Behind every career journey lies a story, and for many of us, that story begins with the influence of a mother—or a woman who took on that role. A mother can be the one who raised us, the grandmother who cheered us on, or the aunt who offered guidance. These women, in all their forms, have shaped our values, our confidence, and the ways we show up in the world.
This Mother’s Day, we invited members of our team to reflect on how our mothers played a pivotal role in their personal and professional growth. Their stories speak to the quiet strength, endless support, and deep wisdom that mothers and mother figures bring to our lives—and how those gifts continue to echo through our careers today.
My mom was a five foot tall dynamo. Even though she was legally deaf nearly all of her life, she took the phone orders and kept the books for our family business delivering fuel to Iowa farmers. She took a job as a certified nursing assistant in her 50s (when she had finally hatched all 8 of her children) and worked in that role until 83 when she received a Stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She died 11 months later. Her work ethic and dedication to serve others (in spite of obvious barriers) has always inspired me.
My mom spent over 35 years as an executive assistant and the lessons she shared with me have shaped my career in countless ways. She taught me that kindness is essential at every level of a company — that relationships and opportunities often arise from the most unexpected places. Her commitment to being prepared, living by a schedule, and planning ahead instilled in me a strong sense of organization and foresight that I carry into my work every day. Her example showed me that success isn't just about ambition; it’s built on respect, preparation, and genuine connection.
My mother is probably the single greatest influence on my self-confidence, how I advocate for myself, and go after what I want. That confidence has been critical for me, as I changed careers multiple times earlier in life, and I never would have taken those leaps without belief in myself and my ability to do hard things. I can 100% say that without my mother's belief in me, and impacting my belief in myself, I would not be where I am today. Thank you mom, and Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there who help kids believe in themselves!
Growing up with parents who owned a restaurant taught me the true meaning of grit. It was grueling work—long hours, constant problem-solving, and never enough hands—but it also gave me a front-row seat to what it takes to run a business. My mom in particular showed me how to lead with persistence and care, and how to make things work with whatever resources we had. I carry those lessons with me every day: how to spot inefficiencies, build systems, and keep going no matter how tough things get.
My mom has always put family first. She’s been my greatest champion throughout my life, cheering me on in school, sports, and every step of my career. Growing up as the youngest of 11 children in a small rural community, she never had the same opportunities she encouraged me to pursue. Despite not attaining higher education or a professional career herself, she poured her unwavering support and love into me, my siblings, and her grandchildren. She has influenced my life and career in ways she may not even realize. From her, I learned resilience and resourcefulness, the importance of seeing things through even when they’re difficult. Her adventurous spirit, like learning to snorkel at 70, reminds me that it’s never too late to try something new or meaningful. Her humor and ability to laugh at herself have taught me that embracing our flaws can connect us more deeply to others. And above all, her kindness has shown me the power of treating people with compassion and respect. She lives by the belief that when you lift up those around you, you make the world better, not just for them, but for yourself too. This Mother’s Day, I hope I can let her know just how deeply loved and appreciated she is.
How My Mom Shaped Who I Am—and the Marketer I Became
My greatest marketing mentor wasn’t found in a conference room or textbook—it was my mom. She taught me the foundations of exceptional marketing long before I entered the field: the power of storytelling, the importance of empathy, and the ability to connect with people on a human level. Watching her lead with integrity, juggle competing priorities, and build trust through consistency shaped how I show up as Head of Marketing at Vouched. Whether I’m developing a brand voice, guiding our team through a campaign pivot, or connecting with prospects and clients, her influence is everywhere. My success is deeply rooted in the values she modeled daily—with warmth, resilience, and purpose.
The Leadership Lessons I Learned on the Drive Home
A Mother’s Day Reflection on Mentorship, Listening, and Legacy
Every day for more than ten years, I made the same call on my drive home from work. Not to a colleague. Not to a direct report. Not to a customer.
To my mom, Barbara Tanner.
It started out as a simple check-in—how she was feeling, what she was making for dinner, updates from family I hadn’t seen in years. But somewhere along the way, those calls became something more. Something foundational. They became the place where I processed decisions, dissected conversations, and reflected on what it meant to lead well.
My mom passed away in May 2024. It’s been a year, and I still catch myself reaching for the phone to dial her. I think of her every day. And I’ve come to realize that the way I lead today is, in no small part, because of those everyday conversations with her.
Sales Debriefs, Disguised as Small Talk
In my role, I work with sellers navigating the middle to the second half of their careers—folks who don’t need basic training, but do need real-time perspective, feedback, and trust. And back then, I needed the same.
I didn’t always know what I was processing at the time, but my mom did. She was the safe space where I could unpack a meeting, a tough call, a confusing interaction, or a decision I wasn’t sure about. She’d ask gentle questions—“What do you think they needed to hear?” or “Why do you think that bothered you so much?”
She wasn’t in sales, but she had the rarest leadership gift: she listened without needing to solve.
From Car Conversations to Coaching Culture
I didn’t recognize it then, but my leadership style was being shaped in those moments. The space to talk it out. The sense that being heard matters just as much as being right. The subtle reminder that self-reflection is the most powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal.
Now, when I coach team members, I borrow heavily from her approach. I ask questions before I give answers. I wait for people to discover their insight. I remind them that the best solutions often come after a pause.
In short, I try to make my team feel the way my mom made me feel: trusted, heard, and believed in.
The Lesson: Great Leadership Doesn’t Always Wear a Title
My mom didn’t have a LinkedIn profile. She never gave a keynote or closed a million-dollar deal. But she influenced my leadership more than any book, training, or sales summit ever could.
She taught me that leadership starts with listening. That presence matters more than perfection. And that sometimes the most powerful guidance doesn’t come from the C-suite—it comes from the passenger seat of your drive home.
If You Can, Make the Call
If you’re lucky enough to be able to call your mom this Mother’s Day, don’t wait. Pick up the phone. Ask her what’s for dinner. Tell her about your day. And listen—really listen. You might find, as I did, that those conversations shape the kind of leader—and human—you become.
To my mom: Thank you for always picking up. I carry your voice with me every day.
Happy Mother’s Day.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor not only the mothers who raised us but the lasting lessons they instilled—lessons of resilience, compassion, determination, and integrity. Their influence continues to guide us, inspire us, and remind us of the power of leading with heart. To all the mothers and mother figures who’ve helped shape the people behind our company - Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You!