Can you believe it's 2020? I remember being a kid and thinking how cool it would be when it was the year 2000, but so much training we have had as adults has been "Vision 2020" and such, so it seems a little surreal. One of the things we are having everyone in our office do this year is identify their "B HAGS" aka "big hairy audacious goal" and we are all excited for the "stretches" we are wanting to accomplish this year! This month, I'd like to introduce you to Barbara, Sarah and Haley. These three women took 2019 on in full force and are excited about what's in store for them in 2020!

Barbara J. Provost, EdD, Purse Strings and PCI

"I was honored in 2019 to consult again with the Internal Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank. We partnered to create training for banks in Ecuador and Vietnam to teach them how to engage with and serve the female market.

The role of the IFC is to help businesses innovate and create jobs and opportunities for people in developing countries. They know the power of the female market across the world and once banks invest in women and their startup businesses, women will reinvest back into their business, their families and their communities. It creates a powerful rippling effect of investment and growth.

With my education in adult and higher learning, my 25+ years creating education in insurance and financial organizations, along with my deep research on serving the female market, this work is my sweet spot and what I love to do!"

Sarah Borders, Benefits Compliance Solutions

"2019 was a year of tremendous change and growth for me and my family. After 15 years of working as an account manager and later vice president of benefits compliance with a top-5 national benefits firm, I left in April to start my own compliance consulting company. Frankly, it was terrifying to leave such an established company and my brilliant colleagues, but I knew it was time to take a leap of faith.

I saw a major gap in compliance that wasn't being addressed and knew that with my years of experience in account management combined with my compliance expertise, I could truly help mid-sized employers actually get into compliance.

Recently, I helped an employer eliminate over $300,000 in potential fines and lawsuit exposure that would have been a complete surprise to them. Needless to say, their broker was very happy.

I'm excited for 2020. It will be my best year yet!"

Haley Tolitsky, Financial Planner at Cooke Capital

"My biggest accomplishment in 2019 was passing the CFP exam in July! I am proud of my commitment to study for such a prestigious exam in under a year and to pass on my first try at the age of 23, all while working full-time as a financial planner and getting connected in my new city.

I am honored to have been featured in InvestmentNews, the CFP Board's "Ask the Expert Session," and several CFP Board marketing campaigns within the last year. I also have served on the Financial Planning Association of the Triangle's Board of Directors as their first Communications Director.

I am looking forward to completing the experience requirement for the certified financial planner certification in 2020 and continuing to help our clients set and achieve their financial goals!"

This year is already filling up with incredible women doing incredible things, but I do have space available. 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? January edition

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