HappyChristmahanakwanzika!  Can't believe we are closing outanother year.  Who's ready for a break?  I knowmy office is. We are in the final days of open enrollment and wehave been slammed this year.  The holidays will be alittle different for my family as they are the first round with myfather no longer here, so I have been on a mission to “find thejoy” where I can.  One of the ways I have definitely foundthe joy this year is by meeting so many wonderful rock star womenin our industry from around the country and sharing their inspiringstories with you.  To close out the year, I'm very happyto share the news of Cristy, Michelle, Heidi, who have taken onmajor initiatives this year with their companies and are sharingsome strategies with us this month!

Cristy Gupton, Founder & President, CustomBenefits Solutions

“Looking back on 2018, I've cometo realize that I've changed.  I've stopped selling andI've started solving problems.  The year started out byholding a large forum in my town about the opioid crisis. What transpired after that is something I wouldn't havepredicted.  I was asked to speak at about half a dozenregional/national conferences on what brokers and advisors ought todo to address the opioid crisis with their clients.  Istill stand by my personal thoughts on how I should address it withmy clients: 'To simultaneously reduce both supply and demand foropioids through smart plan design and employeeeducation.'  Hopefully, with collaboration between myself,my clients and the vendors we work with, we will engage employeesmore closely and rethink the faults of status quo healthcare.  I believe a bright future is in store for anyorganization that strives to constantly challenge the statusquo.”