Executive Mom of the Month
 Kouwenhoven |
Name: Brenda Kouwenhoven
Company: Kowenhoven and Associates
Title: Executive Vice President
Industry: Insurance
Spouse: Brian
Children: Kevin, 6; Connor, 3
What is your daycare/aftercare solution?
My oldest son, Kevin is in the first grade so he is in school during the day. Connor goes to school until mid-afternoon when a local high school girl picks him up and brings him home for a nap. I was very lucky to find a mature young lady who also drives. Because my office is close to my house, I am able to pick Kevin up from school and drop him off at home. Some days I return to the office and others I work from home during the afternoon. I try to help get homework started before I leave for the office in the afternoon.
What do you think is the biggest challenge of being an executive mother?
Definitely balancing the chaos. When you are a working mother, I think you try to do everything. I want to do all the things a stay at home mother does but also work. That way of thinking creates a great deal of challenges for me. I want to be there for my children and also for my company. I think running your own business puts additional stress into the scenario. When it's your business, you can't just walk away from the problems or opportunities like you can if you work for a big corporation. One area that has been cut back in my schedule is cooking dinner. I used to cook a lot more than I do today. Crock-pot cooking is a must for a working mother and something I highly recommend.
What is your favorite quality time activity with your children?
My favorite thing to do with my children is bake. We all like to bake our favorite cookies together. One of the kids will roll the dough while the other cuts the shapes. We also like to play board games. In fact, just the other night, it got cold enough in Central Florida to make a fire and we played a game by fire light. It was a fun experience for our Florida-born sons. Everybody in the house also likes to color. There is nothing like a fresh pack of crayons and a new coloring book to fill a few hours of fun.
What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you while balancing work and family?
I think funny things constantly happen when you are a working mom. You always seem to be in a rush. First it's the rush to get to school and work and then it's the rush to get home. I always seem to have pacifiers in my purse. I've even been known to pull one out during a meeting. I'm also good for at least one forgotten lunchbox a month. I think the only thing I haven't done is leave the house with two different colored shoes.
How do you make time for yourself?
I find it hard to find free time but every few months I set aside a time for me to get away. I try to find a time every day to catch my breath and clear my mind. Sometimes that happens in the car or during a walk in the morning. I love to spend time with my sorority sisters for a long weekend or with my husband. The greatest challenge I have is to find the free time and not feel the guilt of doing it. I just also seem to feel guilty that I am not with my family.
What do you do with your free time?
I go to dinner with my husband. I know it doesn't sound like much but I like to spend time with my husband. I think spending time is good for us too! We always try to take a trip once during the year alone without the kids to recharge our batteries and reconnect. I love to read when I find quiet time or walk for exercise.
What has been your biggest career challenge?
It was a challenge to leave an organization like Rumger, my prior employer, and venture out on my own. It takes a great deal of courage to start your own business and it was twice as scary since my husband was my business partner. When the entire household's income is dependent on the success of your company, it's very nerve racking.
Do you find it difficult to work with your husband?
No. Although I know many couples find it hard to work together, Brian, my husband and I compliment each other well. His talents lies in sales. He's a born salesmen with a great personality. My talents are in managing a business. I like the administrative and strategic aspects of business Between the two of us, we make a good team. We make sure we spend time together outside of work to give our personal relationship room to grow as well.
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• October's Mom of the Month: Jayne Gershkowitz
• September's Mom of the Month: Ann Higgins
• August's Mom of the Month: Peggy Garcia
• July's Mom of the Month: Maria Vidal
• June's Mom of the Month: Patricia Campbell