My journey into the financial services industry was anything but planned. I envisioned a life as a stay-at-home mom, raising a large family. When life didn’t unfold as expected, I pivoted. I never imagined that my career would eventually lead to co-owning one of the most successful FMOs in the nation.

Looking back, I realize the lessons I’ve learned about resilience—both personally and professionally—are rooted in adapting to change. Whether it’s navigating personal struggles, managing a growing business or supporting a diverse team, resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey.

Building A Business Under Pressure

Pinnacle Financial Services wasn’t built overnight, and it certainly wasn’t built without challenges. When my business partner and I launched in 2003, there were just eight of us. Today, we’ve grown to a team of over 50 employees with a national footprint, serving agents and clients across the country.

The pressure to build and scale a business while maintaining a strong company culture is immense. Balancing innovation with the demands of the market is a constant challenge, especially when an industry faces rapid change.

For example, the rise of Medicare Advantage and ACA markets required us to pivot our services and acquire agencies that work in these areas. Our recent acquisition of a Florida-based multicultural agency reflects how intentional growth can open doors to new opportunities while maintaining the core values of an organization.

Resilience Starts At Home

Resilience isn’t just about professional grit—it’s deeply personal. For example, I adopted my son when he was nearly 3 years old. Raising a child with autism, ADHD and later a diagnosis of cerebral palsy taught me lessons in patience, perseverance and unconditional love. Juggling caregiving with professional responsibilities is never easy, but those experiences shaped my leadership style.

Family is my sanctuary. Holidays at my home are a lively affair with nearly 40 immediate family members gathered. Moments like these are important to daily balance for leaders and remind us why we work so hard. For my company, that is to create opportunities and a legacy for our families and the families touched by our work.

The Intersection Of Leadership And Resilience

Leadership in our industry demands resilience, especially as a woman in a historically male-dominated field. Early in my career, I promised myself I would always know more than anyone in the room to ensure my ideas were valued for their merit. This mindset served me well, especially during pivotal moments like presenting in front of industry leaders as one of the only women in the room.

Today, the landscape is changing. Women are no longer a rarity in boardrooms or on panels; we’re leading organizations and shaping the future of this industry. In fact, McKinsey found that “companies in the top quartile of gender diversity on executive teams were 25 percent more likely to experience above-average profitability than peer companies in the fourth quartile.” It’s important to foster an inclusive culture with your team, where everyone, regardless of background, has a voice.

Strategies For Building Resilience

For leaders navigating similar challenges, here are some strategies that have helped me sustain resilience and success:

1. Find Your “Why”: Understanding your purpose is critical. For me, it’s my family and the agents we support. Knowing who and what you’re working for provides clarity during tough times.
2. Embrace Change: Change is inevitable, whether it’s shifting industry regulations or personal life challenges. Viewing change as an opportunity rather than a setback has been essential to our growth.
3. Invest In People: Surround yourself with a diverse, talented team. When it comes to building a diverse team, I’ve found that broadening hiring efforts makes a big difference. Posting job openings on platforms that reach underrepresented groups or partnering with diversity-focused organizations is a great start. I also make it a priority to create a culture where everyone feels valued. When people feel included, they can truly thrive. Our team’s success stories—like expanding into multicultural markets—prove the power of collaboration.
4. Prioritize Self-Care:Resilience isn’t sustainable without self-care. For me, reading two books a week is my escape, a way to recharge and gain new perspectives. Schedule self-care into your day, just like you would any important meeting—whether it’s a workout, some reading or a few moments of quiet reflection. I also like to stack my habits, like listening to a favorite podcast while going for a walk, so I can fit self-care into my busy schedule without feeling overwhelmed
5. Stay Passionate:Passion fuels resilience. Whether it’s advocating for better industry practices or mentoring new leaders, staying connected to what excites me keeps me going.

Leading Through Change

The financial services industry is at a crossroads. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65 or older, which could mark a significant shift in Medicare demand. Simultaneously, workforce demographics are evolving, with younger generations bringing fresh perspectives and technological acumen.

As leaders, it’s our responsibility to adapt while staying true to our values. For me, this means fostering innovation while supporting our agents with the tools they need to succeed. It also means recognizing the human element of our work—every policy we issue represents a family’s security and peace of mind.

Resilience As A Legacy

Resilience isn’t about avoiding pressure; it’s about thriving under it. Whether balancing motherhood and business ownership or navigating industry shifts, resilience has shaped both my personal and professional life.

As leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to create environments where resilience is cultivated, not just for ourselves but for our teams and clients. It’s this resilience that allows us to not only weather challenges but emerge stronger, building a legacy that lasts.