What’s the good news, ladies?  July edition

I’m on my sixth flight in about a week, flying from LA to NYC after spending the past couple of days with the fine people of CAHIP (California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals). I just love how it doesn’t matter what state you are in within our industry, you can always find incredible people and connect with colleagues who will inspire you.  I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker for their Engage Conference, got to hear one of our past features, Lisa Hutcherson, and I also was able to see so many other WTGNL women too!  Lisa talked about the importance of connecting vs. directing and how good leaders embrace change as essential and necessary.  Our next three features take this concept to heart and lead not only in their communities, but also advocate for the clients they serve.  Check out what Amy, Dede and Erin are accomplishing to pave the way and advocate for others in our industry!

Amy Brackett, CFA®, CDFA®, Revolve Wealth Partners

“After spending most of the last 20 years focused on investments and portfolio management,last year I pivoted into a role with a greater emphasis on financial planning, joining Revolve Wealth Partners as a Senior Wealth Advisor.  I have been able to leverage my passion for working with people with my financial skills and life experience to significantly drive my business growth. In my first year at Revolve, I led the firm in new client assets and used my prior experience working with non-profits to build and grow the firm’s non-profit practice. This has been a truly fulfilling and rewarding career move.

In addition, I sit on the Board of East End Temple and the Investment Committee of the Reform Pension Board, allowing me to use my deep investment knowledge to help institutions and causes I care about.”

Dede Kennedy, President & Founder, BenAssist Health Insurance Services, LLC

“Compassion and high touch support is what keeps me warm at night in employee benefit planning! My recent win was facilitating access to specialized primary care for a non-binary teacher.

They were unable to find their doctor in plans the employer offered. Then, following hours of calling primary doctors, they told their peers that their employer had no coverage for non-binary care.

I spent hours listening to their needs, explaining that at issue was not coverage but access to experienced providers, discussing options, writing appeals and requesting a single-case agreement

Success! July 1, the insurance carrier allowed the employer, mid-year, to add another plan that contained a nationally known non-binary physician and allowed the employee to move to that plan. The carrier broke their own rules because I found the right person with the right heart and created a way for them to do the right thing.”

Erin Issac, Joy Benefits LLC

“A year ago, I juggled emotions of joy and grief as I welcomed my third child a few days afterlosing my mother.  These events encouraged a search for greater meaning in my work and an opportunity to become more present with my family.  Returning from leave, I realized the benefits department I helped establish and nurture was also moving into a new phase of life.  I found the strength to close the right doors and had faith in my own actions to make my dream become a reality.  Within 45 days, I launched Joy Benefits, focused on bringing joy back to consumers, employers and industry insiders alike.  As part of this mission, I’m consulting with fellow benefits agencies to help support their team members to find balance and fulfillment in their roles as I glean experience from masters in the industry.  When it feels like insurance sucks, we can choose joy.”

These women are pretty incredible, huh?  Any other incredible women come to mind when you think about our industry?  If so, I kind of feel like it’s your duty to share them with others. So take two minutes to stop what you are doing and shoot an email to scombs@combsandco.com as I’d love to connect and bring them into my circle, too!