks:

1. Establish a Routine: Establishing a consistent routine can help create predictability and stability for both parents and babies. Try to establish regular sleep, feeding, and playtime schedules to help your baby feel secure and develop healthy sleep habits.
2. Embrace the Power of Babywearing: Invest in a comfortable baby carrier or wrap that allows you to keep your baby close while still having your hands free. Babywearing can help soothe fussy babies, promote bonding, and make it easier to navigate daily tasks.
3. Batch Prep Meals: Take advantage of moments when your baby is sleeping or occupied to batch prep meals and snacks for yourself. Having healthy, ready-to-eat meals on hand can save time and ensure you’re nourished and energized throughout the day.
4. Invest in Multifunctional Baby Gear: Look for baby gear that serves multiple purposes to maximize space and functionality. For example, a convertible crib that transitions into a toddler bed or a high chair that can also be used as a booster seat.
5. Create a Diaper Changing Station: Set up a diaper changing station in multiple locations throughout your home to streamline diaper changes. Stock each station with diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and a change of clothes to make diaper changes quick and efficient.

Must-Have Products:

1. Diapers and Wipes: Stock up on diapers and wipes in various sizes to accommodate your baby’s changing needs. Consider trying different brands to find the ones that work best for your baby’s skin.
2. Swaddle Blankets: Swaddle blankets can help soothe newborns and promote better sleep by recreating the feeling of being in the womb. Look for lightweight, breathable swaddle blankets that are easy to use.
3. Baby Monitor: A reliable baby monitor can provide peace of mind by allowing you to keep an eye on your baby while they sleep. Choose a monitor with features that meet your needs, such as video monitoring, two-way audio, and temperature monitoring.
4. Baby Swing or Bouncer: A baby swing or bouncer can provide soothing motion to help calm fussy babies and lull them to sleep. Look for a swing or bouncer with adjustable settings and features such as music, vibration, and mobiles.

Simple Advice:

1. Trust Your Instincts: You know your baby best, so trust your instincts and intuition when it comes to caring for them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek guidance when needed, but ultimately, trust yourself to make the best decisions for your baby.
2. Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care and prioritize your own physical and emotional well-being. Take breaks when needed, ask for support from friends and family, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling.
3. Enjoy the Moments: Parenthood can be challenging and exhausting at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Take time to savor the precious moments with your baby, cherish the milestones, and celebrate the joy that comes with being a parent.
4. Stay Flexible: Parenthood is full of surprises, so stay flexible and be prepared to adapt to changes as they arise. Embrace the unpredictability of parenthood and approach each day with a sense of openness and resilience.
5. Connect with Other Parents: Seek out community and support by connecting with other parents who are on a similar journey. Join parenting groups, attend local support groups or classes, and build relationships with other parents who can offer advice, encouragement, and companionship along the way.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Morcom is a millennial mom of three and founder of Morcom Media, a performance PR shop for thought leaders. She earned her degree in journalism and worked for Canada’s largest social enterprise. She can be reached at vanessa@morcom.media