Supporting Our Troops: The Role of Childcare for Military Families | Francisco Jamison
Francisco Jamison, a leading expert on childcare and military families, is a passionate advocate dedicated to ensuring that those who serve our country have access to the support they need at home. With deep expertise in the complex infrastructure behind military childcare, Francisco sheds light on an issue that often goes unnoticed but is essential to the well-being of military families and the strength of our armed forces.
This conversation is especially timely as April marks the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and honor military-connected children's resilience, strength, and sacrifices. Francisco’s insights offer a powerful reminder of the systems that support these young people — and why investing in them is critical to building a stronger future.
One of the key themes Francisco explores is the power of influence in less visible spaces. He demonstrates how true leadership is rooted in respect and empathy by focusing on listening, adapting to people's needs, and honoring every individual — from top leadership to entry-level personnel. Through personal stories and lessons from military service, Francisco offers a compelling look at how influence can create meaningful, lasting change.
Takeaways:
- Invest in Military Childcare: Focus on enhancing the infrastructure behind military childcare. By ensuring that military families have access to quality childcare, the well-being of both children and parents can be supported, ultimately strengthening the armed forces.
- Recognize the Resilience of Military Children: Take time during the Month of the Military Child (April) to acknowledge the unique challenges and strengths of military-connected children. Creating recognition programs for their sacrifices can help build a supportive community for them.
- Lead with Respect and Empathy: Emphasize leadership rooted in empathy and respect, focusing on listening to the needs of all individuals, from top leaders to entry-level personnel. This can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
- Champion Invisible Contributions: Acknowledge and support less visible, yet essential, roles within the military system. Highlighting these contributions can build stronger, more effective networks within military families and the broader community.
- Create Meaningful Change through Influence: Leverage influence to make a lasting impact. Francisco’s approach emphasizes the importance of leading by example and using influence to create systems that benefit everyone, especially military families.
Quote of the Show:
- “Childcare for the military, it’s a mission readiness factor. It’s a force multiplier, and so it affects national security.”
Links:
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.