Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable strength, grace, and love that mothers infuse into our lives each day. Their unwavering dedication not only shapes families but also inspires communities, reflecting our commitment to integrity and excellence. Whether navigating sleepless nights or cherishing heartfelt milestones, moms embody resilience and adaptability, wearing multiple hats with courage and compassion. At Protiviti, we recognize that these values are essential in both personal and professional realms, highlighting the profound impact mothers have on fostering a culture of support and empowerment.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we asked some of the incredible moms across our network to share their stories, reflections, and proudest moments. We connected with several mothers across Protiviti to hear their perspectives on motherhood:
Lili Lanza – Business Development Director
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? How profoundly emotional and transformative the journey is. I anticipated sleepless nights and chaotic days, but I never expected how much my heart would grow—how these little ones could teach me so much about patience, joy, and living in the moment. Each stage brings new surprises, and just when I think I have it figured out, everything shifts again!
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Extend yourself grace. Perfect balance doesn’t exist—some days your career will demand more of you, and other days your family will. And that’s perfectly okay. Rely on your support system, ask for help when you need it, and don’t feel guilty for making yourself a priority too. You’re showing your children what it means to be passionate, committed, and loving all at the same time.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? That I’m stronger and more resilient than I ever realized. I’ve learned to operate on little sleep, manage a whirlwind of emotions (both theirs and mine!), and still show up with love and patience. Motherhood pushes your limits—but it does so in the most beautiful and transformative way
Megan Mazik – Senior Manager – People & Culture
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? How incredibly rewarding and challenging it can be all at once! Moments of frustration quickly shift into overwhelming love and joy, and sometimes back again. There’s no greater responsibility than motherhood, knowing you’re helping shape the next generation of kind and compassionate humans.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Be at peace knowing there will be days when you’re a stronger employee than a mom, and other days when you’ll shine more as a mom than an employee. Focus on what’s needed from you at work and at home each day and know that balance is absolutely achievable. We’re fortunate to work for a company that truly supports working parents, which makes it easier to give our best in both areas. I love that my daughters get to see me work hard while also feeling my presence and attention most of the time. These moments ebb and flow, and there’s comfort in knowing it’s not a constant or a perfect rhythm.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? I’ve always been a hard worker, but becoming a mother has shown me how much one person can truly accomplish in a day with good planning, intention, and a little fun along the way. You only get one life with your kids—so work hard, love deeply, and enjoy every moment of the journey!
Rhoda Kushimo – Manager – Technology Consulting
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? One of the biggest surprises about motherhood has been how quickly children grow and evolve. It’s incredible to watch them develop new skills and personalities almost every day. This rapid change has taught me the importance of treasuring each moment. Every stage of their growth is special, and I’m continually reminded to slow down and savor these fleeting experiences.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Prioritize and Delegate: Concentrate on the most important tasks and delegate when you can.
Set Boundaries: Create clear distinctions between work and family time to ensure meaningful moments with your loved ones.
Self-Care: Remember to care for yourself—taking regular breaks and maintaining self-care habits helps sustain your energy and well-being.
Embrace Flexibility: When possible, consider flexible work options, such as remote work or adaptable hours, to better balance your responsibilities.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? As a mom of three boys, I’ve uncovered a deeper resilience and strength within myself. Motherhood has taught me how to balance multiple roles and responsibilities at once. I’ve become more patient and adaptable, learning to navigate the chaos while embracing the joy that comes with raising a family. This journey has truly revealed my ability to persevere and flourish through every challenge.
Leslie Bordelon – Manager Director – Internal Audit Financial Advisory
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? It’s incredibly rewarding to navigate each stage of my kids’ development, with every phase bringing new challenges and cherished moments. As they’ve grown older, I’ve come to treasure our long one-on-one conversations. However, juggling sports, school projects, and homework during the week certainly adds its own layer of logistical chaos. One unexpected joy has been their interest in my work. My son and I often take afternoon walks, where he’s always full of insightful questions about my job, making it a natural way to share life and career advice. My daughter, who is a bit younger, equally enjoys our time together, though our conversations often revolve around unicorns or Taylor Swift!
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Take it one step at a time. In the early days, I often stressed about the various phases of childhood—solid foods, potty training, screen time, summer camps—you name it. I spent so much time worrying about how to manage what was next that I sometimes overlooked the joy of the stage we were in. Over time, I learned to concentrate on the present and trust that I would navigate challenges as they arose. What worked when my kids were infants is quite different from what works now that they are 8 and 10, and that’s perfectly fine. Another crucial piece of advice is to build your village. Since we don’t have family nearby, establishing a strong community has been vital. Having reliable friends or neighbors who can assist with school pick-ups, sports carpools, or the occasional late work night has made a significant difference. I also take advantage of resources like Bright Horizons for backup care—whether it’s for a mildly sick day, summer break, or evenings when I’m traveling. Don’t hesitate to lean on the resources available to you.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? I recently attended a women’s leadership event where a speaker shared something that deeply resonated with me: “I finally arrived at a place where I was comfortable with my definition of being a good mom, my definition of being a good wife, and my definition of being a good employee.” This idea stayed with me. Once I accepted that my version of each of these roles might differ from others—and that it’s perfectly okay—I found a true sense of peace. I’ve also learned the importance of being more intentional with my time, energy, and focus. Motherhood has pushed me to reassess what truly matters and to let go of anything that doesn’t support my family or my peace of mind.
Ashley Foxx – Executive Talent Acquisition Manager
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? Children are remarkably intelligent. Their capacity to absorb information, identify patterns, and remember even the smallest details never ceases to amaze me. I am continually impressed by how swiftly they grasp new concepts and how keenly they observe their surroundings, often without us even realizing it.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Don’t attempt to handle everything on your own—seek and embrace assistance. The saying “it takes a village” holds true for a reason. Allowing yourself to rely on others is not a sign of weakness; it’s essential for thriving.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? I’ve discovered an inner strength that I hadn’t fully acknowledged before. I’ve become more intuitive, patient, and protective of what truly matters to me. Additionally, I’ve learned to advocate fiercely for my child while also encouraging his independence and confidence. Motherhood has transformed my self-perception and expanded my understanding of my capabilities.
Jade Page – Director – Technology Consulting
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? The early days are incredibly emotional—while love is immediate, so are the hormones, the healing process, and the myriad uncertainties. The journey of learning to breastfeed was filled with its own trials and errors. I frequently reflected on whether I had truly appreciated what my friends went through when they experienced this; it’s a significant challenge that you can’t fully grasp until you’re in it, operating on minimal sleep and fueled by immense love.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Everyone’s approach to balance is unique—discover what works best for you. I resumed some travel while maintaining my boundaries and felt immensely grateful for the support from both my team and clients. One strategy that has helped me remain grounded is the 10-10-10 rule: spend 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes before bed, and 10 minutes right when you see your child being fully present. These small moments hold more significance than you might realize.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? I recognize the importance of valuing my identity beyond motherhood—and not only is that perfectly acceptable, but it also enhances my role as a mom. Even amidst the chaos, I’ve learned that I can always carve out time for what truly matters. It’s all about re-prioritizing with intention and care.
Jen Tomer – Senior Director – Rewards & Recognition
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? One of the greatest surprises of motherhood has been the extent to which I’ve learned from my sons, Jake and Ben. I always assumed that as parents, we would be the ones imparting knowledge, but they have provided me with fresh perspectives on life, taught me patience, and shared technology tips (naturally). Additionally, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about football and basketball that I never realized I needed. They inspire me to grow and adapt every single day.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Balancing family and career is undoubtedly a juggling act, but it revolves around setting priorities and practicing self-compassion. Rather than aiming for perfection, concentrate on what genuinely matters, both at home and in your professional life! Additionally, if you have a partner, it’s essential to communicate your expectations and needs as you navigate family life together. It’s not always a 50/50 split; sometimes, the balance at home will shift, and that’s perfectly okay—that’s what teamwork is all about!
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? The list of what I’ve learned is endless. I’ve become proficient at running a high school concession stand, fundraising for various school programs, tolerating chaos and noise, and multitasking—like making dinner while taking an important call. On a deeper level, my sons have taught me the importance of being present and living in the moment. As a mom of sons in their early 20s, I now understand just how precious time with them truly is. I encourage all parents to embrace and cherish every moment with their children.
Shelley Benjamin – SM – Recruiting – Charlotte
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? The most common advice people give about parenting is, “Enjoy it; it goes by so fast!” However, it’s impossible to truly understand how quickly time flies until you’re experiencing it. As adults, we may change very little over a year or two, but children can transform into almost entirely different individuals in that same timeframe. I make an effort to stay present and appreciate the phase they are currently in (for better or sometimes for worse!), knowing that once I blink, many of these moments will become just memories.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Discover the balance that suits you, even if it turns out to be more of a “blend.” Identify your “mom priorities” and develop a plan ahead of time to ensure you can focus on family time. There are times when I tackle work early in the morning or over the weekend so that I can attend the preschool parade, chaperone a field trip, or surprise my second grader with lunch. I am truly thankful to be part of a team and a company that recognizes the significance of being present for those special moments in childhood and actively supports it.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? I’ve discovered that I can manage on very little sleep and that I have the capacity to carry loads akin to a camel. I’ve found out that my kisses possess a magical healing power for little wounds. I’ve become adept at reading books in silly voices, and I’ve realized that I can handle more laundry in a day than I ever imagined. I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing self-care to effectively look after others. My little ones bring me more joy than anything else in the world. And I’ve learned that just when I think my love for them has reached its peak, I find myself loving them even more the next day.
Bhavna Marwah – Director – HR – India
What has surprised you most about motherhood so far? Before I became a mom, I envisioned my work life suffering, stretched thin between boardrooms and bedtime stories. However, what actually happened was like flipping a switch. My workday transformed into an incredibly focused sprint. Knowing those precious hours were all I had before little hands needed holding or a story needed reading, procrastination simply disappeared. It was the strangest thing—this tiny human, who demanded so much of my time, actually gifted me more effective time at work. That fierce love and responsibility for my child became an unexpected superpower, sharpening my focus and driving me to be more productive than ever before, allowing me to better navigate both worlds. It was a surprising and welcome realization that motherhood made me a more efficient professional.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to balance family and career? Being a working mom is a constant juggling act, and it’s definitely not easy! Here’s some advice, keeping in mind that what works best is different for everyone:
- Embrace “Good Enough”: Aim for progress, not perfection. Some days will be smoother than others, and that’s okay.
- Build a Strong Support System: Lean on your partner, family, and friends. Don’t hesitate to ask for and accept help.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Recharge your own well-being. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and appreciate your achievements, both big and small. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- Be Present in the Moment: Focus fully on work when you’re working and be fully present with your family when you’re with them. This helps you feel more fulfilled in both roles.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mom? Since becoming a mom, I’ve realized that my capacity for love is truly limitless and steadfast. I’ve also uncovered a level of selflessness, a readiness to put my child’s well-being first in ways I never fully comprehended before.
From the responses above, it’s clear that mothers have a tremendous amount on their plates, yet they consistently deliver for their children and families. We owe so much to our mothers.
Happy Mother’s Day!
