It’s open enrollment season, the time of year that tests every ounce of patience, focus, and endurance across our industry. Those of us in benefits know this stretch all too well. It’s the Super Bowl of our profession, where everything we’ve built and planned gets put to the test. Add a government shutdown into the mix, and I can’t help but feel for everyone in the Individual and Medicare markets right now who’s doing their best to support clients through it all. It’s a tough job, and the effort doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
Still, even in the busiest and most chaotic seasons, there are people who lead with clarity, grace, and grit. They’re the ones who keep the wheels turning while also reimagining what the future can look like, balancing compassion with innovation and strategy with heart. These are the people who remind me why this work matters and why I love this industry, even on its hardest days.
This month’s Wonder Women feature highlights three leaders who embody that strength and vision in different ways, driving transformation, amplifying impact, and leading with authenticity. From organizational turnarounds to industry movements to personal reinvention, each of these women represents what it means to lead with courage and conviction. Ashley Smith, Brenda Navin, and Chantal Rousseau remind us that even in the most demanding seasons, purpose and passion can still light the way forward.
“Over the past year, I’ve led a complete organizational transformation at BenEngage, turning a significant operational deficit into profitability within six months through strategic restructuring and cultural realignment. I built our HR and experience infrastructure from the ground up, integrating AI-powered onboarding and training systems that improve efficiency and engagement. By streamlining partner ecosystems and embedding hospitality principles into our service model, we’ve created an environment that feels both personal and professional.
My focus has been on designing scalable frameworks that enhance both employee engagement and member experience, ensuring every team member understands their impact on our mission. This approach has not only positioned BenEngage for national growth but has also demonstrated that compassion and innovation are not opposing forces, they are the foundation of sustainable success. Leading this turnaround has reinforced my belief that when people feel valued and inspired, exceptional performance naturally follows.”
“As a female founder, one of my proudest accomplishments has been helping to amplify the Food is Medicine movement through leadership and storytelling. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at conferences, webinars, and industry forums to share how food can transform health outcomes and reduce costs. Each opportunity feels like planting a seed — what begins as a single conversation often sparks interest, inspires partnerships, and leads to broader adoption.
The effects are compounding, like a snowball gaining momentum, and it’s thrilling to watch this movement grow beyond what I ever imagined. For me, the real accomplishment isn’t measured by business milestones alone but by the shift in mindset I see across employers, clinicians, and benefits leaders. I’m honored and energized to be part of this change, helping to move health care from “sick care” to true prevention and wellbeing.”
“This past year has been one of the most defining and honestly, one of the hardest seasons of my life. A year of courage, change, and learning to trust myself in new ways. There were moments when the ground felt shaky and I questioned everything, but growth never comes without discomfort. Sometimes you must walk through the storm to find your footing again.
For fifteen years, I’ve lived in the startup world building, adapting, and challenging the status quo in health care. Not everything I helped build worked out, but each ending left me wiser and more grounded. Change is the only constant, and I’ve learned to meet it with curiosity instead of fear.
This year, I made another hard choice, walking away from "comfort" and into something that felt more aligned. It was terrifying, but I learned this truth: don’t be long where you don’t belong. Integrity will always matter more than approval.
Through it all, I’ve been reminded that impact isn’t about being the loudest, it’s about being real, staying curious, leading with heart, and remembering: “With all you do, do with love.””
Do you know a woman in our industry who’s driving change, lifting others, or leading in a way that deserves to be seen? I’m always looking to highlight those making a real difference, whether they’re reshaping strategy, mentoring the next generation, or simply showing up with heart and integrity every day. If someone comes to mind, I’d love to hear about her. Reach out to me at scombs@combsandc.com
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