Welcome to today's empowering episode featuring Jackie Morales, the accomplished Chief Operating Officer at Security Benefit.
Join our host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, as she guides us through Jackie's remarkable career journey. Jackie's story highlights the significance of authenticity, calculated risk-taking, and the pursuit of clear career goals. Notably, Jackie defied norms by achieving the role of vice president at the age of 28, all without a formal education.
Jackie's narrative serves as a powerful beacon of inspiration, urging listeners to fearlessly pursue their goals. She emphasizes the creation of a supportive and recognition-driven environment for those around us. Through Jackie's unique perspective, this episode celebrates the diverse paths individuals take in their professional journeys.
In this engaging episode, you'll discover how to:
- Unlock career growth and sponsorship opportunities by leveraging your strengths.
- Recognize the importance of acknowledging contributions and taking credit for achievements.
- Embrace authenticity in the workplace to foster genuine connections and trust.
- Cultivate personal and professional growth through continuous learning and development.
- Make a meaningful impact and give back to your community and organization.
Tune in to gain valuable insights that will propel you further and faster in your career journey.
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Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[00:32] Powerful Speaker Quote
[01:30] About Jackie Morales
[02:20] Overcoming Challenges and Defying Norms
[05:32] The Importance of Being True to Yourself
[08:49] Setting Clear Career Goals
[12:33] Personal Branding and Servant Leadership
[13:43] Building Long-Term Relationships
[14:28] Cultivating Confidence and Resilience
[16:50] Making Hard Decisions
[19:43] Daily Habits for Success
[24:14] Building Strategic Relationships
[27:48] The Importance of Sponsorship and Advocacy in the Workplace
[29:27] Balancing Acknowledgment and Credit
[34:18] Lightning Round Questions -
Lightening Round Questions
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Start with Why by Simon SinekQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: Do the right thing even when no one else is looking. That's the one thing I would tell people, too. Integrity is important.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: She's tough, but she's fair.Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: I am a big work in progress. I will always be a work in progress. But I think giving myself a little grace by forgiving myself is probably the one thing that I've done that's been the best for me.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Unstoppable by Sia -
Quotes
Conflict and making hard decisions go hand in hand. If you're unwilling to deal with conflict, or you're unwilling to make a hard decision, those that will are going to be able to affect change. - Jackie Morales
Do the right thing even when no one else is looking. Integrity is important, and doing the right thing is always the priority. - Jackie Morales
Be willing to be vulnerable, always be willing to learn. You don't have to be perfect and you don't have to be the smartest person in the room. Just be as real as you can and it's going to be a lot easier. - Jackie Morales
Being confident says what I believe about myself is that I know myself in a manner that is not perfect, because I think that being imperfect is actually pretty good. - Jackie Morales
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About
Jackie Morales is the COO of Security Benefit, where she oversees operations / technology portion of Security Benefit’s manufacturing group
Throughout Morales’ more than thirty-year career, she has held key leadership roles and helped chart growth strategies, most recently at an Insurtech start-up in NY, where she has served as Chief Insurance Officer, responsible for insurance, carrier, reinsurer and banking setup and strategic planning, and the formation of TPA activities for the business.
Prior to that, Jackie was with Bestow in Dallas, where she was the Chief Insurance Officer and Board Director. Previous leadership positions before that include COO and Board Director for Legal & General America and several different Head of Operations positions during her 10-years at AXA Equitable. In these various roles, she was responsible for establishing scalable infrastructure internally, leading digital transformation initiatives, implementing new tools to create operational efficiency and overseeing M&A activity.