Compliance Groove Newsletter
Compliance Groove Newsletter
Highlighting Practical Tips an Best Practices for Small and Mid-Sized Employers.
Leadership Lessons from America's Iconic Landmarks: A Journey Through History and Inspiration
Traveling to iconic locations such as Pipestone, the Dignity Sculpture, Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Devils Tower offers more than just a chance to witness natural beauty and artistic grandeur. These sites stand as powerful symbols of leadership, resilience, and the human spirit’s capacity to leave a lasting impact. As leaders, we can draw profound lessons from these landmarks, enriching our approach to leadership by embracing the values they represent.
Pipestone: The Power of Heritage and Wisdom
Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota is a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. For centuries, Native American tribes have gathered here to quarry the sacred red stone used to create ceremonial pipes. The site's history teaches us the importance of preserving heritage and honoring the wisdom passed down through generations.
As leaders, we must recognize the value of tradition and the lessons it holds. Just as the pipestone is carefully carved and shaped, so too should our leadership be guided by the rich experiences and knowledge of those who came before us. Embracing this wisdom allows us to lead with humility and a deep respect for the foundations upon which we build.
The Dignity Sculpture: Grace and Strength in Unity
Standing tall on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in South Dakota, the Dignity Sculpture is a tribute to the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. The statue, a representation of a Native American woman, embodies grace, dignity, and the strength found in diversity and unity.
In leadership, these qualities are paramount. True strength comes from recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. The Dignity Sculpture reminds us that leadership is not about imposing one's will but about lifting others and creating a cohesive, supportive community.
Mount Rushmore: Vision and Legacy
Mount Rushmore, with its towering faces of four U.S. presidents, is a symbol of vision and determination. The monument, carved into the granite face of the Black Hills, represents the enduring impact of leaders who dared to dream big and execute their vision despite tremendous challenges.
Leadership requires bold vision—seeing beyond the present and daring to create a future that others might not yet imagine. The legacy of leaders like those depicted on Mount Rushmore reminds us that leadership is about more than achieving goals; it’s about leaving a lasting imprint on the world, one that will be remembered and revered by future generations.
The Black Hills: Balance and Preservation
The Black Hills of South Dakota hold a special place in American history, revered by Native American tribes and home to some of the country’s most treasured landscapes. This region teaches us the importance of balance—between progress and preservation, between human development and the natural world.
In leadership, striking this balance is crucial. Leaders must navigate the tension between driving forward innovation and ensuring that the values, cultures, and environments we cherish are protected. The Black Hills remind us that leadership is not just about forging ahead but also about safeguarding the past and the future.
Devils Tower: Perseverance and Conviction
Rising abruptly from the plains of Wyoming, Devils Tower is an awe-inspiring natural formation and the first U.S. national monument. It has long been a sacred site for Native American tribes, symbolizing perseverance and spiritual significance.
Leadership, much like the formation of Devils Tower, is often about standing firm in the face of adversity. It requires perseverance, especially when the path is steep and the challenges seem insurmountable. Leaders must remain steadfast in their convictions, guiding others with a clear vision and unwavering determination, much like the towering presence of Devils Tower against the horizon.
Connecting the Dots: Leadership as a Journey
These landmarks, each unique in its significance, collectively offer a roadmap for effective leadership. As we explore these sites and the stories they tell, we are reminded that leadership is not a destination but a journey—one that requires us to draw from the past, inspire the present, and shape the future.
Whether it's the sacred grounds of Pipestone, the inspiring Dignity Sculpture, the monumental vision of Mount Rushmore, the balanced beauty of the Black Hills, or the steadfast presence of Devils Tower, each site encourages us to reflect on our leadership journey. By embracing the lessons these landmarks offer, we can lead with greater wisdom, compassion, and resilience, leaving a legacy as enduring as the landscapes that inspired us.
Future Forward
Future Forward
As President-Elect, I am honored to share our vision for the future of NABIP, where member experience is at the forefront of every decision we make. Our commitment to you, our valued members, is unwavering as we chart the course ahead with a focus on ensuring financial vitality, operational excellence, and enhancing our brand recognition.
Ensuring Financial Vitality
The financial strength of our organization is paramount. As health policy in the U.S. continues to evolve, we recognize the need for NABIP to remain a cornerstone of support for our members. Our approach will involve strategic investments that secure our long-term sustainability while offering value that meets the diverse needs of our membership.
Striving for Operational Excellence
Operational excellence isn't just a goal; it's a commitment to doing the right things the right way. By streamlining our processes, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we aim to deliver an experience that exceeds your expectations. This will enable us to provide the tools and resources you need, when you need them, in the most efficient manner possible.
Enhancing Brand Recognition
In a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, it’s crucial that NABIP stands out as an essential voice in health policy. We will work diligently to elevate our brand, not just as a leader within the industry, but as a trusted advocate for the professionals who drive positive change in healthcare every day. Our enhanced brand recognition will empower us to influence the future of health policy more effectively and advocate for the interests of our members.
As we look toward the future, our focus remains on you—our members. By prioritizing your experience and strategically guiding NABIP with financial vitality, operational excellence, and brand recognition, we are not only securing our place in the health policy arena but also ensuring that you have the support and resources to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact on healthcare in the United States.
The value of mentoring
Mentors Make an Impact
Mentoring has been a key part of my career. In a recent podcast, I discuss what successful mentoring relationships look like and why it is so important.
1. Podcast https://moneysavage.podbean.com/.../successful-mentor.../
2. Certified Mentor with Pass the Torch - https://passthetorchforwomen.org/.../advice-younger-self.../
3. Created an agency-wide mentoring program
4. Created the NAHU mentoring program while serving as the YAHU chair now known as Vanguard.
When others achieve their greatness that is the most fulfilling moment of serving as a mentor.
Recent IndyAHU Interview
“Through each step, the most constant thing has been my NAHU family,” Rider says. “Anita Strauss was one of the first people to take a chance to put me on her [IndyAHU] board. She gave me assignments that stretched me and helped me see what I was capable of, because when I first started the Association in 2003 I didn’t have the self-confidence that would have gotten me on track.” She adds, “Jennifer Revell, David Berman, Dwight Hall, Nicole Fairbairn, and Jennifer Mitchen have been there with me since the beginning. We have laughed, cried, and shared many life moments with one another – they are part of my extended family.”
July 2021 News
Indianapolis Insurance Executive Susan Rider Named Secretary of NAHU
WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSPer) -- The National Association of Health Underwriters issued the following news release:
Susan Rider, an Indianapolis-based insurance executive, was recently elected secretary of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) Board of Trustees at its 91st Annual Convention.
"I could not be more excited to welcome Susan as the newest member of our Board of Trustees," said Janet Trautwein, CEO of NAHU. "Susan has an outstanding track record as a leader, and I look forward to working with her to support and advance the interests of NAHU's members."
Rider currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Sales for Preventia Group. Previously, she worked for Gregory & Appel Insurance, where she helped employers align their HR strategies with their total reward strategies for their future workforce. With over 15 years of experience in human resources and benefits consulting, Rider's knowledge of the industry landscape is deep and broad.
Rider has been a member of NAHU since 2004. For NAHU, she has served as professional development chair, media chair and young agent chair. For the Indiana chapter, she has served as legislative chair, president and young agent chair. For her local chapter, she has been president, president-elect, secretary and event chair, and served on the Sales Congress Committee.
In the community, Susan is an adjunct faculty of organizational leadership at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), on the CE Advisory Council of the Indiana Department of Insurance, a board member of the Domestic Violence Network and a guild member of Damar Services.
Sustainability is Key
2020 National Convention "Sustainability Is Key In The Wake Of Changing Business Models"
Sustainability is the name of the game when it comes to your benefits practice. Susan Rider, vice president of sales and operations at Preventia, walked through the steps of increasing practice sustainability by leveraging your practice’s human capital during a session held Monday at the National Association of Health Underwriters virtual convention.
Rider told participants that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some agencies adapted to changing businesses models more quickly than others. “Your main goal for you practice is to remain nimble. You want to be able to pivot, not just create a quick fix,” she said.
Podcast - Market Shift - Delivering Healthy Meal Options to Bend Cost Curve.
On this show, we talked about improving health outcomes through education and access to healthy food and prepared meals, the benefits of healthy employees to organizations, and how it all works with Susan Rider, Vice President with Preventia. Listen to learn what employers can do to promote healthy diets for their people!
https://moneysavage.podbean.com/e/delivering-healthy-options-with-susan-rider/
Resilient
For me, my biggest struggle was growing up with learning disabilities and ADD. I was diagnosed late, and it impacted my trajectory until my 10th grade year. My teacher thought outside the box and pushed me to just “learn with a twist”.
I have always been an effective communicator verbally and in written form, but comprehension was a challenge for me. By simply moving my tests to verbal ones, I became an A student – changing my life course for the better.
When I began my career in healthcare as a CNA, an EMT and then trained to become a surgical tech, these did not require a degree. These were hands-on learning opportunities that allowed me to thrive. Unfortunately, shortly after marrying my best friend I was injured in the operating room – resulting in a spinal fusion.
That curve-ball forced me to go back to school as an adult. I went down the General Studies route with a focus in organizational leadership (HR certificate) and again, I had to go through a process of working with my teachers to find alternative ways to succeed with testing. I was a full-time employee serving as an account manager, a youth group advisor, serving on my local health underwriters board and going to school 6 hours a semester in the evenings. My support system made up of my husband, personal friends, and NAHU family, got me through this crazy time where there seemed to be no balance; just stress, exhaustion and tears.
But in 2015, I completed my master’s degree in Strategic Leadership. The timing was in line with an agency retirement so I was able to swoop in and take the Human Capital Strategies division to the next level. Upon graduating, both IUPUI and UIndy (where I received my 2 degrees) asked me if I was interested in joining their adjunct faculty. Of course, I said yes. Why wouldn’t I give back to the institutions that contributed to my career trajectory? Dedication, perseverance, and the desire to become something greater than where I was heading really made the journey even more rewarding. Now, the ability to mentor and teach the next generation of Human Resource professionals far exceeds my expectations.
I have had so many amazing mentors along the way – many who “took a chance” on me because they saw potential. Do not turn down opportunities. Network with people who authentically believe in you. Align yourself with organizations that you believe in, are passionate about, that help you become a better person, and where you can make a difference leveraging your strengths.
If you want something bad enough, go get it. Don't let anything stop your journey. You will always find a way to achieve your goals, they just might occur on a slightly different timeline or path than you originally thought.
I am still learning every day – whether through webinars related to my job function, leadership meetings or even from my students. Listen to others regarding your blind spots. Work with an executive coach. Do not stop reading. Do not stop networking. Disrupt the status quo. Those that believe in you will help you get you to your desired role.
Recently, I began a new career in a new industry. I have the good fortune of working for an organization aligns with my passion to help people with lifestyle, mental health and food insecurity issues get access to care when and where they need it.
Success does not come easy; it takes hard work. Everyone learns differently, I simply “learn with a twist.”
https://www.empowered-community.com/post/resilient-susan-rider