Taylor Martin

Casualty litigation specialist for Nationwide Insurance

Wife to James, mommy to Addison Jean, 15 months, and zorro the siamese cat

Balancing work life and home life can be tough. Just ask Taylor Martin, a working mother to her 15-month-old daughter, Addison Jean. But with help from her parents, who watch Addison Jean during the week, a supportive husband and some serious organizational skills, Martin manages to maintain the balance between her work family at Nationwide Insurance and her own family.

What does your typical workday look like?

I arrive to work around 7 a.m. and turn on my computer to check emails. One of my success tips is arriving to work early. This allows me to knock out a lot of items before anyone else even arrives. I then see if I was assigned any new lawsuits and review those first. The rest of the day consists of reviewing complaints that were filed and assigning them out to our defense counsels for a defense for our members. I also mix in a lot of mediations, file conferences, litigation plans, records reviews and, of course, a quick lunch! I love the office atmosphere here and really enjoy working with my co-workers. They are my Nationwide family.

How do you balance work life and family life?

The struggle is real when it comes to work-life balance. For me, organization and maximizing my time are the best ways to balance the two. I am always trying to be proactive and try to evaluate my day-to-day activities by setting priorities. That way, I can mitigate the need to stay late at the office and spend time with my family.

What are 5 things you must have at work?

First and foremost — gum! Then of course blue pens for writing, my Yeti cup for ice water, my co-workers and my tennis shoes for walking breaks around the building!

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is my Dad. I admire his honesty and dependability the most.

What is your coffee order?

A venti wet cappuccino from Starbucks!

When and how do you make time for yourself?

After Addison goes to bed, I love just sitting down and relaxing with a nice glass of wine and catching up on social media. On the weekends I enjoy time by the pool and getting pedicures.

Who are your biggest supporters?

By all means, my husband and both my parents.

What is your go to breakfast?

Oatmeal! I love oatmeal, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s good for me and filling, too!

Finish this sentence:

I hope that I have taught my daughter Independence and honesty.

What advice would you give other working parents?

Sometimes it can get overwhelming being a parent and working full time — I totally get it! The best advice I can give to other working parents is to stop, breathe and remember that just because we don’t know exactly how it’s going to work, doesn’t mean that it isn’t going to work.

What sacrifices/ compromises have you had to make?

I am very fortunate to have my parents watch Addison during the weekdays while my husband and I work. I really haven’t had to make many sacrifices/compromises.