More great stories of success. This time we highlight Rosie Kreis who was just promoted to Senior Team Manager, New Business Operations. Rosie is a native Vermonter and graduate of the University of Vermont. She currently resides in Barre with her fiancé, Isaac, and their spoiled pup, Izzie. We asked Rosie to take us through her journey and to share her keys to success.
When did you join National Life?
NLG was my first job, post college after I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
What career path did you start on and has that changed? Why?
After receiving a message on LinkedIn from one of our great recruiters, Meg Gras, I interviewed and joined NLG as a case manager, supporting the affiliated channel processing both life and annuity policies. Admittedly, when I first started I thought insurance was boring and continued to pursue the hunt for other, more ‘exciting’ positions in other industries. Under the mentoring of Kim Martin I quickly realized insurance was NOT boring and exciting opportunities were available right here at NLG. After some time as a case manager I transitioned into a Team Lead Role supporting PFA on the independent side. The following year I was promoted to manager where I spent the next two years learning so much about one of our most valued relationships, and the metrics that drive our organization all while further developing people leadership skills. Once three years with PFA passed, I transitioned to our Life Transfers and Replacements team at the beginning of 2021 and ended the year supporting both the Life and Annuity Transfer teams. The changes in my roles are driven by my passions and my Why. The opportunities to improve processes through asking and understanding the why behind what we do, all while being able to have a positive impact on developing both our associates and agents, have been the main driver for me when it comes to people leadership roles.
What does it take to grow within National Life?
If you’re looking to grow within NLG you have to understand, you are in the driver’s seat. You have to take employee engagement seriously and seek out learning opportunities from multiple people. You can’t sit back and expect your manager to spoon feed you all the knowledge and wisdom to help you grow. You need to be a hunter for that information and you need to find more than one mentor. Of course we have strong leaders and your immediate leader is your best option to discuss your development with but you can’t expect them to pull you along. You need to show you want it and be willing to work for it.
What are your keys to success?
My keys to success have been my mentors, my teammates and anyone who’s been brave enough to give me feedback along the way.
Rosie chose to own her development and the results speak for themselves. For more information on open positions and how to apply click here.