What’s your career pathway been like? How did you get to where you are now?
I have been blessed with many unique experiences as someone who was “born” into the National Life Group family. I “grew” up here, beginning my career 3 weeks after my college graduation. I started with a brief stint at ESI as a Commissions Coordinator and moved onto actuarial work where I spent over a decade honing my technical skills between Corporate Actuarial functions and Life Product Pricing. About 5 years ago, I was honored with the opportunity to explore different areas including Marketing, Product Development, and now Underwriting.
What did you want to be when you “grew up”?
My parents were both teachers and as a child I was often in my mother’s classroom helping with her preschool children. As a younger adult, I thought I would find myself teaching in the traditional sense. Where today, I have the privilege of leading highly talented people who teach me every day. My responsibility is to share other perspectives of our business, and most importantly, create an environment that allows my teammates to shine.
What do you like most about working with the National Life Group?
Opportunity.
I don’t believe I would have been afforded the opportunities I have been given anywhere other than National Life Group. Think about it – I am an Actuary who has sat in a Marketing role. When I share this with others outside of our organization, their faces are laughable. Our leaders at National Life Group are willing to put you in positions that may make you uncomfortable but help you grow in unique and demonstrable ways.
Has the industry landscape changed during your career? What have you seen?
Life Insurance and Annuity carriers are caretakers of risk – centered on real people. This is an important responsibility and one that cannot be taken lightly. In the past 15+ years, I have watched the industry move thoughtfully and react to change in ways that bring the most value to our customers. When I think about the change in Underwriting, the industry has moved quickly in the past decade to incorporate tools that remove friction from the customer experience. This means more coverage for more people with less pain, and National Life Group has been at the forefront.
Is there a particular woman who has inspired you in life?
My great aunt, Zia. She was a small, but mighty and classically proud Italian woman. After being widowed at the age of 40 with no children, she poured her heart and soul into the lives of everyone she touched, including mine. After retiring at the age of 65, she went on to volunteer for 25+ years, even taking work into her home when she became unable to drive. Outside of her impeccable work ethic, her love for me was unrelenting. Unafraid to tell me when she thought I was misguided, but one of my biggest supporters. As someone who lived through the Great Depression, she often told me I didn’t know what it was like to be poor (and rightfully so), but the riches she gave me in this life are something that money could never buy.
What advice would you give to young women who are just beginning their careers?
Be Courageously Authentic. This is something I work on every single day. Some days I rock it, other days I struggle. When I miss the mark, inauthenticity shows up as withdrawal or choosing my words carefully, much like a turtle pulling its head back into its shell. It’s a self-protection move that feels safe short term but proves to be limiting long term.
I wish I could give you (and myself!) a recipe or formula to follow that would crack this. The best advice I can provide is to never stop working at it. It is much like strength training, you must be disciplined and consistent, to remain strong. Always be respectful but be courageously authentic. Be You. This is where you will feel the most alive…the most passionate…and the most fulfilled.
What leadership quality do you most admire and aspire to?
Courage. Courage is where you lean on your head but let your heart lead. It allows you to be authentic and sparks trust with others. But the hard part – it puts you at risk. I love to learn from and watch those who lead courageously. They inspire me to be the best version of myself.
Do you have a cause or a favorite “Do good” passion?
My “Do Good” passion is positively impacting others. The cool thing is every single day I have an opportunity to deliver on this. Some days this feels grand, such as being able to give back monetarily to St. Monica’s – St. Michael’s School or the Good Samaritan Haven via our annual Share the Good campaign. On other days, it is as simple as a smile and how are you in a hallway.
What attracted you to National Life and what would you tell someone who is considering doing business with us?
First, the what – high quality products and services. We aren’t always the most competitive carrier on the street, but our product mix meets customers where they are at in life. We will be there for you when you need it the most.
Second, the how – our focus on progress, not perfection. We are squarely rooted in the idea that every day we can get better. We listen. We respond. We don’t always get it right, but we continuously iterate to deliver the best experience for our customers.
Any other words of wisdom you’d like to share?
For years, I’ve heard the question, “Can women have it all?” And, for years, I used to think about how I would answer it – yes or no. For me, there is no black-and-white answer. What does “have it all?” mean anyway? The answer to that question is different for everyone and may even change as we move through life. It is entirely dependent on the lines you draw that define who you are and what you want your impact to be.
As a mom of three daughters and leader at National Life Group, I take both of those responsibilities very seriously. I would be lying if I said that every day was easy, or I didn’t feel a constant pull between being a mom and having a career. There are some days I would go so far as to say, I do not have it all! However, there are also some amazing, meaningful, and downright powerful days. My personal and professional life both provide fulfillment that neither one could provide alone.
So – moral of the story – define your own lines and find a village that supports them. Give yourself grace if you don’t have it all figured out yet or need to adjust those lines. But maximize your meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in this life. It is too short not to bless the world with the best and most beautiful version of you.
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