On Mother’s Day, we pause to celebrate the women who raised, supported and shaped us. While we honor our mothers throughout the year, this day is set aside to recognize them in a special and intentional way. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the values they instill in us: empathy, perseverance, resourcefulness and a deep respect for people; values that align powerfully with lean thinking and people-centered leadership.
At its core, Mother’s Day remains a universal moment of gratitude, love and respect for mothers who nurture, lead and inspire.
I have often shared that mothers are the epitome of lean. They live it daily by managing time, people and priorities with remarkable efficiency. Through eliminating waste by finding value in the small and meaningful moments. By creating stability through routines that become their standard work. And through continuously improving how they adapt, support and grow alongside their families.
Did I mention that my own mother raised five children born within three years?! Including two sets of fraternal twins born a year apart! I know she had standard work for everything.
This same mindset fuels our work. Lean is not only about reducing waste; it is about improving how we think, collaborate and deliver value. Like the best mothers, we strive to create something better for the people we serve.
As I look across the AME community — our volunteers, staff, speakers and members — I am continually inspired by the number of mothers among us. All parents balance personal and professional responsibilities. However, mothers often demonstrate a remarkable ability to creatively solve problems, adapt quickly and keep moving forward.
Whether you are a mother or not, there is much to learn from this can-do attitude and inventive spirit.
To all mothers in our AME community and to those who support them: thank you. Your strength, creativity and resilience inspire us every day. To my own mother in Heaven, I honor and miss you and will be forever grateful to you for your unconditional love and showing me how to live a meaningful life.
Wishing you a heartfelt and happy Mother’s Day.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
