A Time To Celebrate Women - An Honor To Introduce You To One Of Lifeboost’s Own
March is not only Women’s History Month, but this timeframe also highlights International Women’s Day.
Obviously, as the names suggest, these times are set aside to honor women, and while we have a very special woman, we’d like to introduce you to today, before we do, let’s take a few moments to get a deeper understanding of what these days truly mean.
Very few of us have been unaffected by women.
Our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, and lady friends and colleagues…well, as the saying goes, they “make the world go ‘round.”
In years’ past, women primarily kept homes, ensuring their families were nourished, educated, healthy, felt safe, and so much more.
And today, women not only continue to contribute mightily in their homes, they’ve also profoundly impacted nearly every part of society, from the fields of education, science, politics, culture, economics, mathematics, industry, and far beyond.
Women’s History Month and days such as International Women’s Day not only provide an opportunity to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of women across these fields, but these times also bring to the forefront of our mind's specific women, those who’ve impacted us personally and professionally.
In other words, while we can easily recall women leaders or those who’ve forged paths in discovery, science, and medicine - such as Marie Curie, Dorothy Hodgkin, Grace Hopper, Edith Clark, and Ada Lovelace - it’s likely these names mean far less to you than…
- Your mother or grandmother and their warm hugs, sage advice, and loving care
- Your daughter who shows you, each day, the true meaning of selfless love and kindness in her actions towards others
- Your first-grade teacher, who taught you to read and instilled within you a lifelong love for learning
- Your secretary who makes your tasks seamless and your day run smoothly
- Your boss, who not only pushes you to do your best, but runs the company with grace and ease, with a “touch” only a woman seems to possess
All of these things and more, this is what’s ‘at the heart’ of most women.
Women are encouragers. Women lead. Women put their heads down, get to work, and make sure…somehow…it all gets done.
These descriptions, and more, describe so many women in our lives, and they absolutely describe one of Lifeboost’s leading ladies, someone we’d like to spend the remainder of our time allowing you to get to know.
Meet Lifeboost Leading Lady, Michelle Hendren
Michelle is the Director of Operations at Lifeboost, and she’s had a unique window from which to view our company, working with Dr. Charles since 2016, roughly a year after he founded Lifeboost.
I guess you could say she has truly had a front row seat, watching the building of the Lifeboost brand from the ground up!
Due to this unique position, she’s been privileged to see Lifeboost grow from a passionate vision into a now thriving brand with a truly dedicated community of customers.
She’s been here to see our product line expand, and she’s played a role in refining our quality, process, and standards into what they are today.
Throughout all of this, her favorite part about Lifeboost’s growth as a company has been “our ability to stay true to our core values - Clean, Cause, Connection, and Kindness - while scaling in a way that still prioritizes customer experience.”
Beyond this, she explained that “seeing how our loyal customers resonate with our mission and continue to support us has been incredibly rewarding.”
As for the future, her enthusiasm is contagious - “The potential ahead is exciting, especially as we continue innovating with new products and expanding our impact!”
So, I guess you could say that’s the broad look, or rather Michelle’s broad look at Lifeboost over the course of her time with the company, but what we’d really like you to see is how this Leading Lifeboost Lady contributes on a day to day basis…
As the Director of Operations at Lifeboost, Michelle oversees multiple departments.
In fact, it’s up to her to ensure seamless collaboration and efficiency across so many areas of the business.
Because of this, her role involves everything from logistics to customer experience to budgeting and innovation, all while helping Lifeboost grow as a company, ensuring they remain cost-conscious and customer focused.
“I continuously look for ways to enhance operations, improve financial sustainability, and maintain the exceptional quality and customer experience that Lifeboost is known for.”
And she does all of this while ultimately being responsible for the following 5 primary areas…
Supply Chain & Logistics
Michelle works closely with our warehouse team to manage inventory, optimize operations, and ensure orders are fulfilled efficiently. This includes everything from sourcing raw materials to coordinating with manufacturers and keeping the supply chain running smoothly while maintaining cost efficiency.
Enhancing Customer Experience Across Platforms
Michelle also collaborates with our tech and customer support teams to improve the Lifeboost journey for each customer. This includes everything from optimizing the website to subscription experiences, support processes, and more, all while continuously looking for and finding new tools and strategies to ensure we’re creating seamless interactions with/for our customers.
Managing Product Development & Innovation
Here, Michelle plays a big part in bringing new products to life. She works with research and development, manufacturers, and internal teams to ensure we’re bringing our customers high quality products that align with our mission. From the initial concept to the launching of any new products, she helps to ensure our products meet customer needs while also maintaining operational efficiency.
Budgeting & Cost Management
She also oversees budgeting for multiple areas of the company. Across all departments, Michelle works to make sure we are operating efficiently while keeping costs low. This involves finding cost-saving opportunities, negotiating with suppliers, and strategically allocating resources to support the growth of our company without compromising quality.
Improving Operations Across Platforms
Michelle also manages a variety of internal systems, third party negotiations, and operational workflows at Lifeboost…in other words, she ensures all parts of the business are running smoothly, keeping the company efficient and scalable.
Now, if you’re like me, you read through those primary roles, and as each duty compiled on the one before it, you had one word running through your mind…how?
So, we asked Michelle this exact question - how do you do it?
What exactly does a “day in the life” of Michelle Hendren look like as she fulfills all of her responsibilities at Lifeboost?
“As the Director of Operations, no two days are exactly the same, but my role is a balance of overseeing logistics, improving customer experience, maintaining budgets, and keeping all departments running smoothly.”
So, in the morning, she starts the day by reviewing key reports, emails, and messages from the warehouse, customer support team, and other departments to assess any urgent issues or opportunities. This helps her to get a pulse on the operations of the company as a whole.
Then, she checks in with the shipping team to make sure shipments are on track, inventory levels are optimal, and any logistical challenges are promptly addressed.
During this time she also works with Lifeboost’s tech team to review any website issues, subscription updates, ongoing projects, or automation improvements that could enhance the customer’s experience.
During the middle of the morning, this is when Michelle dedicates time for collaboration and problem solving.
Throughout this portion of the day, she spends a lot of time meeting with various teams across multiple departments involving everything from product development to customer support, ensuring that all projects are on track, processes remain efficient, and any issues are resolved.
During this time, she also looks at the company budget and costs, analyzing the cost of operations, supplier expenses, and budget reports to help identify any areas where Lifeboost can cut unnecessary spending while maintaining high-quality service and adhering to the standards we’ve put in place for our products.
And yes, she’s still not made it to lunchtime yet!
Before this midday break, she also makes time to evaluate return processes, response times, and new tools we’ve introduced, all with an eye focused on improving or enhancing the Lifeboost experience for our customers.
In other words, this time and these processes, each day, have one goal - making sure every customer interaction with Lifeboost is smooth and enjoyable!
Then, afternoons are for strategy and execution.
During this time, she checks in on new product launches, coordinates with manufacturers, and ensures everything is progressing to meet release timelines.
But she also spends her afternoons exploring ways to make workflow more efficient. And this might mean she’s negotiating supplier rates, implementing new tech tools, or even optimizing the structure of our teams.
Finally, before each workday closes, Michelle also makes sure any pending issues are resolved, and each team has what they need to succeed.
“By the end of the day, I’ve touched nearly every aspect of the business. It’s fast-paced and constantly evolving but seeing Lifeboost grow and thrive makes it all worth it!”
What an incredible attitude!
Even better, seeing how Michelle tackles her role(s) at Lifeboost gives us a glimpse into who she is as a person, as a woman.
For instance, I asked Michelle what aspects of working for Lifeboost brought her the greatest joy, and this was her answer…
“The most rewarding aspects of my role come from seeing the direct impact of my work on the company, our customers, and our team.”
“One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is knowing that the decisions I make directly improve customers’ experiences. Seeing positive feedback from customers who love our coffee and appreciate the care we put into every detail is incredibly rewarding.”
“I [also] love taking complex problems and breaking them down into solutions that make our operations smoother…there’s nothing more satisfying than making things work better for the company and the team.”
Michelle has also shared how much she’s loved seeing Lifeboost grow as a company - “It’s exciting to see how our brand expands while maintaining the high quality and integrity that sets us apart. …seeing a new product go from concept to reality, knowing I played a key role in making it happen, it’s one of the best parts of my job.”
Other joys she experiences throughout her role at Lifeboost include “working with an amazing team, helping teams collaborate, and seeing people succeed in their roles.”
Overall, the biggest joy Michelle says she experiences is knowing her work makes a difference.
“At the end of the day, I know that what I do helps keep everything moving, [and] seeing the results of my hard work, whether in smooth operations, happy customers, or successful product launches, is what keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.
Lifeboost isn’t just a company, it’s a mission-driven brand, and being a key player in its success makes my role truly fulfilling.”
A Look At Michelle’s Life Beyond Lifeboost
One of the most marvelous, impressive, and inspiring things about most women with workplace roles, like Michelle, is that their home lives are equally as vibrant.
And that’s why we’d like to take a few moments to allow you to get to know Michelle on a more personal level…
In her words - “I’m a proud mom of two wonderful and crazy little girls, have been with my amazing husband for 18 years, [and] our journey has been filled with love, adventure, and growth.”
Juggling her role at Lifeboost while being a wife and mother sometimes means that Michelle’s days begin super early, “getting [her] two little girls ready for school while answering a few urgent emails or messages.
…I’m making breakfast, packing lunches, and making sure everyone is out the door on time -all while mentally running through my to-do list for the day.”
Then, in between her daily Lifeboost duties, she’s also “answering texts from my husband about weekend plans, making sure our girls have what they need for their activities, and probably squeezing in an Amazon order for something I forgot we needed.”
And, by the time the work day closes, she shifts “straight into mom mode - helping with homework, making dinner, and soaking up some quality time with my family.”
“It’s nonstop, it’s demanding, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Of course, a dream day, or the perfect, relaxing, easy-going day for Michelle, one focused solely on family and self would look a little something like this, involving those things she and her family love most -
“A dream day? It starts slow - no alarm clock, just waking up naturally with the sunlight peeking through the windows. My husband and I make coffee and enjoy a crazy morning with the kids.”
- A side note for all our curious minds reading this - Michelle’s favorite Lifeboost brews are our Peppermint Mocha throughout the chilly months, Cognition Mushroom Coffee for an everyday focus-induced favorite, and Snoozy Snooze Tea to help her transition into a relaxing, peaceful evening after a hectic day. -
Now, back to her perfect, dream day…
On this relaxing day, she can see her family enjoying a slow breakfast, and “maybe even sit outside and just take in the morning air when it’s warm in Indiana!”
One such day for Michelle and her family would also incorporate the things they enjoy doing most any weekend or warm summer holiday - “...maybe we’re out boating on the water, hiking a beautiful trail, or camping somewhere with no cell service. There’s no schedule, no meetings, no emails, just time together as a family, making memories, laughing, and enjoying the moment.”
And, her truly perfect day “ends with a cozy campfire, a sky full of stars, and that satisfying, peaceful feeling of being present with the people I love most.”
Michelle’s description of a perfect, relaxing day isn’t much different from those days with her family that bring her the most joy in life, as her favorite moments are those times where she’s making memories with her family.
“Whether we’re out boating, hiking a new trail, camping under the stars, or just having a lazy Sunday morning together, those moments of laughter, adventure, and connection are what truly fill my heart.
Seeing my little girls experience new things, watching them grow, and sharing those special times with my husband reminds me of what really matters.
These are the moments that refill my cup and remind me why I work so hard on the hectic days.”
When she’s not with her husband and daughters, Michelle also loves gardening.
And, when she’s in need of a little self-care, she says you can definitely find her at the spa - “there’s nothing better than a massage or a peaceful moment to recharge.”
Then, other than family, another blessing Michelle appreciates in life is friendship.
And another perk of working for Lifeboost is that she’s blessed to work every day with her best friend, who happens to be the Director of Marketing for our company.
“It’s rare to find a workplace where you not only love what you do but also get to share it with someone who truly understands and supports you. We push each other to do better, celebrate wins together, and have plenty of fun along the way.”
From Her Heart To Yours…
As we’ve spent some time learning more about one of our favorite Lifeboost Ladies, there are certainly some powerful takeaways to highlight.
Obviously, I think Michelle can describe these best, so I want to close with how she believes working for Lifeboost has helped her to grow both professionally and personally.
- “My journey at Lifeboost has been more than just a job - it’s been an opportunity for immense growth…and a huge part of that is thanks to Dr. Charles who has given me the space, trust, and challenges needed to develop into the leader I am today.”
- “His confidence in my abilities has allowed me to step up, take ownership, and grow into a strong, strategic leader.”
- “Working at Lifeboost has taught me to think on my feet and solve complex problems.”
- “Before Lifeboost, I never saw myself as someone who would lead multiple teams. I’ve learned not just how to manage, but how to empower people. I’ve developed the skills to mentor, collaborate, and help others succeed.”
- “Lifeboost has taught me how to balance both details and strategy…”
- “On a personal level, Lifeboost has given me the confidence to trust my instincts, make tough decisions, and take on challenges that once seemed intimidating.”
Michelle has expressed a great amount of gratitude for the opportunity to work and grow at Lifeboost.
“Lifeboost isn’t just a job for me - it’s a place where I get to grow, collaborate, and be surrounded by people who inspire me everyday.”
And, “Lifeboost isn’t just a workplace - it’s been a launchpad for my growth, and I’m excited to keep growing alongside the company.”
In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, I want to leave you with a few more words of wisdom from our very own, Michelle Hendren:
“We, as women, juggle so much. We push ourselves to be everything for everyone - leaders, caretakers, problem-solvers, nurturers - but in the process, we often forget to show ourselves the same kindness and patience we give to others.
You don’t have to do it all perfectly. Progress is more important than perfection.
Give yourself grace and know your worth.
Advocate for yourself. In your career, in your relationships, in your personal growth - don’t wait for someone else to recognize your value.
Speak up, go after what you want, and trust that you are more than capable.
And, most importantly, don’t lose yourself in the roles you play for others.
Take time to pour into yourself - your dreams, your passions, your wellbeing - because you are just as important as the people you care for.
You are strong. You are capable. You are enough.”
Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.
Becky is a mother, educator, and content writer for Lifeboost Coffee. She has had three years’ experience as a writer, and in that time she has enjoyed creatively composing articles and ebooks covering the topics of coffee, health and fitness, education, recipes, and relationships.