Episode #21 Beyond the Nine-to-Five: Kendra Pennington’s Blueprint for Modern Mom

Picture juggling a high-stakes career while managing the endless tasks of motherhood—sound familiar? That’s the reality for many working moms, and Kendra Pennington knows it all too well. As the CEO and founder of Beyond the Ninth, Kendra shares her journey of transforming personal struggles into a supportive haven for mothers everywhere. From navigating awkward interview questions to handling toxic management, she sheds light on the hidden challenges of balancing professional and personal life. This episode reveals the pressing need for employers to offer flexibility and understanding to parents striving to harmonize work and home responsibilities.

We challenge the rigid norms of corporate culture with a fresh take on work-life balance, particularly in the realm of remote work. Productivity isn’t about clocking in an arbitrary eight hours; it’s about the quality and timeliness of what you achieve. With techniques like the Pomodoro method, we explore how short, focused work intervals can boost efficiency. It's a call for organizations to see employees as humans with dynamic needs, especially in at-will employment states where job security is precarious. Working mothers often face unique hurdles, and there's an urgent need for workplaces to evolve and offer genuine support.

Managing a community is no small feat, and Kendra shares her insights on creating a positive, focused environment for working moms in the Beyond the Ninth app. This isn’t about the vast, often overwhelming landscape of traditional social media—it's about crafting a space that offers authentic connection and understanding. We delve into the intricacies of managing community expectations and maintaining personal balance while leading with love and support. Discover why having a dedicated platform is vital for mothers seeking connection free from the noise and judgment of the online world, and how these spaces can provide the encouragement they need most.

Catch up with Kendra Pennington on LinkedIn to see what she’s creating with Beyond the Ninth.