Quotes that inspire HR and benefits professionals

9 quotes that inspire HR and benefits professionals to do their best work

March 1, 2021 9:44 AM

Books have the power to educate and entertain. But for these benefit professionals, they’re also a light in the darkness.

Studies have shown that books can increase reader empathy, social skills and interpersonal understanding, according toPsychology Today. Soft skills like these are vital to combating mental health challenges posed by the global pandemic. While many employers are offering mental health and professional development benefits to help improve workforce resilience, sometimes there’s nothing better than comforting words from a favorite author.

Each year,Employee Benefit News and Employee Benefit Adviser names a new class of Rising Stars making positive strides in their workplace. This year’s class shared the words that have helped inspire them as they chased their dreams, and provided solace when times were tough. They hope some of these favorites can inspire other benefit professionals to look on the bright side during this challenging time.

Megan Nail

Vice President, Total Rewards Practice

First Person Advisors

My favorite quote is “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” which is attributed to Roman philosopher Seneca. I work hard to control what I can control, and not worry about the rest, so I am ready when the opportunities come my way. This is how I believe I had the good fortune to make the career shift from an internal HR role to a total rewards consulting role almost two years ago, which has always been a career goal for me.

Sohail Hooda

Health and Welfare Practice Leader

Arthur J. Gallagher

“Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind And Defy The Odds,” by David Goggins, a former Navy Seal, had the most influence on me. It was astonishing to learn how we limit ourselves from tapping into our capabilities and how to unlock our full potential.

Victor Tang

Vice president

Marsh & McLennan Agency - Bouchard Region

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of embarrassing bravery and I promise you, something great will come of it.” This quote resonates with me because it reminds me to take risks, embrace the uncertainty and great things will come.

Stephanie Hernandez

Assistant Account Executive

FNA Insurance Services

A quote that I often notice from time to time is “Breathe, darling. This is just a chapter. It is not your whole story.” Each obstacle or struggle I encounter is not going to last forever. Whether it was work or personal, I have always had situations where I was stressed and overwhelmed and needed to take a step back and just breathe. This reminds me that there is a solution to any problem that comes my way.

Aaron Lipford

Senior Associate, People

PSB Insights

The book that most influenced me was "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss. The quote that influenced me the most is:

"Oh the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all."

This quote inspires me because it is about the importance of seizing chances, possessing an open-mind, having fun when trying new opportunities and remembering everyone's a winner in their own game.

Maria Simmers

Senior Consultant, Pension Actuary

Buck

The Henry Ford quote "Whether you think you can or think you can't — you're right" was my high school senior quote and it still sticks with me today. Our business, and life, is full of challenges but having the right attitude drastically increases your chances of succeeding and being able to handle whatever it throws at you.

Robert Clark

Sales Vice President

PGT

Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" was the very first personal development book I ever picked up. I was in high school at the time, and I remember falling in love with the idea of improving myself after the first chapter. While this book continues to be one that I pick up and read over again, I'm grateful it engaged me enough to be the first domino that started my journey into personal and professional development.

"True effectiveness is a function of two things: what is produced (the golden eggs) and the producing asset or capacity to produce (the goose). If you adopt a pattern of life that focuses on golden eggs and neglects the goose, you will soon be without the asset that produces golden eggs."

Alexis McWilliams

Benefits Specialist

Dollar General Corporation

The Harry Potter series has always been very near and dear to my heart, as I felt like I was growing up with the characters and wanted to be just like them. Harry taught me about perseverance, Ron about loyalty, Hermione about integrity. These qualities continue to serve me well in my personal and professional life.