We had the good fortune of connecting with Regina Key and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is a tricky topic. I believe that balance looks different for everyone and isn’t a one size fits all concept. Over the course of my career, balance has shifted – that’s what happens when you work at the same company as a single professional, to being married to a mom of two very busy boys. What brings me balance at this stage of my career, is the ability to be the best when I am at work and the best at home. I think the right combination is working at a company who supports you to be efficient and effective but also respects boundary-setting. That to me is balance!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This is a fun one! I didn’t take a straight path to get here. I started super hands-on, really in the details, doing the work myself. Over time, I grew into leading teams and thinking more strategically. That shift was honestly one of the harder parts—learning to step back, trust other people, and not feel like you have to have your hands in everything. But it’s also what’s made the biggest difference in how I lead now.

In my new role, I am focused on fostering creative synergy between Sales, Marketing, Event Design and Development teams which is an exciting challenge. Seeing the exceptional and engaging work that comes from a team which is connected and supported fuels my day to day, that and always being open to new ideas! I firmly believe that creativity can come from anywhere and have always operated with an open mind and willingness to take risks. I’ve learned that most of the time, if something feels uncomfortable, it probably means you’re growing.

And I still genuinely love it. I love the process, I love the collaboration, and I love those moments when everything clicks and you know you’ve created something people are actually going to remember. I’m really proud of the work, but honestly, I’m just as proud of the people I’ve gotten to work with and mentor. Seeing a team come together and create something great is a big part of what keeps me motivated.

For my next step, if the opportunity presents itself, I would love to start speaking on topics that help inspire creative teams – showing them how to leverage AI, collaborate more effectively, and push through creative blocks.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First stop would be the beach – it’s a must for anyone coming to San Diego. My personal favorite is Seaside (aka Cardiff State Beach) on border of Solana Beach and Cardiff – lots of parking and tidepools. The longer I have lived in San Diego, the more I appreciate local hidden gems. After day at the beach, we love to hit Sister’s Snack Shack in Solana Beach – they serve up delicious Asian and Hawaiian street food out of this tiny historic building.

Another cool experience is hiking Annie’s Canyon – you walk along the lagoon and then the trail leads you through towering sandstone paths. It’s unique and I am sure it has hit your Instagram feed!

If its baseball season, then PETCO Park is a must. What they have created at that stadium is so special. The food, the vibe and setting is exceptional.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am going to shout out my fellow working moms who are crushing it on the daily even when they think they are not! I have been lucky enough to have spent the better part of my career at a women-owned business where I learned how to fit everything in while have realistic expectations. Having a solid crew of mom friends across professions – teachers, nurses, HR executives, CFO, culture consultants – has been instrumental in balancing out work and personal life. It truly takes a village!

Website: https://www.destinationconcepts.com

Instagram: @destinationconcepts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-key-711747b/

Image Credits
Destination Concepts inc.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.