The Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising
September 16, 2014 3:45 AM
EBA asked our winners chosen from nearly 90 online nominations and in no particular order what is the most impactful thing women in the industry can do to help each other succeed? Read the highlights from their answers here, and then check out the October issue for their full profiles.
Camry Blaising
VP of Sales and Consulting
Northwestern Benefit Corporation of Georgia
Atlanta, Ga.
"I have the privilege in my organization to work with many successful women. I believe the most impactful thing we can do to help each other succeed is to give, and be open to receive, constructive feedback. I find that women can be inclined to avoid difficult conversations to maintain harmony and relationship. However, difficult conversations and conflict can be healthy and are important to the development of individuals and organizations."
Northwestern Benefit Corporation of Georgia
Atlanta, Ga.
"I have the privilege in my organization to work with many successful women. I believe the most impactful thing we can do to help each other succeed is to give, and be open to receive, constructive feedback. I find that women can be inclined to avoid difficult conversations to maintain harmony and relationship. However, difficult conversations and conflict can be healthy and are important to the development of individuals and organizations."
Jeanne Nicholson
Sr. Vice President, Benefit Consulting
CBG Benefits
Woburn, Mass.
"The most impactful thing that we can do is to be proactive and to make ourselves available. There are so many ways to network and share our expertise nowadays. We must make the time to participate in networking events and in some cases, this might mean hosting and putting these events on ourselves! And of course, there are email list serves, online community forums, LinkedIn Groups, etc. that we can actively participate in and contribute to. By being willing to put in the time and energy to make ourselves available, well be able to have a positive influence on this vibrant and ever-changing industry."
CBG Benefits
Woburn, Mass.
"The most impactful thing that we can do is to be proactive and to make ourselves available. There are so many ways to network and share our expertise nowadays. We must make the time to participate in networking events and in some cases, this might mean hosting and putting these events on ourselves! And of course, there are email list serves, online community forums, LinkedIn Groups, etc. that we can actively participate in and contribute to. By being willing to put in the time and energy to make ourselves available, well be able to have a positive influence on this vibrant and ever-changing industry."
Colleen Savoie
Principal, Account Executive
Parker, Smith & Feek
Anchorage, Alaska
We must share our knowledge with one another. Whether we participate in formal mentoring programs or simply recognize teachable moments when they occur, we need to take time to pass along our expertise and experience.
Parker, Smith & Feek
Anchorage, Alaska
We must share our knowledge with one another. Whether we participate in formal mentoring programs or simply recognize teachable moments when they occur, we need to take time to pass along our expertise and experience.
Beverly E. Beattie
Founder & CEO
Selden Beattie Benefit Advisors
Coral Gables, Fla.
"By nature, women are known as nurturers and this, coupled with a keen sense for business and professionalism, can be very beneficial when working with clients. Women in the industry are able to see both sides of the spectrum and in turn ensure employee benefits are not just seen as a large expense, but rather an integral component of the livelihood of the workforce which results to happy and engaged employees, which ultimately leads to productivity and profitability within an organization."
Selden Beattie Benefit Advisors
Coral Gables, Fla.
"By nature, women are known as nurturers and this, coupled with a keen sense for business and professionalism, can be very beneficial when working with clients. Women in the industry are able to see both sides of the spectrum and in turn ensure employee benefits are not just seen as a large expense, but rather an integral component of the livelihood of the workforce which results to happy and engaged employees, which ultimately leads to productivity and profitability within an organization."
Debra Lambert
President
The LBL Group
Santa Ana, Calif.
"The challenge we face is to start understanding how to validate each other without the fear of rivalry and the bias that other women in the industry obscure our opinions and perpetuate the same old feeling that successful women are a threat to us and our own beliefs. Sharing stories of successful mentorship, business solutions and encouraging women to self-promotion are all ways we can close the gender gaps for women in the industry."
The LBL Group
Santa Ana, Calif.
"The challenge we face is to start understanding how to validate each other without the fear of rivalry and the bias that other women in the industry obscure our opinions and perpetuate the same old feeling that successful women are a threat to us and our own beliefs. Sharing stories of successful mentorship, business solutions and encouraging women to self-promotion are all ways we can close the gender gaps for women in the industry."
Kristin L. Kahle
Founder and CEOt
NavigateHCR
San Diego, Calif.
"I have always been a firm believer in women supporting each other in the workplace. I believe that we can help one another reach our goals by proactively seeking women in our industry and helping them out throughout their careers, whether by hiring them, referring them, or giving them our business. By supporting each other, we strengthen all women and increase the odds for a more equal workforce."
NavigateHCR
San Diego, Calif.
"I have always been a firm believer in women supporting each other in the workplace. I believe that we can help one another reach our goals by proactively seeking women in our industry and helping them out throughout their careers, whether by hiring them, referring them, or giving them our business. By supporting each other, we strengthen all women and increase the odds for a more equal workforce."
Libbie Wilmer
CEO
George Belcher Evans & Wilmer
Dallas, Texas
"Women must mentor each other and allow each other the opportunity to grow. This includes sharing ideas about how to solve specific problems and sharing our experiences, even with friendly competitors. Our agency is comprised primarily of women, and I have the luxury of working closely enough with them to know their strengths and to help them build on those strengths to become the best they can be. That may mean realigning their focus or their job description to allow that full potential to blossom. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch these women succeed."
George Belcher Evans & Wilmer
Dallas, Texas
"Women must mentor each other and allow each other the opportunity to grow. This includes sharing ideas about how to solve specific problems and sharing our experiences, even with friendly competitors. Our agency is comprised primarily of women, and I have the luxury of working closely enough with them to know their strengths and to help them build on those strengths to become the best they can be. That may mean realigning their focus or their job description to allow that full potential to blossom. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch these women succeed."
Christy Schwan
President
Stellarus Benefits
Brookfield, Wisc.
"Sometimes our impact means helping others see that they are in the wrong industry. If they dont like constant change and the attendant learning, the benefits business may be the wrong career choice."
Stellarus Benefits
Brookfield, Wisc.
"Sometimes our impact means helping others see that they are in the wrong industry. If they dont like constant change and the attendant learning, the benefits business may be the wrong career choice."
Sibyl Bogardus
Chief Compliance Officer
HUB International
Salt Lake City, Utah
"It is important for women to show their mettle by addressing extremely challenging business issues, and health care reform is one such issue. I deeply believe that women are better together, and all women are now, more than ever, more highly respected in business. At a certain point, people dont see a woman they see an expert."
HUB International
Salt Lake City, Utah
"It is important for women to show their mettle by addressing extremely challenging business issues, and health care reform is one such issue. I deeply believe that women are better together, and all women are now, more than ever, more highly respected in business. At a certain point, people dont see a woman they see an expert."
Lori Block
Principal Engagement Practice: Communication & Client Technology
Buck Consultants at Xerox
San Francisco, Calif.
"I think the most impactful thing that women in leadership positions can do to help everyone succeed, particularly other women, is to help them shed any fears or hesitancy that might hold them back. We need to be bold in our own way, and we need to lead by example. We need to listen, and to speak up. We need to be professional, yet be ourselves. We need to display our passion in the workplace."
Buck Consultants at Xerox
San Francisco, Calif.
"I think the most impactful thing that women in leadership positions can do to help everyone succeed, particularly other women, is to help them shed any fears or hesitancy that might hold them back. We need to be bold in our own way, and we need to lead by example. We need to listen, and to speak up. We need to be professional, yet be ourselves. We need to display our passion in the workplace."
Jennifer L. Lovett
President & CEO
Crystal Financial Insurance Services
Windsor, Conn.
"The most impactful thing women in the industry can do to help each other is to impress the industry with a united front. Work together by sharing information and band together when there's a common cause that needs to be addressed. There's been a long history of divide amongst the brokerage community because we've looked at each other as competition. With the broker industry still predominantly male, we have a lot more to gain by banding together than by trying to maneuver the system alone."
Crystal Financial Insurance Services
Windsor, Conn.
"The most impactful thing women in the industry can do to help each other is to impress the industry with a united front. Work together by sharing information and band together when there's a common cause that needs to be addressed. There's been a long history of divide amongst the brokerage community because we've looked at each other as competition. With the broker industry still predominantly male, we have a lot more to gain by banding together than by trying to maneuver the system alone."
Meredith Korner
Director of Benefits Consulting
CPI-HR
Solon, Ohio
"I believe with issues of work-life balance and embracing leadership positions, its the women in the industry who can help each other the most in leading by example. When it comes to soft skills like self-confidence, time-management and working under pressure, women speak the same language and can have more influence on each others success by motivating and encouraging one another. As leaders, women can encourage success by instilling confidence and highlighting each others strengths."
CPI-HR
Solon, Ohio
"I believe with issues of work-life balance and embracing leadership positions, its the women in the industry who can help each other the most in leading by example. When it comes to soft skills like self-confidence, time-management and working under pressure, women speak the same language and can have more influence on each others success by motivating and encouraging one another. As leaders, women can encourage success by instilling confidence and highlighting each others strengths."
B. Ronnell Nolan
President, CEO
Health Agents For America
Baton Rouge, La.
"Women in insurance bring something extra special to the market. We bring a different level of service for our clients, we bring a nurturing spirit. We are committed to the task at hand and know what impact it will have on the client; something we do not take lightly. We need to encourage more women to become involved in our industry. Support a young lady, become a mentor to her, assist her in joining our industry."
Health Agents For America
Baton Rouge, La.
"Women in insurance bring something extra special to the market. We bring a different level of service for our clients, we bring a nurturing spirit. We are committed to the task at hand and know what impact it will have on the client; something we do not take lightly. We need to encourage more women to become involved in our industry. Support a young lady, become a mentor to her, assist her in joining our industry."
Monica Digon
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
FBMC Benefits Management
Tallahassee, Fla.
"The most impactful thing women can do is empower each other by knowledge sharing, networking, being mentors and seeking mentors. It is important we not only mentor women entering our industry, but that we seek to be mentored by them as well."
FBMC Benefits Management
Tallahassee, Fla.
"The most impactful thing women can do is empower each other by knowledge sharing, networking, being mentors and seeking mentors. It is important we not only mentor women entering our industry, but that we seek to be mentored by them as well."
Suzy K. Johnson
President and Owner
Employee Benefit Advisors of the Carolinas, LLC
Charlotte, N.C.
"I think that women have a great advantage in our business because most women want to determine the problem before recommending a solution. They ask questions and listen to determine the needs, then hopefully have the knowledge and tools to recommend the best solution."
Employee Benefit Advisors of the Carolinas, LLC
Charlotte, N.C.
"I think that women have a great advantage in our business because most women want to determine the problem before recommending a solution. They ask questions and listen to determine the needs, then hopefully have the knowledge and tools to recommend the best solution."
Tanya Boyd
Owner
Tanya Boyd & Associates
Sunnyvale, Texas
"First of all, be secure. Secure in the knowledge and confidence that there is enough business for everyone. Stepping away from that competitive spirit and entering into a collaborative spirit opens up so many doors. All of a sudden you have all these amazing people working together, instead of just one or two. Its better for the overall industry, and better for everyone (clients included) when we can all come together with our ideas, fears, strengths and weaknesses."
Tanya Boyd & Associates
Sunnyvale, Texas
"First of all, be secure. Secure in the knowledge and confidence that there is enough business for everyone. Stepping away from that competitive spirit and entering into a collaborative spirit opens up so many doors. All of a sudden you have all these amazing people working together, instead of just one or two. Its better for the overall industry, and better for everyone (clients included) when we can all come together with our ideas, fears, strengths and weaknesses."
Sarah Prince
Employee Benefits Advisor
United Agencies Insurance
Burbank, Calif.
"I believe it is up to women in this industry to keep their eyes open and seek out opportunities to mentor other women in this industry. Sometimes it seems to me that this business is a well-kept secret. This is a great business! As a wife and mother, I place high value on the flexibility I have in my career to spend time with my family as often as I can. I consider it a gift to be able to go to baseball games, track meets and to volunteer on the P.T.A. We need to spread the word, and then back it up by sharing our time and expertise on a consistent basis. I believe growth is contagious, and that when we plant seeds by helping others, we all reap the benefits."
United Agencies Insurance
Burbank, Calif.
"I believe it is up to women in this industry to keep their eyes open and seek out opportunities to mentor other women in this industry. Sometimes it seems to me that this business is a well-kept secret. This is a great business! As a wife and mother, I place high value on the flexibility I have in my career to spend time with my family as often as I can. I consider it a gift to be able to go to baseball games, track meets and to volunteer on the P.T.A. We need to spread the word, and then back it up by sharing our time and expertise on a consistent basis. I believe growth is contagious, and that when we plant seeds by helping others, we all reap the benefits."
Tara Mashack-Behney
Partner and President
Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors
Harrisburg, Penn.
"Women need to provide mentorship and education to help each other succeed and, most importantly, to help the industry be successful in the future. By ensuring that others are doing well and highlighting their successes, we are training future partners and leaders. We also cant be afraid to challenge one another to make sure were focused on the big picture ahead. As a team, women are able to improve upon the industry through discussion to develop new programs that will continue to make employee benefits simpler for employees."
Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors
Harrisburg, Penn.
"Women need to provide mentorship and education to help each other succeed and, most importantly, to help the industry be successful in the future. By ensuring that others are doing well and highlighting their successes, we are training future partners and leaders. We also cant be afraid to challenge one another to make sure were focused on the big picture ahead. As a team, women are able to improve upon the industry through discussion to develop new programs that will continue to make employee benefits simpler for employees."
Theresa Kwan
Director of Marketing
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | HR & Benefits Consulting
Itasca, Ill.
"Recognizing innovation in helping customers solve problems, and offering insights and lessons learned, promotes a growing community of thought leadership. Great ideas inspire more great ideas, and this continuous cycle supports the ongoing success of clients and consultants alike."
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | HR & Benefits Consulting
Itasca, Ill.
"Recognizing innovation in helping customers solve problems, and offering insights and lessons learned, promotes a growing community of thought leadership. Great ideas inspire more great ideas, and this continuous cycle supports the ongoing success of clients and consultants alike."
Wendy Dominguez
Principal, President
Innovest Portfolio Solutions
Denver, Colo.
"An impactful way to help women succeed is to support and be a role model for balance balancing personal life with work demands, balancing people resources and client expectations, balancing professional dedication to company culture with exceptional task execution. For example, our firm has a practice of hiring highly educated former stay-at-home mothers, with the gift of balance."
Innovest Portfolio Solutions
Denver, Colo.
"An impactful way to help women succeed is to support and be a role model for balance balancing personal life with work demands, balancing people resources and client expectations, balancing professional dedication to company culture with exceptional task execution. For example, our firm has a practice of hiring highly educated former stay-at-home mothers, with the gift of balance."
