VP, Global Integration and Diversity, Lenovo; Austin, TX
Children: stepson Christopher, 22; Cameron, 9; Colton, 3 ♦ Husband: Chris Conyers

Why We Love Her Taking a risk doesn’t always involve stepping forward—sometimes it’s about stepping back. After a difficult pregnancy, Yolanda returned to work while coping with lingering health problems. She decided that her health and family had to come first, so she chose to leave her executive position. “That was very scary for me,” she says, “but I had a great support system.” when she rejoined the workforce a year and a half later, she landed at Lenovo. Now she integrates cultures around the world—a job she is passionate about and one that allows her to work from home and stay involved with her church.  

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 trust. Since I joined Lenovo, I have had a great trusting relationship with my boss. We both work out of our homes and travel globally. He trusts that I will get the work done regardless of my location or time zone.

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

A: If necessary, don’t be afraid to “off-ramp” or make a different career decision in order to make your health and family a priority. I gave birth to two children during my career and both created health challenges. The first time, I moved from a senior manager role with a team of 300 people to an individual contributor role. The second time, I chose to resign and stay home for 18 months. In both situations, I rebounded. In fact, I made director after the first birth, a few years later, and vice resident a year and a half after the second birth.

Q: What does balance mean to you?

A: Balance means being able to manage my home as wife and mother; manage my work as a vice president in a demanding environment; and maintain my commitment to community service. Striking this balance means I wake up happy in the morning and I am thrilled about life. Why? Because I am able to use my skills and great gifts God has given me to be a great wife and mother at home, to help those in community, especially disadvantaged communities and to deliver results at work that are respected and appreciated.