Senior Director, MSN Division of Microsoft; Seattle, WA
Children: Lauren, 6; Jacob, 4; Taylor, 1 ♦  Husband: David Gurry

Why We Love Her
Lisa thought she’d broken the code for managing a demanding schedule. She’d juggled 11 years of working at Microsoft with mothering three children. But just as she was about to return from maternity leave after having her youngest, she learned her daughter had been born without part of her brain. Lisa had to reassess mixing hours of therapy, special schooling and doctor appointments for her 1-year-old with being a mom to her two other children and excelling at work. It’s an act she’s accomplished with strength and grace. And the support her daughter has received from her medical team has made Lisa passionate about giving back, so she carves out time to raise money for charities like the March of Dimes, too.

Q: If you could ask your boss for one thing to help you better balance your work and family life, what would it be and why?

A: I would ask for continued openness to a flexible work schedule and the knowledge that working a flexible schedule will not limit my career advancement. A flexible schedule doesn't have to mean less productivity. That’s why I strive to be the best example of how wonderful a flexible work arrangement can be for a company and its people.

Q: What’s your best advice for a new mom returning to work?

A: Build a strong network around you and don't be afraid to ask for help. Emphasize quality time with your kids vs. quantity — 20 minutes actively spent playing dolls can mean more to them than an entire day running errands. And balance your time at work very carefully. Choose your most important projects to focus on and don't worry about dropping non-important balls.

Q: What’s your best tip for keeping your home life running smoothly?

A: My husband and I share a lot of the household responsibilities. Dividing and conquering is really essential for us. I also work on teaching my kids to be responsible for their things, so they help a lot with the housework (keeping their toys picked up, beds made and laundry sorted). I'm also a fanatical planner. We have a detailed calendar that outlines everyone's activities for the week and it is my guidebook for not losing my mind during the week.