What’s the good news, ladies?  July edition

When it comes to recognizing our own greatness, our perspectives are often clouded by self-doubt, insecurities, and fear of failure.  We may overlook our achievements and talents, dismissing them as coincidences or downplaying their magnitude. In these situations, those around us have the ability to hold up a mirror, allowing us to see ourselves in a different light.

Our next three features have always believed in themselves, even though they might have had to dig deep at times, but they have also benefited from others recognizing their talents.  This recognition has allowed them to flourish in their current roles and drive forward with a purpose to do more.  Whether it be on a national public speaking platform, starting a social media series or taking on a leadership role within their company, Bukola, Stacy and Heather have a commonality: They have earned their seats at the table and are here to stay!  

Bukola Ishola Broome, Nava Benefits

“Two of my most significant business accomplishments this year have been becoming a keynote speaker at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo and leading a panel discussion on diversity, equity, inclusivity, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) in health care. Being selected as a keynote speaker for such a prestigious event is a testament to my expertise and thought leadership within the industry. Delivering a compelling speech allowed me to share my insights and passion with a large audience and expand my professional network.

Furthermore, leading the DEIBA panel discussion was an incredibly rewarding experience. It provided me with a platform to facilitate crucial conversations and drive positive change within health insurance. By fostering dialogue and promoting inclusive practices, the panel discussion significantly impacted the audience and contributed to a more equitable and diverse industry landscape.

Both accomplishments highlight my dedication to staying at the forefront of my field and making a meaningful difference in promoting diversity and empowering others.”

Stacy Fry, Alera Group

“2023 has been the year of Stacy and I’m not afraid to say it.  As a wife to a husband who travelsfrequently for work and a mom of two small kids, sometimes (most times) my career aspirations come last.  This year I found a passion in public speaking and have been afforded a few opportunities to face my fears, get on the stage and share my own original thought content.  I struggled (and still do) with the fact that anyone would want to sit in a room and listen to me.  

I started sharing my thoughts on LinkedIn via my weekly Talk it out Tuesday posts.  These short videos are about silly topics like who has the best donuts or where is the best city to go for a conference, but those videos combined with surrounding myself with a really supportive group of people have helped me to discover a new love.”

Heather Farris, The Shields Agency

“I am a dedicated and strategic problem solver with a strong passion for helping others. With an empathetic approach, I am dedicated to providing creative and innovative solutions for my clients, while fostering growth within myself, my team, and our clients.

Committed to excellence, I strive to be the best at helping each client find the perfect fit, all while supporting my husband and our four children to pursue their goals. 

I’m thrilled to embrace my new role as Sales Leader, where I can empower and train our new agents, who are also working mothers, to achieve professional success while maintaining a strong family connection.”

Who do you know in our industry that is doing fantastic things?  I’d love to connect!  Just shoot me over an email at:  scombs@combsandco.com so we can get them featured and invited into our tribe!