Spotlight Series: Celebrating the Super Moms of Sono Bello.

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In our latest spotlight series, meet Heidi Lenderking , our Vice President of Medical Services - a valued leader, teammate, and true supermom!

What do you love most about being a Mom?

Oh my goodness, all of it! Annie, my vibrant 7-year-old, and Charlie, my spirited 5-year-old, fill every moment with joy! Their dad and I are still the center of their universe, and we cherish all the love, giggles, and snuggles. I love to hear about what excites and interests them. Being their mom is the greatest honor of my life and I treasure every moment.

What are you most proud of about being a working Mom?

I am proud of the example I set for my kids. I want to show them a legacy of hard work, integrity, thoughtful treatment of others, dedication and loyalty to my team and leaders, and resiliency through challenges.?

What kind of support do you find most helpful from the workplace and/or your manager?

I love Sono Bello and our culture! It's a place where hard work is valued, successes are celebrated, and there's a strong sense of support for one another and our families. I feel particularly supported by my manager, Fuad Hamza . His thoughtfulness and encouragement empower me to maintain a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and family commitments while still achieving my goals within the company.

Can you share an example of how you manage work responsibilities with unexpected family needs?

The flexibility of our hybrid work environment at Sono Bello is truly a game-changer for me. Previously, I spent two hours commuting every day, which not only drained my energy but also created a constant worry about being far from my children in case of emergencies. Now, being closer to them brings me immense peace of mind. This proximity allows me to respond quickly if they need me, and in turn, I find myself better equipped to concentrate on leading my team towards achieving our collective goals.

How do you promote transparency and challenge societal norms to support working parents (and yourself) in openly communicating about expected and unexpected family events?

I strongly believe in encouraging transparency among women regarding the challenges we face while navigating the delicate balance between our families and careers. It's crucial that no one on my team believes the misconception that success in one area will prohibit advancement in the other, especially as they expand their families. To normalize this conversation, I make it a point to share my own struggles with balance and my strategies for addressing them. I want my team to understand that I prioritize my family commitments and encourage them to do the same.

At the end of the day, family comes first, and I make sure my team knows that. We're in this together, ready to adjust and support each other as needed. Additionally, I want my kids to grow up with a healthy view of work and how they fit into mine. They see firsthand how much I love my job, sometimes even joining in on calls when I pick them up from school. And on the rare occasion when one of them unexpectedly falls ill and I'm working from home, you might catch them peering curiously into the background of my video calls. It's all part of the unpredictable but wonderful adventure of balancing work and family life!

What advice do you wish you had received as a new mom returning to the workforce after leave to help you integrate more smoothly and inclusively?

I vividly remember the apprehension I felt about returning from maternity leave with my first child, Annie. Before her arrival, one way I measured my success was by long workdays, but I knew that wouldn't be possible with a newborn. Adapting to shorter hours forced me to delegate more, trust my team, and find more efficient ways to work. Surprisingly, this shift in perspective actually made me a more effective leader.

What truly eased my transition was the understanding, thoughtfulness, and empathy displayed by my team. They recognized the challenges of my new reality and were incredibly supportive and kind.

My advice to all the moms out there navigating this delicate balance is to be patient and kind to yourself as you return to work. You're surrounded by fellow working parents who understand the season you are in, and genuinely want to see you thrive both as a mother and a leader. Be vulnerable, open, and remain positive while your world settles back into a new rhythm. You got this!??