What’s the good news, ladies?  Is it fall yet?

So, I know it’s not technically fall…I’m sure the universe will have one more heat wave in her before it’s all said and done, but I’m craving it.  I want the boots, the sweaters, pumpkin spice, leaves, Chiefs….you know, Fall!  But that also means that open enrollment is right around the corner and then it’s the stress, long hours, longer meetings and friends and family not remembering it’s open enrollment!  But here we are…same bat time, same bat location.

One of the things that I like most about being a part of this series is the motivation that kicks in gear for me when I see all the cool things that women in our industry are accomplishing.  They are stepping out of their comfort zones time and time again and being open to new opportunities that come their way.  So maybe that’s the focus for enrollment season this year: be open.  Open to new products, open to niche markets, open to partnerships, open to thinking of things in different ways.  This seems to be the theme for both Ashley and Sally, who are featured this month.

Check out what they have been open to!

Ashley Andrews, Medefly Health

“After being a broker/consultant for over 10 years, I am embarking on my second year in the vendor space. I have made so many great connections, grown closer to clients and other vendor partners and have helped so many employees find access to quality, low-cost care. While these are all great accomplishments, one of my most valuable achievements this year was learning to find a work/life balance.

Living in a sales world involves coming and going, plane and car rides and sleepless hotel nights away from the comforts of our own homes. And as women, this world seems intensified for us. I have made a personal goal of learning to be mindful and take care of myself. I’m a better friend, daughter, wife, dog mom and businesswoman when I am 100%.

So, I only say this to also remind myself, what have you done for you lately?”

Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration – creators of The Granite List

“This past year, I lead the successful launch of a product developed over several years. It was highly anticipated and served a void in our industry – connecting advisors and HR leaders with point solutions the same way OpenTable does for the restaurant industry or Trip Advisor does for hotels. (It’s called The Granite List.)

My team’s celebration was short-lived, however, because less than 10 months in, I was unexpectedly presented an opportunity to fast-track an additional business line I had always intended to develop. As we enter the employee onboarding space, I’ve been humbled to have clients lining up before we even went live.

I run a marketing/communications and clinical advocacy group hyper focused on benefits innovation for employers. As a leader, I get my energy from turning a perceived challenge into a way to build community as we redefine relevance in the employee benefits space. Let’s go.”

Anyone doing anything different to gear up this year’s open enrollment?  Any time saving tips? Or as Ashley put it, “what have you done for you lately?” that will get your ready for 4^th Quarter?  What are you “open to”?

Per usual, if you know of an amazing woman in our industry, please help with this effort and shoot an email to scombs@combsandco.com, as I’d love to connect and bring them into my circle too!