Moms Who Made It - Jennifer Mitchell

Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.

This week we're thrilled to be featuring Jennifer Mitchell, the CEO of MAM North America, a company dedicated to making day-to-day baby care easier for parents. Jennifer, business woman (and supermom of four), has helped MAM become an industry leader and the go-to brand for pacifiers, bottles, teethers, sippy cups and more!

Describe your business philosophy in 5 words:

“Know your conversation partner’s perspective.”

What inspired you to go into business?

As a young adult, I was drawn to the commercial aspect of life. It was like a series of interlocking puzzles, and I found that I had an aptitude for it. Improving people’s lives through commercial solutions has been a very satisfying, authentic journey for me.

When did you know you, “made it?”

I suppose in my 20s, the titles at the major manufacturers I worked for convinced me that I was successful at this type of work. Achieving my MBA and moving into the executive level were helpful. But comprehending that the concept of so-called “power” is not the power to “control” but is really the power to create was a watershed moment for me.

Who is your mentor?

I have a community of mentors – my husband, some dear friends in other industries, members of industry boards that I sit on – inspiration comes from many sources for me. Sometimes, my kids teach me a thing or two!

What's your #1 tip for moms interested in business

That is a hot-button topic for me! But I say, in my experience: Even when it’s hard, or feels scary, or seems unpopular, BE YOU. Reveal who you are. If you are getting the results you want for the business and you are following your beliefs to get them, ignore any noise. And there may be some noise! If you are changing a company’s culture and you are their first female executive , you may hear a lot of comments meant to change the topic away from performance -- but results are what drive business. Hold those results close to you if you feel attacked for invoking change.

What does “me” time mean to you?

I have a few different types of “Me Time” currently – when I travel for work, I usually take part of the travel (train/car/plane) to center myself. Am I being true to Me? The essential question. It’s captive time, and its is always useful, but it is not necessarily always relaxing. My husband and I like to take mini-vacations (3-day weekends when possible) and we both give each other alone time during those weekends. That “Me Time” is deeply relaxing. And then there are those serendipitous moments, when you realize everyone is asleep or out and I’m just home alone with our family dog. And that’s “Me Time” -- filled with comfort and gratitude.

What‘s on your bedside table?

I have been interested in the most recent Sheryl Sandberg book, Plan B. Lean In was a very interesting work -- but her willingness to revisit what she didn’t know (and couldn’t know) until she lost her husband and her entire family system changed, and write about how that re-shaped her views on life work and business – that was a courageous act. To bring back to the public during what must have been a challenging time for her in private was altruistic. The idea that “nothing is written in stone” is so true – life changes how we think; experience is a powerful educator.

Words to live by - Share you favorite quote!

The Winston Churchill quote, “Never, never, never give up.”

You can change your course or modify your plan, but giving up is never an option for me.

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To learn more about Jennifer and MAM head to, https://www.mambaby.com.