People & CultureConference50min
Hacking your parenting
A single mother and engineering manager shares mindset shifts and practical strategies for balancing parenting and professional growth. This talk offers honest insights, real-life hacks, and reassurance, encouraging attendees to redefine success, create space for what matters, and thrive both at home and work—without burning out.
Patricia Lentenbol.
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Thursday, October 9, 17:40-18:30
Room 10
As a single mother of four and an engineering manager, I’ve had my fair share of chaos, tough decisions, and those unexpected little wins that make it all worthwhile.
There have been seasons where I felt like I was constantly choosing between being the parent my kids needed and the professional I wanted to be. There were days I dropped balls, at work or at home, and nights I questioned if I could keep all the plates spinning. But through the chaos, I also discovered strength, resilience, and a new way of thinking that helped me not just survive, but actually grow in both roles.
In this session, I’ll share some of the key mindset shifts that changed the game for me, how I moved from guilt to grace, from overdrive to intentional action. I’ll also walk you through some of the practical hacks that helped me make space for what really matters, both as a parent and a professional.
This isn’t a story about having it all figured out, it’s about navigating the mess with honesty, learning on the go, and redefining success on your own terms.
By the end of this talk, my hope is that you’ll walk away with:
Because you can be present at home and grow in your career,without burning out in the process.
There have been seasons where I felt like I was constantly choosing between being the parent my kids needed and the professional I wanted to be. There were days I dropped balls, at work or at home, and nights I questioned if I could keep all the plates spinning. But through the chaos, I also discovered strength, resilience, and a new way of thinking that helped me not just survive, but actually grow in both roles.
In this session, I’ll share some of the key mindset shifts that changed the game for me, how I moved from guilt to grace, from overdrive to intentional action. I’ll also walk you through some of the practical hacks that helped me make space for what really matters, both as a parent and a professional.
This isn’t a story about having it all figured out, it’s about navigating the mess with honesty, learning on the go, and redefining success on your own terms.
By the end of this talk, my hope is that you’ll walk away with:
- A bit more breathing room
- A few real-life strategies to try out
- And the reassurance that you're not alone in this balancing act
Because you can be present at home and grow in your career,without burning out in the process.
Patricia Lenten
As a single mother of four children and engineering manager at bol, I know better than anyone how challenging, and at the same time wonderful , work-life balance can be. Every day brings new challenges, but it is precisely this combination of motherhood and career that makes my life dynamic and valuable.
My love for technology began early on. I studied Media Technology and once wrote code myself. Although I no longer program on a daily basis now, my background gives me a good understanding of the technical challenges my teams face. Working with teams on complex technical solutions that impact clients on a daily basis is something I enjoy immensely.
What drives me most, however, is helping people take their next step. Whether that's in their career, in their personal development or in overcoming obstacles. I get energy from guiding, challenging and inspiring others. That is what gets me out of bed in the morning and why I am so passionate about my role.
Besides my work and family, I like to make time to clear my head. Hiking, preferably in the woods, is for me a moment of rest and reflection. It gives me space to think, get new ideas and simply enjoy nature.
My journey is one of challenges, learning and growth. I have experienced a lot over the years and learned valuable lessons, and I hope to inspire others
My love for technology began early on. I studied Media Technology and once wrote code myself. Although I no longer program on a daily basis now, my background gives me a good understanding of the technical challenges my teams face. Working with teams on complex technical solutions that impact clients on a daily basis is something I enjoy immensely.
What drives me most, however, is helping people take their next step. Whether that's in their career, in their personal development or in overcoming obstacles. I get energy from guiding, challenging and inspiring others. That is what gets me out of bed in the morning and why I am so passionate about my role.
Besides my work and family, I like to make time to clear my head. Hiking, preferably in the woods, is for me a moment of rest and reflection. It gives me space to think, get new ideas and simply enjoy nature.
My journey is one of challenges, learning and growth. I have experienced a lot over the years and learned valuable lessons, and I hope to inspire others
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