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Mothers of Transformation

Meet women inspiring tomorrow's pioneers

​​Many of the world’s most important inventions came from women. "Mothers of Transformation: Profiles of women inspiring tomorrow's pioneers" showcases female entrepreneurs inspiring the next generation to dream, invent, and reach for the stars.

History is filled with women pioneers who’ve done amazing things. Many of the world’s most important breakthrough discoveries came from women. Merriam-Webster defines “innovation” as “a new idea, device or method.” Using this definition, any list of women grows exponentially. From Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in an airplane, to Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist who is known for her breakthrough ideas in radioactivity and her discovery of two elements. Females have changed the world with their ingenuity proving the adage that “well-behaved women rarely make history.”

 

To give them their due, “Mothers of Transformation” is a series profiling the contributions of women past and present to the world of business, technology, culture, and more. Through interviews and personal writings, pioneering female leaders share the secret behind their achievements. We hope their stories will inspire the next generation to dream, to invent, and to reach for the stars.

Jean White, Service Delivery Transformation Leader
Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

  • What’s your innovation claim to fame?
    Being at the forefront of new ways to extend Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative program through an industry lens. I worked with a dedicated team to encourage market-facing career development opportunities by bringing eminent women together and creating a rich network. Our inaugural event included female executives from transportation and aerospace companies and the incredible keynote speaker, and first American woman astronaut to fly in space, Sally Ride.
  • What advice do you give your kids or mentees?
    People that are the best at what they do practice their craft relentlessly—whether its free throws, surgery, or analytics.
  • Did you know?
    I am passionate about solving the world’s problems through education and giving all children a successful starting place. I have volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate working with Foster Children and my husband and I direct our philanthropic efforts to supporting education in our community.
  • Currently reading
    Break Your Own Rules: How to Change the Patterns of Thinking that Block Women’s Path to Power, by Jill Flynn, Kathryn Heath, and Mary Davis Holt

Susan Hogan, Business Model Transformation Leader
Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

  • What’s your innovation claim to fame?
    The Service Delivery Transformation Vision Decision Xccelerator (VDX)—I wanted to create a way to help executives gain quicker alignment around their transformation agenda so that they could achieve the desired impact faster.
  • Who inspired you?
    My mother—she was a natural leader and through her coaching and guidance through the years, she enabled me to be a natural leader as well.
  • Best advice ever given to you?
    Every day you are always making decisions that are either “sacrificing work for life” or “life for work”. Make your choice, enjoy the moment, and never feel guilty about the choice you made!
  • What advice do you give your kids or mentees?
    “Positive power wins” and of course, “nothing good happens after midnight!”

Christine Ahn, Global Business Services Leader
Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

  • What’s your innovation claim to fame?
    I wanted my daughter to become involved in a youth organization for girls, but the local troop was full. So, I found a few other Moms who were also time-constrained and we formed a new troop! We split the administration duties and rotate responsibilities. With twelve members we have hiked, learned about making healthy snacks, and served lunch at a homeless shelter.
  • Who inspired you?
    My parents. They were young kids surviving the Korean War, sleeping in trenches and begging for food, but are now enjoying life watching sunsets and spending time with their children.
  • Best advice ever given to you?
    Time is your only asset. What you do with it is up to you. Some see it short, others long. Spend it all and be sure that you spent it right!
  • What advice do you give your kids or mentees?
    With outstretched arms and hands, I say, “This is your life.” Pointing to an imaginary spot, I remind them that they have a long way to go. Every decision impacts the rest of your journey. So, try to make the right choices.

Jen Knickerbocker, Global Compliance & Reporting Practice Leader 
Partner, Deloitte Tax LLP

  • Best advice ever given to you
    “Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person who can.” A mentor early in my career quoted this motivational piece of advice to me, and it has been my mantra ever since.
  • Who inspired you?
    My mom and dad. They are both visionaries who are excessively generous with their time and resources and committed to making a positive impact on the people and organizations they interact with. They have always demonstrated the value of optimism, persistence and resilience while pushing and supporting me to become the best version of me that I can.
  • What advice do you give your kids or mentees?
    Shoot for the stars and believe and act as if you can’t fail—if you do fall short, you’ll likely still get the moon.
  • Currently reading
    Blind Ambition: How to Envision Your Limitless Potential and Achieve the Success You Want, by Patricia Walsh

Noemie Tilghman
Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

  • Who inspires you?
    I get inspired all the time by everyday people and interactions. That said, I’m truly inspired by questions that I have no idea how to answer, issues that I have no idea how to fix, people who are fearless in trying new things, and opportunities that have the real potential for failure as it gives each of us a chance to innovate!
  • What was the best advice ever given to you?
    All my life, my mother has said to me, pursue your passion, show your passion in everything you do, spend your time and effort on anything you’re passionate about it as it makes it easy to do. While I have lived by those words, she would always follow up that advice with the following… Find your voice, speak in your own voice, be consistent in your voice—people can’t help but respect that even when they disagree, so that will always serve you well.
  • What advice do you give your mentees?
    Remember you get to ‘pick’ or ‘hire’ your mentors—they are not forced onto you, so choose wisely! Pick people who don't limit their helping to work-related issues as the best mentors help mentees with their total life issues and challenges—they truly care about the whole you.
  • Currently reading
    Although I have yet to open it, the next planned book is God Help the Child, by Toni Morrison.
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