Happy fall, although it still feels like summer in the Northeast for sure! I'm ready for some pumpkin spice everything, but the Universe seems to have other plans. As we are winding up for open enrollment, I find myself trying to take some time to do some things that re-energize me. You know, the things that feed your soul and help you walk out feeling just plain good about what you just did. I've been doing some volunteering for hospice, traveling and attending some seminars that have a lot of brainstorming that I know will help jumpstart this OE season! I've also had the pleasure of getting connected with some incredible women in our field and the two ladies this month are on point to join our crew! Please welcome, Rachel and Stacia to the club as these ladies share about their new adventures!

"At the age of 35, I've spent my entire career working for the same benefits consulting firm. I've been an intrapreneur, someone who brings creativity and innovation to an organization like an entrepreneur but works for a company as an employee. I started our company's wellness initiative in 2007 and have become a nationally recognized thought leader in the industry.

As of September, I've taken the next step in my career journey to launch my own business as a speaker. Along the way, I've learned three things about how to succeed at work that I wanted to share with you:

1) Know and own your strengths. If you haven't already, take the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment. It'll help you figure out your top talents and give you specific strategies for how to use them.

2) Ask for feedback constantly. Getting feedback is one of the best ways to grow, but many of us are afraid of it. After every meeting or project, ask two questions of a coworker: 1)What's one thing I did well? and 2) What's one thing I could do differently?

3) Go for it. You've got one life. Is there a project you want to work on? Training you want to take? A conference you want to go to? Someone you admire but haven't reached out to because you think you're not important enough? Stop thinking about doing it, and just go for it. The worst thing someone will say is "no."

Stacia DeWitt, Allstate

"I have gone through a lot of transition over the last couple years, both personally and professionally. I recently joined the team at Allstate, working as a field sales consultant supporting our financial specialists in a three-state area. From day one, I have felt like I've found my home and I'm blessed to be part of a team of amazing people.

The one thing I've learned is that success comes with building relationships. It's about helping people help themselves. Building relationships is what I love to do and the financial services industry and my position at Allstate give me a chance to do that every single day. I love helping people find solutions to the challenges they are facing – big or small. I am constantly challenging my team to go that extra mile. That's what brings out the best in all of us."

As always, if you know of great women in the field who are working hard to make this this industry even better, send me an email introduction at scombs@combsandco.com. I'd love to connect!

Instant Insights /

What's the good news, ladies? September edition

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