Jessica Serrano has spent nearly two decades shaping some of the world’s most loved food brands, but what makes her story hit is the way she’s built a life that can hold both motherhood and executive ambition.

In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin Rice sits down with the CMO of Bagel Brands (Einstein Bros and Noah’s Bagels) to talk about what it really takes to lead at a high level without feeling like you’re constantly choosing between work and family. Jessica shares the full circle moment of starting a new CMO role on the exact day her twin daughters started kindergarten, with three generations in one car on day one. From multi generational living and cross country moves to ruthless prioritization and energy protection, she breaks down the real systems that keep her grounded.

They also go deep on career growth, including the hard lessons that came with moving into the C suite, why conviction matters when you report to a founder, and how she evaluates roles using a skill building matrix so she doesn’t fall in love with the fireplace. If you’re trying to grow your career, stay present at home, and lead with clarity, this conversation will give you both perspective and practical tools.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• How Jessica makes big career moves without destabilizing her family life
• Why the first 15 minutes after work are the highest impact parenting minutes
• How multi generational living can unlock ambition without guilt
• What changes when you move from director to the C suite
• How to lead through others when you’re used to being in the trenches
• Why protecting energy matters more than protecting hours
• How to make career decisions using a skill building matrix

Top Takeaways

• Parenthoood does not shrink ambition, it clarifies it
• You can do both, but usually not with traditional life constructs
• Presence is an energy decision, not just a time decision
• Strong leaders bring conviction, not compliance
• The right support system makes travel and demanding roles sustainable
• Work and life do not need strict buckets, they need intention and alignment

About Jessica Serrano

Jessica Serrano is the Chief Marketing Officer of Bagel Brands, home to Einstein Bros and Noah’s Bagels. She has led culturally resonant marketing across some of the biggest names in food, including leadership roles at Taco Bell and Burger King, and she helped drive brand and growth as CMO at Dig Inn. Jessica is known for blending business rigor with warmth and creativity, and for building teams and brand strategies that connect deeply with consumers while staying grounded in what matters most at home.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:54) - The Decision to Move for Career Opportunities
• (00:08:42) - The Impact of Motherhood on Career Ambitions
• (00:14:53) - Maintaining Family Connections Amidst Career Demands
• (00:17:40) - Transitioning to Executive Roles
• (00:26:26) - Career Growth Through Unconventional Roles
• (00:29:46) - Balancing Work and Family Life
• (00:35:21) - Managing Stress in New Roles
• (00:38:31) - Keeping Your Cup Full
• (00:41:36) - Empathy in Leadership