I was remiss in not addressing Mother’s Day last week. We were amidst an unparalleled event, the AME Hampton Roads 2025 Lean Summit, which I will share more about next week.
On Mother’s Day, we pause to celebrate the women who raised, supported and shaped us. While we honor our mothers in countless ways throughout the year, this day is designated to recognize them exclusively. It’s also a chance to reflect on the values they passed down and instilled within us — empathy, perseverance, resourcefulness and a deep respect for people — values that align powerfully with the principles of lean.
Did you know that Mother's Day was founded in the early 20th century by Anna Jarvis in the United States? After her mother passed away in 1905, Jarvis wanted to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children. In 1908, she held the first official Mother's Day celebration, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday. Jarvis' original vision aligns with the lean principle of focusing on true value, reminding us to honor the heart of the occasion.
Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide in different ways, but at its core, it remains a universal moment to express gratitude, love and respect for the mothers who nurture, lead and inspire us.
Last year, I shared how mothers are the epitome of lean. Mothers live the spirit of lean every day — managing time, people and priorities with remarkable efficiency; eliminating waste by finding value in the little things; creating stability through routines that serve as their standard work; and continuously improving how they adapt, support and grow alongside their families.
One quote that captures this beautifully is, "A mother's love is continuous improvement in action — constant, thoughtful and always moving forward."
This same mindset fuels our work. Lean isn't just about reducing waste — it's about improving how we think, collaborate and deliver value. Like the best mothers, we strive to create something better for ourselves and the people we serve.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to honor the values of resilience, dedication, and care that shape and guide us.
To my mom, all the mothers in our organization and to those who support them: thank you. Your strength, care and resilience inspire us every day. Happy Mother's Day.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
