June is the month for fathers, and AW pays tribute to the special man in our lives by showcasing the hard work that goes into spending quality time at home while managing a hectic work schedule. Today we spend time at the corporate offices of National Commercial Bank to find out from some executive fathers what it takes to be a leader at the workplace and a great dad at home.

MARK THOMPSON

President and CEO, Advantage General Insurance Company Ltd (NCB Group subsidiary)

Father of Jonathan Thompson

Describe the role you play in your children’s lives?

It is the dream of all parents to always be there to support and guide our young ones, and most of all, as a father to a son, to be the proper role model. As a divorced parent, this is just that much more difficult and yet, critical. I set much of what I do around my son’s well-being. He is such a model child that it has been a great pleasure to be his father. I continually question how much more I would be if I had his attitude towards the future. With that in mind, his mother and I continue to create an environment that stirs his imagination and inspires his dreams. We ensure that he continues to value what’s important in life and to understand that there is good and bad in this world, and that he should remain grounded.

How do you balance the demands of your job with fatherhood?

I have to admit that this has been difficult, especially during his very early years when we believed investment in career was as imperative as adoration of one’s child. In execution, it has been a learning experience. That said, over time I have learned to set ground rules to ensure that work time does not cross over into his time. With him being an only child presently, I recognise that certain moments may only be a once-in-a- lifetime thing. You just have to put everything aside and savor the moment and all the joys it brings.

What do you think is the most important attribute of a good father?

With all the things you want to be to your child, the most important is provider of that enduring love and support that he needs as he goes through the various stages of his life. I believe in ensuring selfless commitment to his goals. You have to ensure that you are approachable and that you will be the best role model that you can be as a man and as a father.

GARFIELD PALMER

Business Development Manager, Retail Banking Division, NCB

Father of daughter Lakeisha Palmer

Describe the role you play in your daughter’s life?

I am a very involved, hands-on father and role model for my daughter. I view my role as being that of a provider, protector and playmate and someone who is responsible for my child’s physiological, sociological and emotional well-being. Of great importance is the father/daughter time spent together, ranging from daily pick-ups from school, swimming classes on the weekend, trips to the beach and supermarket, attending church and doing chores together.

How do you balance the demands of your job with fatherhood?

Life can be challenging, and balancing the demands of my job and the expectations of a father can seem insurmountable at times. Striking a balance isn’t always easy but knowing where your priority lies can reduce the pressure. For me, my family comes first. I believe that by investing time and love into building strong relationships with one’s family, you are better able to deal with the demands of the job. By creating such a balance, I am more equipped to cope with the demands of both worlds.

What do you think is the most important attribute of a good father?

A good father should always show unconditional love and support for his children. He should be a true gentleman, leader, disciplinarian and, most of all, friend to his children. I think it is very important to show our children that despite the issues we are oftentimes faced with, we love them unconditionally, and that’s what is most important.

KEVIN INGRAM

Vice-President, Wealth Management, NCB Capital Markets

Father of sons Jared and Jeremy Ingram

Describe the role you play in your children’s lives?

I am their teacher, football coach, cartoon-watching companion, foreman (yard-work) and provider. The Bible teaches that a good man leaves a heritage for his children and his children’s children, and, as such, I also show them how they should treat a lady by the way I treat my wife, their mother. I provide spiritual, emotional and social support and guidance to my boys. We discuss everything.

How do you balance the demands of your job with fatherhood?

Work is very hectic so I alternate with my wife between dropping Jared or Jeremy off at school in the mornings. I use my lunchtime most days to pick them up and while in transit, we discuss their day at school and anything they want to discuss. If time allows we do a gas station snack stop. Friday evening is pizza and movie/wrestling-watching time at home, and this is one of my most cherished moments in the week. Saturday morning we go to Emancipation Park together to run, and while the adrenaline is still flowing, we take on the job of raking and bagging the leaves in the backyard (this is a father-and-son-only job). I take them to tennis at NCB’s Wellness Centre, and in the evening the whole family might catch a movie. Sundays, we go to church, as godly discipline is a must. And I shouldn’t let my weight-loss coach hear this, but we usually go to Wendy’s afterwards, and I don’t order the salad. We are also avid Barcelona and AC Milan fans.

What do you think is the most important attribute of a good father?

Leaving a good heritage for your children by how you live, one of the greatest joys in my life was when Jared and Jeremy came to me individually one day and said, ” Daddy, when I grow up I want to be just like you.” If I wasn’t so manly, I would have cried.

LENNNOX CHANNER

Assistant General Manager, Group Investor Relations, Performance Management and Planning

Father of daughters Kyra-Jade and Maya-Paige Channer

Describe the role you play in your children’s lives?

I sometimes hear the term “babysitting” being used when fathers are tending to their kids in the absence of their mothers. I think that is unfortunate, as our role is so important in their development, and I embrace mine fully. My first aim is to let my girls know that I am there for them in every way, no matter what. Eating imaginary food and drinking imaginary tea, reading stories to them at bedtime are roles I hold dear to my heart. I try to be fun, but also a good disciplinarian when the time calls for it. I try to build close and positive relationships with my girls by constantly talking with them about their days, their dreams and what clip they want to use in their doll’s hair. I try to give them genuine motivation, praise and admiration to help them grow up to become independent and confident women.

How do you balance the demands of your job with fatherhood?

It is a major challenge to navigate work and family. How do I avoid regularly working through my children’s bedtime? How can I be a strong contributor on the job and still be available for homework? I strive to be flexible by working from home when possible and staying organised by keeping track of the important events in my children’s lives. In prioritising my work, I keep a ‘to-do’ list, get to the most important tasks first, and check them off as I go along. This is difficult in a dynamic environment such as NCB, but using my time efficiently during the workday makes it easier for me to find time to be more involved as a father. Thankfully, my wife is there on the seesaw helping me to balance.

What do you think is the most important attribute of a good father?

The most important attribute of a good father is to have integrity, and lead his children by his examples.

DONNOVAN REID

Branch Manager, NCB St Ann’s Bay

Father of sons Emilio and Khalilah Reid

Describe the role you play in your children’s lives?

I play an inspirational and guiding role in my children’s lives, imparting wisdom gained from my own life experiences. I am proud to participate in their social orientation and in positioning them to hone and develop their God-given talents.

How do you balance the demands of your job with fatherhood?

I always try to find a good balance between my work and home life and I deliberately seek time to become involved with their academic development and school-related activities. Finding balance is also easier as the kids and I have similar interests, so we are able to spend true quality time playing sports and getting involved in other outdoor activities.

What do you think is the most important attribute of a good father?

The most important attribute of a good father is effectively walking that fine line between love and discipline. I believe that this is critical to ensure that your children develop into self-assured and confident adults while learning good manners, values and morals.