My office observes "SummerFridays" from Memorial Day to Labor Day, where we close at 1pm fornon-emergency work and let our staff enjoy a little more R&R.But I must say it's a little odd this year since we are stillpretty much in quarantine here in NYC.  We are hoping thatby this time next month, we will be back in our offices andenjoying seeing a few more faces, even if they will be behindmasks.  During this time, connecting with others in ourindustry has really helped keep me going!  I've beenhaving a lot of Zoom one-on-ones and it's been great to have apersonal connection when you can't just grab a cup of coffee likenormal.

This month, I get to introduce you to a couple of ladies who areworking to make things a little more innovative during this crazytime.  Have fun checking out what Amanda and Kathy aredoing right now to better our industry!

Amanda Raitz Hébert, MORE Health

"In 2019, I made the decision totransition from business owner back to corporate, specificallyhealth care, a space in which I'd worked for 15 years prior tofranchise ownership. Last year, I was named Franchisee of the Year,but I missed being part of a team. Staying true to my goals, I madethe decision to make a change and accepted the RVP role for adigital health company.

New year, new role, new company! Then COVID-19 happened. I haverecognized the challenges the pandemic is having on my clients,which include benefits directors and brokers. I have maintaineddiscipline, stayed focused and used the extra time to developexisting relationships and make new ones by networking (thanksZoom!). From delivering masks to essential businesses, to helpingmy clients network, to taking on an additional marketing leadershiprole with my new employer, my 2020 motto is, "What we focus on,grows.""

Kathy Gadinas, Columbia Benefit Solutions

"During this unusual time, I have found myself reflecting on ourbusiness and adjusting to the new normal that keepschanging.  As most of us are working remotely, we are alsotrying to assist our clients as they transition to their own newnormals.  As our company is making adjustments, I'm alsothinking about the changing needs of our clients.  We haveemployer clients who are busier than ever, and others who arebarely hanging on.  Either way, I have been reallyimpressed with how many of them have risen to the challenge as bestthey could, which makes me want to rise along with them.

One thing we all have in common is how to communicate benefitsefficiently without our regular in-person benefit fairs andmeetings.  Our online benefit enrollment system is muchmore valuable than ever before.  I am also discussingan  opportunity with a local vendor to help us withinformative and fun videos that employees can watch when it'sconvenient for them.   We are fortunate that atleast one carrier is also creating benefit videos to assist in thecommunication process.   We are still in theworks with the video project, but I'm looking forward to creatingnew ways of helping members truly understand their benefits."

Do you now a woman in our industry doing great things? If so, I'd love to know them, too!  Just shoot me over anemail with their information or feel free to make a virtualintroduction to me at [email protected]   Staysafe (and sane) my friends!