An interview with Jen Schoenherr, Mechanical Forensic Specialist, and Bernadette Lois, Lean Ford Production Manager — both at Ford Motor Company

BenchStrength Coaching Programs helped Jen and Bernadette shift from constantly serving others to intentionally investing in themselves. It reignited a sense of personal authority, reminded them to trust their gut, and gave them tools to lead with both skill and heart.

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Bernadette, tell us a bit about your background.

I’m Bernadette and I’ve been with Ford for 30 years. I’m an engineer by trade. I spent a lot of my career in Powertrain, and I support a mix of Powertrain and Vehicle Operations, including ICE, Hybrid and Electric. I’m a Lean Ford Production System Manager and Coach — outside the company I’d be called a Lean Manufacturing Manager. I use my knowledge and experience to help teach and coach our rules of the road. I translate what our vice president and leadership set for our strategy and help operationalize it so that we continuously improve and meet or beat our targeted results.

What change did you notice in yourself after going through the Women Rising® program, Bernadette?

I noticed, as I paid more attention to myself and my development — because we’re all going so fast, working a lot of hours — that my role and my personality are very customer service oriented in helping the plants. Being able to focus on myself, making the time, helped me have goals and a targeted plan, not just work tasks, but for my softer skills to propel myself forward.

Jen, what was the experience like for you?

The experience overall was wonderful. To be honest, I really thought it was going to be more of a diversity training, and I was a little worried going into it. But it totally was not that. It was all about improving ourselves, and how we could view ourselves. I really appreciated that instead of looking at others, it was a true workshop on me.

One of the things the Women Rising program really helped me with was when I applied for a promotion outside of engineering in marketing. The old me, prior to that program, would have taken not getting that job very personally. But with the tools from the program, I was able to process it differently and keep moving forward.

What advice would you give to other women considering the program?

Do it. Whether you are early in your career or well-established, the self-awareness you gain is invaluable. The program meets you where you are and gives you frameworks you can use immediately. The coaching relationship alone is worth it — having someone in your corner who challenges you to grow and hold you accountable makes all the difference.