Motherhood, like work, is often defined by what doesn’t make it into a calendar invite: the nightly dinners that anchor a family after a long day, the chaotic bedtime routines filled with laughter and negotiation, the quiet after-school conversations that reveal what really mattered.
It’s found in stroller runs and shared workouts, in walks through nature, in weeknight check-ins where everyone gets a turn to be heard. These aren’t grand milestones—they’re the rhythms that steady everything else.
In this collection, working moms across industries reflect on those rhythms, and on the ways their personal and professional lives shape one another. They share the small traditions that keep them grounded, the pivotal moments when workplace support made all the difference, and the lessons parenting has taught them about leadership, empathy, and perspective.
What’s clear is this: Motherhood is a constant recalibration. A willingness to let go of perfection, to prioritize what matters most, and to show up again and again. Happy Mother's Day.
Moms answer:
What’s a tradition, routine, or small moment with your kids that helps you stay grounded?
“There are a few traditions and routines that help me stay grounded. One is family dinner, seated together at the table every evening, as well as our somewhat overstimulating bedtime routine. It’s the end of the day, so the zoomies are in full force, bath time is filled with louder-than-usual laughter and singing, and, at some point, my older children start arguing about who gets to read the bedtime story—and I wouldn’t change it. It’s all part of filling our lives and home with memories.” –Justine Elyse Francois, NAMR Administrative Services Director of Local Markets
“Fitness has always grounded me, but sharing it with my son Beckham has been the real gift. He comes with me to the CrossFit gym, ‘works out’ with me at home, and tags along on stroller runs (with all the snacks). Watching him learn strength, support, and confidence, then say he wants to be ‘big and strong like Mom,’ that’s it, that’s the win. And it matters because every rep, every run, and every moment becomes a lesson long after the workout is over.” –Stefanie Sharp, Financial Services Credit Supervisor
“One tradition that keeps me grounded is our daily after-school chats. I take a few minutes to talk about their day, what made them smile, what challenged them, and one kind thing they did for someone else. It’s a simple routine, but it brings me back to what matters most and that is connection, empathy, and being present. No matter how busy life gets, those conversations remind me to slow down and see the world through their eyes.” –Jazmin Snook, Sr. Operations Manager
“Every day at dinner, my three sons, husband and I share one thing that didn't go well, and many days, we can't even think of one. Then we each name three good things. It's simple, but it shifts everything. We talk through the hard moments, then intentionally turn toward what made the day great. It keeps us present, keeps us connected, and reminds all of us, no matter the age, that there's always something worth being grateful for. This is our anchor, and we treasure it.” –Erin Crawford, Manager of Technical Account Management
“For me, staying grounded as a parent is all about our routine of spending time in nature. While parenting hasn't significantly changed my lifestyle, it has intentionally increased the time we spend outdoors. Prioritizing this connection to the natural world is key to keeping our family physically and mentally balanced. Once we step into nature, our daily roles—whose son or daughter we are, or what we do in the city—simply don't matter. Immersing ourselves in life exactly the way it is keeps me totally recharged while having fun with our son.” –Zhivka Ivanova, Financial Operations Specialist
“As a working mom, my husband, children, and I set aside one weeknight for dinner and a family mental check-in. We openly share about our week, discuss challenges, and work through solutions together, making decisions that help us stay focused and grounded, always striving to lead with love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Motherhood doesn’t end when the workday does—I’m always on call. I thank God for shaping me to serve inside and outside the home, and for giving me wisdom to support others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” –Crystal Robinson, Project Coordinator
How has your company supported you through a pivotal parenting moment or transition?
“I was able to take 12 weeks of fully paid leave when my daughter was born, which gave me invaluable time to welcome and bond with my growing family. That dedicated period made a meaningful difference during such an important transition. When I returned to work, my colleagues and team continued to be incredibly supportive, offering flexibility when I needed it—whether for doctor’s appointments or unexpected illnesses. That understanding has made it possible for me to balance my responsibilities at home and work in a sustainable way.” –Kelsey Wagner, Talent Lead & People Operations Generalist
“My company, Hitachi Energy, has been an amazing source of support during my new transition into parenting. Through flexibility and open communication, I’ve been able to balance my new responsibilities as a parent while still growing professionally. The support I have received has made a meaningful difference in my day to day and has reinforced that I am part of a workplace that values its people not just as employees, but as individuals navigating real-life moments.” –Katie Hoover, Employer Brand Manager
“While being employed at HOLT, I’ve experienced some major parenting milestones, including having both of my children start school. During these transitions, the company has consistently supported me by offering flexibility that allows me to stay on top of my work while also being present for important school functions and moments. That balance has meant a great deal to me as a working parent, and I’m truly grateful for the understanding and support HOLT provides.” –Briana Linton, HR Operations Analyst
“As the mother of a six-year-old daughter, maintaining a healthy balance between my responsibilities at home and my role as an active professional is of utmost importance to me—and MasTec Civil has made that balance possible without compromising my performance. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of contributing to the company’s largest bridge construction project, an experience that has allowed me to grow professionally while remaining present for my family. I can say with great pride that during this time, I have not missed a single important moment in my daughter’s life, all while fully meeting my work responsibilities. The flexibility, trust, and support I have received have enabled me to succeed in both spheres of my life. I am truly grateful to be part of a team that values dedication not only in the workplace but also at home. Beyond my professional responsibilities, my most meaningful role is being a mother—something the company clearly understands and actively supports. I thank MasTec Civil, and the incredible team I work with, for fostering an environment where I can thrive as both a professional and a mother.” –Karlienys Calzadilla, Administrative Assistant
“Welcoming my second child was one of the most joyful and challenging transitions of my life. Bringing home a new baby takes a strong support system, not only from family and friends, but as a working mother, to have the support in the workplace as well is significantly affirming. My department celebrated my growing family with a heartfelt baby shower, I was afforded the opportunity to take parental leave and focus on those precious early months, and when I returned, I was met with encouragement, flexibility, and opportunities to grow. That care made a life-changing transition feel not only possible but deeply empowering.” –Rebecca Gallrein, Sr Talent Acquisition & Diversity Partner
“As a single mother of two girls, 11 and 8 years old, Serv-U-Success provides me with the flexibility to adjust my schedule around them. We had to switch schools due to one of the schools closing, and we lost bus transportation. Now, not only can I take them to school and pick them up, I can arrange my schedule to go on field trips and any school concerts or fun events they have. With Serv-U, I can work weekends while they are with their father, which allows me to enjoy some quiet midweek days off with them. The flexibility Serv-U provides is one of the key reasons I love working for this company.” —Jody Wichtoski, Field Operations Manager
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from parenting that’s made you better at your job—or vice versa?
“One lesson parenting has reinforced for me, especially with three young kids, is the importance of prioritization and letting go of perfection. I’ve had to accept that not everything can be ‘just right,’ and I have to ruthlessly prioritize what’s important. That mindset has made me more effective at work: clearer on priorities, more focused on what truly matters, and not sweating the small stuff. It’s also helped me better empower others, recognizing that great outcomes don’t depend on me doing everything, but on supporting others to step in and succeed.” –Alex Hellmuth, North America Strategic Initiatives Senior Director
“Parenting has helped me with being more focused on the big picture and not dwell on the small things in the job. When I became a parent, my priorities expanded, as did the day-to-day mental load. To manage everything, something had to give, and I realized that was the mindshare I was spending on little things in life and in work like thinking about how to respond to an email for days. Learning to let go of those things made me a better leader because then I spent my time on what really mattered for my clients and my teams!” –Tiffany Yeh, Managing Director & Partner
"Parenting has taught me that leadership is less about control and more about influence. Being consistent, present, and intentional builds trust over time, and that trust leads to better outcomes.
I’ve carried that into my professional role by focusing on clear communication, accountability, and creating an environment where people feel supported but also empowered to grow." –Shauni Fletcher, Government Collection Specialist
“Parenting three girls has made me a stronger and effective leader. I have learned to lead with patience, intention, and a focus on listening before reacting. Staying composed and thoughtful has strengthened my leadership and decision-making. Motherhood has sharpened my organization and time management while balancing competing priorities. As my family has grown, I’ve been fortunate to grow professionally. I’m grateful for opportunities to develop, for new challenges, and expanded leadership skills. Growing in both roles helps me show up at my best, making me a more balanced and effective leader.” –Rachael Smith, Supervisor, Operations
"One of the lessons I learned from parenting is ‘progress with patience’. Kids (and adults!) grow on their own timeline. That insight has made me a better leader and taught me to be more focused on listening, coaching, and letting others learn through experience rather than rushing to fix things. I learned over the years that being present almost always beats being perfect and that I don’t have to have all the answers, I just have to be there and willing to listen.
Turns out, the same patience and consistency that help at home help build stronger teams at work." –Kausalya Singuru, Senior Manager System Integration, Calibration & Verification
"Motherhood has taught me that perfection is a myth, but showing up consistently matters. At home and at work, I’ve learned how to prioritize what’s important, pivot quickly when things go sideways, and consider it a huge win if everyone is fed and my inbox is mostly empty. It’s made me a more empathetic leader—whether I’m managing a project or a toddler meltdown, sometimes people just need a snack and a minute. Also, I can now take a project from concept to creation on zero sleep and cold coffee, which feels like a professional superpower." –Jessie McHargue, Creative and Design Lead
“Parenting has taught me the importance of boundaries and accountability, which has absolutely made me a better leader at work! I've learned that all of us, whether it's my kids or my team, do best when expectations are clear and consistently enforced. With my children, if I give in sometimes but not others, behavior becomes unpredictable. The same applies when leaders avoid tough conversations or enforce rules unevenly. I’ve learned that respect doesn’t come from being liked; it comes from being fair, consistent, and balancing empathy with accountability.” –Camrielle Herrera, General Manager
“The most valuable lesson parenting has taught me is how to stay grounded during high-stakes moments. Navigating the beautiful unpredictability of raising children has sharpened my resilience and my ability to lead through uncertainty. In the fast-paced world of Insurtech and marketing, this perspective allows me to cut through the complexity and focus on what truly matters: building trust. The patience and adaptability I practice at home make me a more focused leader.” –Heidi Heck, Senior Product Marketing Manager
"Being a parent has naturally changed how I show up at work. It taught me that when my child is throwing a tantrum, they aren't trying to be difficult. Usually, they are just feeling overwhelmed or unheard.
I have started carrying that same perspective into my professional life. When a colleague isn't their usual self or a project stalls, I try to skip the frustration and lead with curiosity instead. Recognising that we all carry invisible burdens has made my work relationships so much deeper. By seeing each other as whole humans first, we actually end up doing much better work together." –Cristal Beckstrom, Senior Product Manager
“Parenting taught me that people often need to feel heard before they'll move forward. When the kids are melting down, trying to fix things immediately almost always fails. What does work is getting to their level, looking eye to eye, explaining that I understand the issue, and brainstorming a fix together. When I use this method, it teaches them to problem solve and be creative! I've been able to apply this same methodology in my work life also and it has worked well for me.” –Becca Hilyard, Director/Principal Strategist, Global S&OP
“Parenting has taught me that the things you find hardest right now are often the very things you'll miss later. The sleepless nights, the constant questions, the chaos—one day you look up and that phase is gone. It's changed how I show up at work. When I'm in the middle of a tough quarter or navigating something messy, I try to remind myself that this season won't last forever either. Instead of just pushing through, I look for what's worth appreciating in it. The hard parts and the good parts are usually the same parts.” –Kristal York, Director of Operations, Engineering, Product, CS
“As a parent, you’re blessed with a constant set or sets of eyes watching, listening, and learning. When children can’t perform an action themselves, they repeat our words, mirror our tone, and model our behavior. In the right setting, that can be incredibly rewarding. But when the boxes start piling up, the to do list keeps growing, emails won’t stop coming, and the noodles are burning on the stove, your actions may not reflect the behavior you hope your children will learn.
As a mother who strives to raise children who are present, hardworking, kind, empathetic, confident, and courageous, I’ve had to remind myself that those little eyes look to Mom to lead the way. I have an opportunity every day to show them how to slow down, prioritize a to do list, ask for help when needed, and remember that cooking the noodles on medium still gets the job done just as well.
The same lesson carries seamlessly into the workplace. People learn best and feel most encouraged when they have a positive example to follow. Rather than becoming unapproachable, sharp toned, or difficult during busy and constantly evolving moments, which can feel like the natural response, I try to pause and reflect. I ask myself: How would my children act if they were watching me right now?
That perspective grounds me. It helps me lead with greater patience, intention, and empathy, showing up as a stronger professional and a more present parent.” –Ashley Anderson, Insurance Manager, MasTec CE&I Services
“Parenting taught me that energy is contagious. I’ve realized the spirit I bring to the office impacts the team more than I expected. When my kids were young I learned about ‘mirror neurons,’ which essentially means we’re hard-wired to pick up the emotions of those around us.
While stress spreads quickly, showing up with a sense of calm helps others’ brains naturally relax. By leading with good humor and flexibility, challenges resolve faster and with less friction. When colleagues are frustrated, staying calm and being supportive doesn't just diffuse tension—it builds trust.” –Elesa Cooperson, Senior Executive Assistant, Worldwide Operations
“Being a parent to three boys has taught me in often messy, humbling ways, that fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same; it’s about giving each person what they need to succeed without lowering expectations. That perspective shapes how I show up as a Chief People Officer. At work, as at home, I try to meet people where they are, listen closely, and adjust my approach so they can do their best. It’s a daily reminder that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal.” –Danielle Gonzalez, Chief People Officer
“I’ve learned that setting boundaries isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. Between work and parenting, being clear about priorities and comfortable saying ‘no’ (or ‘not right now’) makes a huge difference. It also means making time to recharge, because running on empty helps no one. Funny enough, becoming a parent didn’t stretch me too thin—it made me more focused. When your day revolves around meetings, customer deliverables, homework, and sports, you get really good at protecting your time and showing up where it matters most. My girls have taught me more than I could ever put into words… and they make sure I keep learning every single day.” –Naureen Swanson, Sr. Manager SBM
“Parenting has made me better at my job by teaching me that people respond best to clarity, consistency, and calm. I have found that to be true both in Risk & Compliance and at home with my son: people respond better when expectations are clear, support is real, and feedback is given constructively. Parenting has also taught me not to take every interaction personally. Whether it is a child melting down or a colleague under pressure, the reaction is often more about what they are carrying than about me. That perspective has made me more patient, steady, and effective.” –Amanda West, Senior Manager, Risk & Compliance
“Being a parent for nine years has taught me that listening is more powerful than fixing. As an IT Support Specialist, it’s tempting to jump straight into solutions, but both my daughter and my users need to feel heard first. When I truly listen, I understand not just the problem, but the frustration behind it. At home, that builds trust, at work, it leads to better, faster resolutions. Listening turns small moments into meaningful ones, and reminds me that empathy is just as important as expertise in everything I do.” –Jeny Sokolova, IT Support Specialist
“One lesson I’ve learned during my time with Serv-U-Success that has made me a better parent is the importance of patience, paired with the ability to teach and train. As a new parent, I’ve seen how transferable these skills are. Patience is essential in the workplace, especially when coaching and developing a team, and the same is true in parenting. In both settings, we guide someone who is learning, whether a new team member or a child experiencing everything for the first time. This year, helping my daughter grow has been rewarding and reinforced that growth takes time and patience.” –Mallory Fritschle, Field Operations Manager
