Hello from the Covid-19 epicenter, aka NYC.  I don'tknow about you all, but the past few weeks have been crazy,exhausting and just plain sad at times.  It is definitelynot business as usual here and I know that's true in many otherplaces as well, but I also know we will all make it through thistime.  One of the things that has kept me going duringquarantine is connecting with the incredible women from ourindustry who are still able to share some great ideas with me aboutwhat they are most proud of in the last 12 months.  Be onthe lookout for another article coming soon that will include manyof the featured women in this series who will share what they havebeen doing to stay connected with their clients during all ofthis.

This month, I'm going to introduce you to two new friends whohave been a great source of information and support for me duringthis time.  I know I have said it before, but it is soimportant to develop these peer-to-peer mentorship relationships,because when there are rough times like these, we pull each otherup and help each other to excel.  Please join me inwelcoming Chelsea and Jennifer to the fold.

Chelsea Whalley,  J DonovanFinancial

"In the past 12 months, mybiggest accomplishment has been learning that my business is notactually about me.

When I owned my first agency, I was infatuated with the idea ofdeveloping other agents. While this sounds admirable, I was trulymotivated by the energy rush I received seeing others succeed. Eventhough I was helping others, at the core of it all, it was stillabout me.

Even in my second agency, there have been times when I puttogether the best options for a prospect to save them money andtime; yet, I still don't win. When this would happen, I would makeit about me (my presentation skills, my sales skills, etc). Perhapsit was, but there's a good chance that it was about one of themillion other factors that business owners consider when makingdecisions.

The truth, and my biggest lesson, is that nothing is about me. Ihave learned that the only way to truly scale my business and helpas many employees and clients as possible is to let go of thebelief that the outcome is directly tied to my worth as an advisoror as a person. With this, I can finally be present and enjoy thework I am doing."

Jennifer Warfield, CPF®, National LifeGroup

"I've been in financial services many years and I've never beenmore excited to do what I do.  My passion lies in supporting womenand giving back.  In my role, training and developingagents to build their business, I'm able to do both.  I'veseen great success among the women leaders who count for almosthalf of my business.  In the last year, I'm pleased tohave been highest-producing field leader at my company, hittingrecord sales. And helping my agents learn and grow gives theirclients peace of mind.

One of the best aspects of our industry is the relationshipsamong the women within it. I am fortunate to be supported andinspired by many great women.  In 2019, I was named WIFSWoman of the Year, a wonderful honor. Celebrating success withinour field is an important way to create community and inspire thenext generation."

I know that I, as well as the crew here at BenefitsPRO arethinking of everyone during these uncertain times.  Asalways, if you know of great women in the field who are workinghard to make this this industry even better, send an emailintroduction to me at [email protected]. I'd love toconnect!  Stay safe my friends.