LaShonda Herndon
Welcome to the digital space of LaShonda Herndon, an accomplished Account Manager for the Southeast Region at MilliporeSigma, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. This platform highlights LaShonda Herndon’s dedication to advancing the life sciences industry, offering her expertise in lab equipment, process management, and safety compliance. Beyond her professional accomplishments, LaShonda Herndon is committed to fostering a supportive, high-performance environment within the biotech and pharmaceutical fields. With over a decade of experience and a recent MBA focused on project management, LaShonda Herndon combines strategic insight and operational excellence to guide teams and individuals towards innovative and compliant solutions.
About LaShonda Herndon, MBA
LaShonda Herndon serves as an accomplished Account Manager for the Southeast Region at MilliporeSigma, operating from Raleigh, North Carolina. With over ten years of specialized knowledge in laboratory equipment, process management, and safety standards, she has become a trusted advisor for training initiatives, team leadership, and project execution. Recently earning her MBA with a concentration in project management, LaShonda Herndon has enhanced her strategic decision-making skills and proficiency in managing intricate operations. LaShonda Herndon’s work in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors underscores her commitment to advancing drug development—ensuring treatments move smoothly from clinical trials to market, ultimately benefiting patients safely and efficiently. She combines a keen scientific curiosity with operational expertise, consistently striving to grasp the science behind her support roles. LaShonda Herndon excels in conducting experiments and delivering results on schedule and within budget, maintaining a strong focus on workflows, regulatory compliance, and safety protocols. LaShonda Herndon’s dual dedication to the scientific and operational aspects of her role makes her an invaluable team member, contributing significantly to innovation and excellence in the life sciences field.
Balancing Work and Family Time: Practical Tips for Busy Parents
In today’s fast-paced world, many parents struggle to strike a balance between work demands and quality family time. Juggling these responsibilities can be challenging, and while every family is unique, most parents face similar pressures. Meeting the needs of work and family can sometimes seem impossible, especially when both require so much time and energy. However, finding balance isn’t only possible; it’s essential for both personal well-being and family cohesion. LaShonda Herndon of Raleigh NC provides some practical strategies to help busy parents manage work obligations while spending meaningful time with their families.
1. Set Clear Priorities
One of the most effective ways to manage work and family commitments is to identify what matters most. Prioritizing allows you to focus on activities that align with your family’s values. Consider sitting down with your partner or children to discuss what activities are most important to each of them. Once you’ve identified these, make a list of the family activities you want to prioritize regularly. LaShonda Herndon explains that this might mean setting aside family dinners, attending your children’s sports games, or designating weekends for family outings.
For work, assess which projects are essential and align with your career goals. Prioritizing projects that have the most significant impact on your performance or growth can help you focus on meaningful work and avoid over-committing to less critical tasks.
2. Establish Boundaries Between Work and Home
The boundary between work and home life has become blurred, especially with the increase in remote work. This can lead to constant interruptions or distractions, making it challenging to give either work or family the attention it deserves. To help mitigate this, try establishing a clear boundary between work and family time. One way to do this is to set up a dedicated workspace if you work from home. LaShonda Herndon of Raleigh NC understands that this physical separation can help you mentally transition between work and family modes.
Additionally, define specific work hours, especially if you have flexible work arrangements. When the workday ends, turn off notifications, and make a conscious effort to be fully present with your family. LaShonda Herndon explains that it’s okay to communicate these boundaries with your employer, as more companies are supportive of work-life balance.
3. Practice Time Management and Efficiency
Maximizing efficiency during work hours can create more free time for family. Time management skills, like prioritizing tasks, using a calendar, and setting realistic deadlines, can significantly reduce work-related stress. Many successful professionals recommend techniques like time-blocking, where you schedule dedicated time for each task, helping you stay focused and avoid procrastination.
If possible, delegate or outsource tasks at work to free up time. Consider using productivity tools like project management software or apps that allow you to organize and prioritize tasks. At home, meal planning, organizing family schedules, and sharing responsibilities with your partner can also help you save valuable time.
4. Leverage Flexible Work Arrangements
With many organizations now offering flexible work arrangements, busy parents can use these to their advantage. Flexibility can come in many forms, including remote work, flexible hours, compressed workweeks, or job sharing. Talk to your employer about your options, as many companies are willing to accommodate parents who need to adjust their schedules.
For example, some parents find it helpful to start work earlier in the day so they can finish in time to pick up their children from school. Others may arrange to work from home on certain days, allowing them to manage family obligations more efficiently. LaShonda Herndon understands that the key is to find a setup that works for you, while still meeting your professional responsibilities.
5. Schedule Quality Family Time
Scheduling family time may seem counterintuitive, but for busy parents, it’s an effective way to ensure it happens regularly. Set aside specific times each week to be together as a family. This could be a weekly family game night, a Sunday outing, or a Friday pizza night. Even short, scheduled time slots can make a big difference in family bonding.
Try to be intentional with this time. Instead of passively watching TV or doing separate activities, engage in conversations, play games, or go outside for physical activities. Make sure everyone feels included, and take the opportunity to learn about each other’s week. Having scheduled time together can create a sense of stability and provide everyone with something to look forward to.
6. Share Responsibilities at Home
Creating a balanced household requires everyone to pitch in. Distribute household tasks among family members, including children. LaShonda Herndon explains that not only does this help reduce the load on parents, but it also teaches children valuable life skills. Start by assigning age-appropriate chores for each child, which can range from setting the table to helping with meal preparation or tidying up common spaces.
If both parents work, communicate about household duties and strive for an equitable distribution. For example, one parent might handle cooking while the other takes care of laundry. Regular check-ins can help you evaluate and adjust the division of responsibilities to keep things fair.
7. Practice Self-Care
It’s easy to neglect your own well-being when balancing work and family demands, but self-care is essential for sustaining energy and resilience. When parents are stressed or burnt out, it affects their relationships with both family and colleagues. Taking time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, can help you recharge and stay present.
Self-care can mean different things to different people, whether it’s exercising, reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or spending time with friends. LaShonda Herndon of Raleigh NC explains that scheduling personal time might feel selfish, but it’s actually an investment in your ability to support both your family and your career.
8. Embrace Imperfection and Be Flexible
Perfectionism can be a major obstacle in achieving work-life balance. It’s crucial to let go of the idea that you must always be a perfect employee and a perfect parent. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes work will demand more time, while at other times, family needs will take priority. Recognize that it’s okay to say no or delegate when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Being adaptable can also help you respond to last-minute changes, like a child’s school event or a sudden work deadline. Embrace the idea that balance is not about perfection but about making adjustments as needed.
9. Communicate Openly with Your Partner and Employer
Open communication is vital in maintaining a balanced work-family life. LaShonda Herndon emphasizes to make sure to discuss your needs and challenges with your partner, as sharing openly can help prevent misunderstandings and build a supportive home environment. Having regular family meetings can also be beneficial for discussing schedules, resolving conflicts, and planning family activities.
At work, communicate with your manager about your responsibilities and discuss potential adjustments. More organizations are prioritizing employee well-being, and many supervisors are open to discussing flexible solutions that support both work commitments and family life.
Final Thoughts
Finding a balance between work and family is a continual process that requires intentionality and adaptability. Busy parents can improve their work-life balance by setting priorities, establishing boundaries, practicing time management, and seeking support where possible. LaShonda Herndon of Raleigh NC emphasizes that by implementing these strategies, you can create a more fulfilling and balanced life that supports both your career and your family. Remember, achieving balance doesn’t mean perfection; it’s about making meaningful choices that align with your values and create a harmonious family and work life.
Thank you for visiting the online portfolio of LaShonda Herndon, a distinguished leader in the life sciences sector with a career grounded in expert lab management, safety compliance, and strategic project support. With over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, LaShonda Herndon has made valuable contributions to the growth and success of her teams and clients. Beyond her professional achievements, LaShonda Herndon is deeply committed to supporting her scientific community, mentoring emerging talent, and fostering a collaborative environment at MilliporeSigma. Her approach combines scientific knowledge with a passion for operational excellence, driving innovation, and advancing the life sciences field.