Pietro, a senior manager in our assurance practice, reflects on how the support he received on his path to fatherhood along with RSM’s caring culture, has helped him balance work and family life while being present for his son.
In his own words:
Being named the Working Father of the Year at RSM is an honor I never imagined I would receive, especially as a relatively new father still learning the ropes. My journey to fatherhood wasn’t easy. My wife, Jeslin, and I struggled with unexplained infertility for years, often wondering if we would ever realize our dream of becoming parents. After five years of uncertainty, we decided to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF). With the help of RSM’s fertility benefits and coverage, our miracle finally came. Our son, Pietro Jose, or “PJ” as he’s affectionately known, was born in June 2023, filling our lives with more joy than we could have ever imagined.
My experience as a working father at RSM has been incredibly positive, thanks to the incredible support from my colleagues and clients. Since joining the firm as an assurance associate in 2012, I’ve always felt part of a community that values both professional and personal wellbeing. Balancing my responsibilities as a father and my career comes down to clear communication with my support systems—both at home and at work. Jeslin and I make it a point to plan our work weeks as meticulously as possible, but as any parent knows, surprises are inevitable. Flexibility is key, and I’m grateful to be in a workplace that understands and supports that.
One of my personal goals as a father is to be present for every key moment in PJ’s life. Growing up as the son of immigrant parents who often worked late hours, I know how it feels to miss those crucial moments. From attending every doctor’s appointment during Jeslin’s pregnancy to being there for every milestone as PJ grows, I’ve made it a priority to be present. The culture at RSM has made this possible. When I’m spending time with my family, I can focus on them, not the emails waiting in my inbox.
People often talk about finding balance, but I see it more like a seesaw. There are times when my family needs more of my attention, and other times when work takes precedence. The key is having the support to manage these shifts. I am incredibly fortunate to have such a strong support system both at home and at RSM.
Receiving this award is not just a personal achievement—it’s a reflection of the amazing people around me. Over the years, I’ve looked up to many colleagues and friends at RSM who have set great examples of what it means to be a working father. Receiving this recognition means a great deal to me, and I am honored to be part of a firm that makes balancing fatherhood and a career not just possible but fulfilling. I am deeply appreciative of everyone who has supported me on this journey.
Culture of inclusion
Being an equitable and inclusive firm where diverse talent excels is a critical part of RSM’s culture—it’s one of the things that sets us apart.
Thousands of personalities make up RSM. Our inclusive workplace celebrates the differences among our talented people, while enabling them to grow forward at work and in their personal lives.
