Episode 35: How to Support Parents in RevOps

In this  RevOpsAF podcast episode, co-host Camela Thompson sits down with Jessica Boiardi, Vice President of Revenue Operations at Mirror Digital. With over 15 years of experience leading RevOps teams across media giants like Buzzfeed, Complex, and Turner, Jessica is also a devoted mom of two, a community advocate, and a board member for multiple nonprofits.

This conversation dives into the realities of working parents in revenue operations — covering everything from the invisible mental load to inclusive leadership, inflexible networking formats, and what true support really looks like. If you’re a working parent - or work alongside one - this episode is a must-listen.

The Realities of Doing It All

Jessica is brutally honest about what it actually takes to manage a high-level RevOps role while raising two kids and giving back to her community. For her, efficiency is everything. Whether it’s doing a full Trader Joe’s run in 15 minutes between school drop-offs or syncing calendars with her husband down to the minute, the only way it works is with planning and intention.

“I did full food shopping in 15 minutes, then dropped off all the groceries, put them away really quick, and brought my daughter to school. You have to figure it out.”

Authenticity > Aspirational Panels

When it comes to parenting panels or content aimed at working moms and dads, Jessica says most of it misses the mark. The reason? It’s often sugarcoated or curated by people with far more help than the average working parent has access to.

“When I hear panels of parents whose kids are much older or who have tons of help, it just doesn’t resonate. That’s not my reality—and it’s not a lot of other people’s either.”

The Myth of Balance - and Why It's Okay to Drop the Ball

"Balance" is a buzzword that comes up in nearly every parenting discussion—but Jessica challenges its usefulness. For her, balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about prioritization, flexibility, and accepting that some weeks are going to be chaotic.

“My 2024 wasn’t balanced. There were times I just couldn’t get it together. And that’s okay. There are going to be weeks that are perfect, and there are going to be weeks that just aren't.”

She also shares how she uses a shared calendar with her partner to stay aligned and set expectations. Knowing when to outsource (like dinner!) and being honest about limitations is key.

What Peers and Managers Can Actually Do to Help

Jessica shares actionable tips for how peers, managers, and companies can support working parents:

• Be inclusive when scheduling meetings. Don’t drop last-minute invites on someone whose evenings are filled with daycare pickups.
• Respect boundaries. If someone sets a hard stop at 5 p.m., don’t ask them to make exceptions—understand why it matters.
• Plan ahead. If you're organizing an event or meeting that requires off-hours participation, give plenty of lead time so parents can find childcare or adjust plans.
• Offer stretch opportunities with flexibility. Let senior team members step in when coverage is needed—it helps with development and keeps momentum going.

“We want to be at the dinner. We want to go to the happy hour. But we need notice. If you move the date three times, I’m probably not coming. I’ve already changed everything else three times too.”

Let’s Talk About the Mental Load

One of the most overlooked challenges for parents in RevOps - and any high-pressure role - is the sheer mental load. Even in a two-partner household with shared responsibilities, managing school schedules, doctor appointments, and meal plans is an invisible job that never turns off.

“There are definitely mornings when I wake up and think, ‘I know I’m forgetting something.’ That’s the mental load—and it’s real.”

Representation Matters

Jessica emphasizes that parenting conversations need to reflect real-life family structures. Not every family is a nuclear one, and not every parent has access to the same resources. When companies or event organizers only showcase one type of parenthood, they miss the opportunity to be truly inclusive.

“When you look at our mom group, we’re all different - different jobs, different lives - but we connect on one thing: we’re all trying our best. The hard conversations matter just as much as the fun ones.”

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Jessica’s final message? Support doesn’t mean solving every problem - it means acknowledging the full human behind the role. Whether you're a manager, teammate, or event organizer, consider how a little empathy, planning, and flexibility can go a long way for the parents on your team.

“We’re parents before, during, and after work. We’re not looking for special treatment - we’re just asking for support and understanding.”

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