RRP: How do you balance being a mom and the Marketing Director for the past five years at Baptist Health?
KA: I do my best to give all of myself to work when I’m at work and all of myself to my family at home. Healthcare marketing doesn’t always have typical hours, which can lead to some overlap between family and work. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by an incredible support system of people, both professionally and personally, who are always willing to help when needed.
RRP: What inspired you to be a reporter out of college and transition into your current role?
KA: During my childhood, I often pretended to be Katie Couric and loved “reporting live” from our living room, kitchen, shower, or wherever I was. That carried over into my adult life and sparked my love of storytelling. I believe everyone has a story worth sharing, and I loved getting to help share those stories as a broadcast journalist. In my current role, I have the privilege of helping tell the stories of nearly 6,000 team members and the patients we serve at Baptist Health. It’s my dream job!
RRP: You have two toddlers, a one-year-old and a two-year-old. What advice would you give to a mom who is expecting?
KA: Give yourself grace. If you are ever feeling down on yourself, watch your baby’s face light up with joy when you do a simple thing for them, and that will provide all the affirmation needed to “pick you back up.”
Let “your people” love you! If someone offers to bring dinner, clean your house, hold the baby so you can take a shower, whatever it is, they’re offering because they love you, so let them love you.
Lower your expectations. When children are involved, things rarely go as expected or according to the plan you read on the internet or the way your best friend said it would go, and that is perfectly normal. Setting lower or manageable expectations will help change your perspective, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when they are met or exceeded.
RRP: With two small children, how does daycare benefit your family?
KA: My husband and I work full time, so our children have been in childcare since they were three months old. We have been very blessed to have caregivers at daycare who love and care for our babies as if they were their own. It has also been so special to see Wiley and Ada James love their teachers and friends from daycare.
RRP: Congratulations! You’ve earned several accolades: Serving on various boards, completing leadership classes, and recently being nominated for 40 under 40. As a busy mom, what do you contribute to your success?
KA: Thank you! Perseverance was one of the first five-dollar words I learned when I was just a little girl, and strived to keep it in my vocabulary and as a way of life since then. While hard work goes a long way, I rely heavily on my faith, family, and friends to help make me the best version of myself. I try to learn something new or meet someone new every day.
RRP: You and your husband are both Auburn graduates. How do you plan to lay the foundation of education for your children?
KA: We are lifelong learners and want to teach our children to be the same. Your education is earned, never taken away, and you never know where it will take you. They are little sponges at this age, and we hope that never changes.
RRP: What hobbies do you enjoy during your me time? Why?
KA: I have always enjoyed cooking, table setting/decorating, and hosting friends and family for dinners and celebrations. There’s something special to me about creating something for others and having people you love gathered around your table. When I need to escape from everything else around me, I also love walking in our neighborhood and practicing Pilates.
RRP: What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
KA: I am much stronger than I thought. I can do almost anything one-handed. The latter was learning while nursing one baby and having a toddler who needed my attention, too. Two under two wasn’t for the faint of heart, but that holds for all stages of motherhood. My mom and so many moms who surround me are some of the strongest people I know, and I’m proud to learn from them and now join them by wearing the title of Mom.
Kadie Agnew is from Muscle Shoals, AL. She’s been married to her husband, Freeman, for six years. They have two children; Wiley (2) and Ada James (1).
