What’s the good news, ladies? April edition

None of us know what the future holds. We can plan, visualize, dot every i, cross every t but still…it’s out of our hands. I think, no, actually I know that if you lined up the hundreds of women that have been featured in this series over the past six years, the majority of us would never have thought we would have landed in this industry. I would also venture to say that finding this gem of an industry has provided so many of us with a life we would have never dreamed of. Having a life that provides flexibility to be there for your family (blood or chosen), being lit up intellectually to strategize as problem solvers, having days that provide a ton of variety, not to mention, unlimited income potential (I am a Taurus after all!). I’m not saying that there aren’t long days, months and, hell, even years that happen in this career path, but once you hit the sweet spot and find your part of the industry where you belong, it’s gratifying to know that the work you are doing is making a difference.

I came into this industry full-time when I was 24, and I’ll be turning 44 at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo next month (OMG!). It blows my mind that I will soon be able to say that I’ve been in this industry for two decades. My Gramma Ruby Fern used to always say, “You’ll always be 25 in your heart” and don’t I know it. But now, as I see new women coming into the industry, or having courage to shift their roles in our industry when they just don’t feel like they’ve found the right fit, I’m excited.

These next three women are stellar examples of what lights me up in this industry. They are excited to see what the future holds for them, they are driven to make a difference in our industry and they are tenacious. Please enjoy meeting Ali, Jasmine and Chy. These three are definitely ones to watch!

Ali Goodwin, TrueScripts

“Before coming into my role with TrueScripts in 2020, I did not even know what PBM (Prescription Benefit Manager) stood for. Hit fast forward, and this year, I was nominated by my peers as a finalist for Emerging Newcomer of the Year. What a wild ride it has been!

Working for a relatively young company, I’ve had the opportunity to “grow up” alongside them, and amid my own “baptism by fire,” I have worked to develop a name for the brand that is recognized and respected nationally.

I have pushed my limits well past that of a typical Marketing Manager and have grown my role to support in a business development capacity, made possible by the many relationships and friendships I’ve developed along the way.

I learn something new about this industry and myself every day and am so excited to see what (and who) the future will bring!”

Jasmine Keating, MZQ Consulting “Starting a new role is always exciting and can be a little challenging, but the last few monthshave been an incredibly rewarding journey since taking on the role of Client Engagement Manager.

Leading the Sales and Business Development Team, as well as managing a small group of employees, has pushed me out of my comfort zone; but with determination and dedication, I am able to thrive and provide my team with the necessary resources they need to succeed. The highlight of this journey is connecting with people to see how I can be of service through my expertise, while also establishing meaningful relationships. I am grateful for the opportunity to enhance my skill set that this position has provided.

I know they say hard work pays off, but it’s an incredible feeling when you are recognized by your peers. I recently won the You Powered- Emerging Newcomer of the year award and I was presented the Rising Star award from my NABIP- Maryland board. I am incredibly thankful, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Cheyanna (Chy) Leah Tullgren, ThreeFlow

“I’m a second-generation insurance nerd who fell in love with our industry 23 years ago because brokers and carriers make a difference. Generations can feel the ripple effect, and I’m a part of the positive outcomes.

I knew the value of insurance, so I purchased permanent life insurance for my children when they were two weeks old. My second child, Ellie, was diagnosed with a rare brain malformation and cerebral palsy at eight months old and became uninsurable. Thankfully, she had a policy in place before this that provided options she wouldn’t have had otherwise.

While serving the employee benefits industry from both the carrier and broker side, I never thought I’d now help this industry from the software as a service (SaaS) side. In July of 2022, I took a leap of faith and joined a startup called ThreeFlow so that I could further help change our industry and lives like my Ellie.”

Told you they are incredible! If any women popped into your head while you were reading, would you please let me know? I always love it when people reach out to help with this effort by shooting an email to: scombs@combsandco.com and connecting me with fantastic women in our industry! Hope to see all of you in Atlanta next month!