People story | August 2024 | Read time: 1min
Striving for personal best
Being her personal best motivates Caroline Schoenecker. She’ll even hop on her exercise bike to take rides she’s done before so she can compete against “earlier versions” of herself. As the Experience Director for Deloitte’s Center for Board Effectiveness, she’s equally passionate about empowering those around her to be their best too. Within Deloitte, Caroline loves to celebrate her colleagues by nominating them for Applause awards and shout-outs, recognizing standout contributions to projects. Whether coaching future board members or her own team, she brings an optimistic and purpose-driven energy.
Balancing everything she does can be a wild ride, but Caroline knows she’s not in it alone. When she and her husband, John, decided to expand their family three years after their first child, Maggie, was born, they faced unexpected challenges. Two miscarriages led them to explore fertility treatments, a journey Caroline describes as a whirlwind of doctor visits and emotional hurdles. During this time, she took solace in the compassionate understanding of her supervisors and the fertility assistance benefits that Deloitte provides through its medical plan. “There was already so much that was stressful about the process. Having support and exceptional health care was heartening,” Caroline shares.
After navigating the roller coaster of the IVF process, Caroline and John welcomed another daughter, Ellie, into the world. Caroline enjoyed cherished, uninterrupted recovery and bonding time with her newest addition, thanks to the aid of Deloitte’s Paid Family Leave program, as well as short-term disability after a difficult, premature birth.
As the kids now grow older, Caroline continues to appreciate the ways that Deloitte helps her navigate the twists and turns of the working parent journey. When minor illnesses or school breaks disrupt their routine, the emergency backup dependent care service that Deloitte provides has saved the day.
And let’s not forget that exercise bike. During the early months of the pandemic, Caroline purchased it with the help of Deloitte’s Well-being Subsidy—and uses it daily to kickstart her workday with gusto. She’s also used the annual subsidy for her favorite bootcamp classes, massages, ski lift tickets and even live worms for composting. By embracing the care and support that Deloitte provides, Caroline is able to be her personal and professional best, even when the road gets bumpy.
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