As we celebrate International Women’s Day at Perficient and around the globe, it is with great pride and admiration that we shine a spotlight on Laurene Hoffmann, a dedicated leader and a highly distinguished Business Operations Manager at Perficient. Through her commitment to making a difference, Laurene exemplifies the spirit of this special day, reminding us all of the importance of recognizing and uplifting women in our communities.
Early Chapters of Laurene’s Professional Journey
Laurene’s professional journey has been an inspiring one, filled with many diverse roles that have shaped her into the leader she is today. Starting directly out of Clemson University, Laurene began her career as a Cost Accountant. She has navigated through various roles, including Supervisor of Budgeting and Results, Compensation Analyst, Controller, Financial Consultant and Contract Manager. The experiences she has acquired undoubtedly have contributed to shaping her career. “Every day is unique and a new challenge”, she says, and that’s what she loves the most about her role here at Perficient.
The “Hofmann” Impact
In the realm of achievements and milestones at Perficient, Laurene’s most significant accomplishment shines as a testament to her leadership philosophy – her team, affectionately known as “Team Hofmann”. Laurene embodies the essence of true leadership, prioritizing the growth, well-being, and success of her team above all.
“I am so proud of my group of 5. We are strong together, through the long days, sad days, and happy moments. My team gives me the courage to challenge the everyday processes we can improve. They give me grace when I make mistakes and encourage me to stand strong for doing what’s right. Every day, I look forward to my team’s presence, their feedback and their humor”.
Leading with Passion
Laurene actively pursues personal growth leveraging various tools and strategies to enhance her skills. One of her key approaches is through reading that offer insights into leadership, technology, and business. By taking notes and seeking out examples that resonate with her, Laurene enriches her decision-making process and continuously expands her knowledge base. Moreover, she values feedback from her colleagues, recognizing its importance in fostering growth.
Beyond her personal development, Laurene serves as a role model for aspiring professionals looking to carve out a similar career path. She emphasizes the importance of passion in one’s chosen field, encouraging others to pursue what they love and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Drawing from her own experience of transitioning from engineering to finance, Laurene underscores the significance of embracing one’s unique journey and finding joy in the work they do.
Beyond her professional sphere, Laurene’s dedication to helping others extends to her personal life. She is an active Volunteer at local Rotary and several Animal Rescue Organizations. She serves as an Advisor to the Rotary High School Interact group and coordinates service activities in the community and have also fostered over 100 kittens and several dogs. With great pride she says, “It is always amazing to me, after weeks of socializing fur babies, how they bond very quickly in a new home that offers unconditional love. It’s an amazing cycle!”
Laurene with her family at Monkeyland, Dominican Republic
Laurene’s passion for inspiring other women is a product of many impactful female role models who have shaped her life. From her mother, an English and Kindergarten teacher, to the supportive women colleagues and supervisors. Laurene draws inspiration from their resilience, strength, and passion. Emulating their example, she has built a career and life she is proud of!
Laurene envision a future where women continue to support and uplift one another. She believes in celebrating women’s unique talents on a regular basis and advocates for initiatives that promote advancement and empowerment. Laurene understands the importance of teaching and is looking forward to guide women that aspires to become great leaders. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions women like Laurene makes to the society and the workforce. Let us draw inspiration from Laurene’s journey and strive for a future where every woman is empowered to reach their full potential.
This article is part of an ongoing series dedicated to highlighting exceptional women in technology at Perficient. Join us in celebrating their achievements and inspiring the next generation of trailblazers.
Explore more about Perficient’s Women in Technology here
