Happy February!  Notsure about you, but January always feels like a “month of Mondays”to me.  Just now feeling like we have our feet under usafter the holidays and before you know it, 1^st Quarterwill be over and many of us will be heading to the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo down inMiami.  Lord knows I can use some sun!

Looking forward to meeting many of the women we have profiledthrough this series there, as well as speaking this year andhosting the new Fast & Furious session that is going to bekiller.  You'll be walking out of that session with somany sales and marketing ideas that you can plug and play when youget back to your office; it truly is inspiring.

Without further ado, I'm very excited to introduce you toTiffany and Annette. They come from very different backgrounds but have a passion for our industry that is infectious.

Tiffany A. Albert, President and CEO, Blue Care Network ofMichigan

“For the past 12 months, employeeengagement and development has been my top priority. I implementeda unique, small group forum called Talk with Tiffany, where teammembers can share thoughts and exchange ideas about Blue CareNetwork's trends and opportunities. Held nine times ayear, these sessions allow employees to gain insight into keymetrics and projects, while providing a safe space to offersuggestions on how to improve our processes.

I believe employees are our greatest asset and I'm alwayslooking for ways to invest in their futures.

I currently mentor 25 individuals, some of whom were referred tome through corporate sponsored-programs such as the NationalManagement Association and Mentoring Circles. I fully supportmentorship and actively participate in the nurturing anddevelopment of the next generation.

The best part of employee outreach is establishing relationshipsthat are beneficial for all. I learn just as much from them as theydo from me.”

Annette Bechtold, OneDigital | Health andBenefits

“In this crazy benefits world, 'accomplishment' can often meanmaking it through the day without losing yourself or anyoneelse in the battle.  It is so easy to succumb to thepressure of putting one's personal goals, priorities, andachievements above all else.  You know: sell more, getthat promotion or raise, beat the competition.

Real accomplishments, though, are the things that last; theimpact you make. Business success happens when each individualsucceeds.  For me, it is the result of choosing to focuson building others up and doing what I can to help them grow andwin.  My focus is on educating and sharing my industryknowledge, coaching and transforming others through personal talentand strengths development, and being an advocate and voice forchange.  The accomplishment is seeing the results in theamazing teams I lead not only in my professional business life, butin my association life through NAHU as well as sharing the successwith my coaching clients whom I help to discover and leverage theirtalents.”

As always, if you know of great women in the field who areworking hard to make this industry event better, send me an emailintroduction at [email protected]. I'd loveto connect!