We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathryn Clayton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Earlier, in my career, post school, post graduate and post law school the equation for work life balance really only contained those two parts. I had my one career to focus on and life was short hand for social activities and some self care. Now that I’m mid career and an entrepreneur the equation has expanded and life isn’t just a few social activities and a vacation lumped together. And even with the work side comprising of 2 businesses and the life side including my roles and mother, wife, daughter and friend the the balance sheet is not 50/50 and it doesn’t equal to 100.

As my life grows more complex and I continue to gain experience and the ability to really hone in on what my passions are, I have the ability to really select projects that are worth my time and effort that I will find personally fulfilling and when I can’t do that, I’ve gained enough efficiency for the work to take up less and less space so I can have that breathing room for the life side.

It sounds cliché, but I do find my roles as wife and mother to be my priority right now. Parenting is absolutely challenging but I am having a blast. And I’m thankful everyday that I have that space to just enjoy the fleeting moments of childhood with a partner I was very intentional about creating a family with. There is still some balance time left for me to enjoy my extended family and to pursue personal passions and skills that are not productive but spiritually enriching.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve worked for the federal government for 15 years. I absolutely enjoy what I do and the people I work with. As a person with a non-technical background, I’m surrounded by engineers and scientists and I get to explain their work and its importance to elected officials. What is most surprising about my job is how active it is. I am always out in the community meeting others and working with local, state and federal elected officials to reach all sectors of the Houston and beyond. Along the way, I’ve learned the value of building a solid network and contributing to others success so that we can all reach our goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I have out of town visitors, I like to show them why it’s called Space City. Especially when the weathers nice, driving down to see the NASA visitors center and then hopping over to Kemah for some really fresh fish is always a good afternoon. My other favorites have to be the annual spectacle that is our Rodeo and my personal goal to find the best breakfast tacos in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been blessed with many champions in my academic and professional life who each deserve their flowers, but I’d like to name my husband Adrian Clayton for his unwavering support, encouragement and efforts towards my dreams and goals.

Image Credits
Brandi Ali Photography Joanna Booth

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