ELONDA Beverly
Company: National Life
Title: Director of Life & Annuity Operations
Age: 39
Favorite Part of Job? The favorite part of what I do is having the ability to add value to others' lives. Not just in what they do at work, but most importantly who they are as a complete person. I enjoy passionately leading by example.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor is my godmother Charlotte J. Chambers. She taught me to believe in myself, dream BIG, stop at nothing to achieve my goals, and to always give back along the way. She lives by this model herself, which showed me that it is possible.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I am licensed to drive tractor trailers (18-wheelers).
Favorite Vermont Escape: Jay Peak. This is a weekend trip that I take my 5 children on once a year. It's far enough to feel like we "went away", and the plethora of activities available keep the entire family enjoyably occupied.
Favorite Downtime Activity: My favorite downtime activity is spending undistracted time with my children all huddled around me in my room, listening to them one-by-one enthusiastically tell me about what's going on with them, and their plans for the future. Like my godmother did with me, I encourage them to dream BIG; and we talk about practical ways for them to accomplish those dreams. Nothing is impossible!
Favorite Super Hero: My mom. I've never been into the Marvel perspective of superheroes, but rather those who tackle real life's day to day difficulties while remaining strong enough to keep pushing, smiling, and maintaining everything that must keep going.
Favorite Social Media: Facebook. I was totally against exposing my life on the internet at first, but it is a great way to positively influence many with a single post. I receive a lot of feedback from individuals who are inspired by my posts.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Oprah Winfrey, as she is a woman of courage. I've been inspired by her story and life success since I was a little girl. I would love to meet her some day.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received was to take a seat at the table and allow my voice to be heard when I have an opinion. Delivery of my message is key to better ensure the content isn't rejected due to the way I delivered it.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? In ten years I see myself as a bestselling author of non-fiction books. I will travel the world speaking on topics such as how to live your best life as well as how to address organizational challenges in corporate culture, employee motivation, and customer loyalty.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? A National Life recruiter found me on LinkedIn regarding a position they were seeking to fill. After interviewing with this incredible company and visiting Vermont, I knew that this was the place for my family and I. It has been one of the best decisions I've ever made, it's been nearly 6 years and we love it here!
Career Highlights: My career highlights include leading multiple areas of business operations and technical services in the financial services industry. I have successfully created revenue generating programs that help to create customer loyalty through up-sell's and retention.
I have been running my own consulting firm for 2 years as a life and career coach. Witnessing my clients' success as a result of the services I provide is the greatest compliment I could ever receive. I enjoy working with existing and emerging leaders to become better leaders as well as lead with confidence. The relationships I have built with individuals throughout my career has been the greatest blessing.
Community Involvement: My community involvement ranges from activities such as volunteering at food pantrries, homeless shelters, and green up initiatives; to providing coaching, mentoring, and training services to under-privileged teens & adults. I am passionate about women empowerment as well as coaching on not only overcoming obstacles in life, but also turning those obstacles into opportunities toward achieving success.