“Empowered women, empower women.” ~ Maryhel Antonio, Life Licensed Advisor with Greatway Financial Inc.
Introduction
At Greatway Financial, we proudly join in commemorating International Women's Day, by celebrating the monumental contributions of pioneering women in finance and business. Their permanent marks in their respective fields serve as beacons of leadership, innovation, and resilience. It's within this context of achievement that we underline the critical importance of life insurance in not only safeguarding financial legacies but also in empowering the next lineage of female leaders.
Informed decision-making is the foundation of financial stability.
Advancing Financial Literacy with Suze Orman
“A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.”
Suze Orman, a name synonymous with financial wisdom and empowerment, has carved a niche as an unparalleled advocate for financial literacy. Her commitment to educating individuals, notably women, about the nuances of managing personal finances aligns with Greatway's ethos of informed decision-making as the bedrock of financial stability. Her endorsement of life insurance as a pivotal tool in the protection and planning of family financial well-being mirrors our belief in the power of foresight and preparation.
Suze emphasizes that if there are individuals who depend on your income—whether they are your parents, children, or other relatives—you need life insurance. This practical perspective underscores the importance of safeguarding your loved ones’ financial stability in the event of your absence. Life insurance serves as a safety net, ensuring that those who rely on your income can continue to meet their daily needs and aspirations even after you’re gone.
Suze’s perspective on whole life insurance centers on long-term financial security and flexibility. She advises understanding your financial goals and needs thoroughly before committing to any insurance product. While she tends to favour term life insurance, she acknowledges the importance of permanent options like whole life or universal life insurance.
“A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies and men ran half our homes. The laws of economics and many studies of diversity tell us that if we tapped the entire pool of human resources and talent, our collective performance would improve.”
Oprah Winfrey: Shattering Ceilings with Entrepreneurial Genius
Oprah Winfrey's journey from media sensation to philanthropic powerhouse encapsulates the essence of female entrepreneurial spirit at its zenith. Her strategic embrace of life insurance as part of her broader financial planning exemplifies the critical role such foresight plays in legacy-building and philanthropic endeavours. At Greatway, we resonate with Oprah's vision, appreciating life insurance as an essential facet of comprehensive financial strategy, ensuring the endurance and integrity of one's legacy.
With regards to spending money wisely, Oprah’s advice extends beyond budgeting—it delves into authenticity. She encourages spending money in line with who you truly are and what you genuinely care about. Distinguish between wants and needs. While a Burberry wallet or a Ferrari sportscar might be tempting, consider whether they align with your core values. Prioritize spending on things that resonate with your authentic self. This approach fosters better budgeting, saving, and retirement planning.
“Financial literacy is key because it empowers you to make smart money decisions. And, when you’re financially literate, you get to live the life you want.”
Oprah also recognizes the importance of life insurance and emergency funds. She acknowledges that nobody likes contemplating mortality, yet these pillars are essential for financial security. Term insurance is often the most cost-effective way to provide adequate coverage. Additionally, building an emergency savings fund ensures you’re prepared for unexpected expenses or income disruptions.
Mellody Hobson: A Beacon
of Financial Planning Ingenuity
As co-CEO of Ariel Investments, Mellody Hobson's advocacy for diversity and financial inclusion has not only paved new paths but also illuminated the importance of meticulous financial planning. Her insight into life insurance as a cornerstone for wealth security and legacy preservation represents a profound understanding of its role in comprehensive financial architecture. Greatway stands with Mellody in championing life insurance as instrumental in crafting a secure and impactful financial future.
“Be honest about what you know and what you don’t know. Own up to your biases and your blind spots. Listen to people who don’t look like you and learn from them. It’s not only good business, but it’s also the right thing to do.”
Mellody’s commitment to financial literacy is unwavering. She co-founded the Ariel Community Academy, a public school in Chicago that includes financial education. Her efforts extend beyond the classroom—she launched the Black Corporate Directors Conference, bringing together Fortune 500 members. Mellody’s passion lies in empowering others to understand and manage their finances effectively.
At Ariel Investments, where she serves as President and co-CEO, Mellody Hobson adheres to a disciplined, long-term approach. The firm’s motto, “slow and steady wins the race,” symbolized by a turtle, underscores her belief in patient investing. She emphasizes the importance of consistent, strategic choices over impulsive decisions. Her wisdom echoes: "The biggest risk of all is taking none."
Abigail Johnson: Redefining the Financial Landscape for Women
Abigail Johnson's leadership at Fidelity Investments has been instrumental in fostering gender diversity and inclusivity within the finance sector. Her advocacy for life insurance solutions tailoured to the unique needs of women underscores the necessity of personalization and inclusivity in financial planning. Greatway lauds Abigail's pioneering efforts and echoes her commitment to providing life insurance solutions that acknowledge and address the distinctive financial landscapes women navigate.
“In this industry, you have to be analytical and you have to be independent-minded. You can’t just accept things at face value. You have to question things, and you have to decide what you believe is right.”
Echoing, Abigail, Fidelity’s philosophy is to make investment accessible and affordable to ordinary families. This is reflected in their wide range of services including mutual funds, brokerage, life insurance, retirement services, index funds, wealth management, and more.
Johnson’s guidance is “taking smart risks and practicing pace over perfection”. She emphasizes the importance of moving forward without getting hung up on being a perfectionist. Just like how we, in Greatway, want the company culture, with its staff, agents, clients and all the lives we affect touch, Abigail aims to keep the company vibrant and proactive, especially in its contact with a new generation of customers. She believes women have an important role to play in Fidelity’s future — as investment managers, as well as customers. True to this, Greatway’s staff and even leadership comprise of more than 65% women.
Great Women in Greatway
At Greatway, women hold the majority of positions in both the corporate hierarchy and among our agents with our sales leadership, women comprising of more than 63% and more than 65% of this number is doing it independently or without a licensed partner. Within our Greatway family, there is no shortage of success stories, and today, as part of International Women's Day, we take pride in celebrating the Great Women of Greatway:
Empowered Women, Empower Women - Maryhel Antonio, a Senior Vice President at Greatway, shares her experiences as a single mom and highlights how the business has empowered her to balance work and family life. She encourages others to pursue their goals, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and positive energy.
Greatway Helped me to Experience Real Connections with my Kids - Menchie Tacata, another Senior Vice President, expresses gratitude for Greatway, detailing how the company transformed her perspective as a single mom. Tacata emphasizes the company's impact on strengthening her role as a mother and fostering genuine connections with her kids.
The Time you Put in will Pay Off - Catherine Pere, a valued insurance advisor, shares her experiences as a single mom balancing two full-time jobs. She highlights how Greatway's values and business model transformed her life, allowing her to spend more quality time with her kids and build stronger family connections.
When We Became True to Ourselves, That’s When Our Business Boomed - Phen Valera and Maricel Solidum, a couple and Senior Vice Presidents at Greatway, share their success story since joining in 2015. They praise Greatway's inclusive culture, advise flexibility during the pandemic, and encourage perseverance in reaching goals.
I Just Want my Kid to Have All the Choices in the World - Frieda Dogelio, a Greatway HLLQP Instructor and expectant mother, appreciates the company's family-friendly culture during her pregnancy. She plans to enjoy her maternity leave and values the supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
Young Adults Should Invest Into Things That Provide Long-Term Happiness - Kathleen Navarro, a Greatway Financial Advisor, joined for the business opportunity but found personal growth and happiness. She emphasizes personal development over financial gains for true wealth.
My Goal Has Been to Empower as Many People as Possible - Helen Uzoka, a Senior Vice President, overcame self-limitations and now focuses on empowering others, especially women, in financial matters.
Know What You Want & Work Hard For It - Raised in poverty in the Philippines, Senior Vice President Imelda Cuaycong aimed for success. Her success with Greatway allowed her to assist my family during tough times.
Have Faith - Laveena Mendonca's remarkable journey at Greatway Financial began in 2015, marked by faith and triumph over challenges. Her commitment and belief in the company led to financial success and the achievement of Senior Vice President status.
The Best Business Decision I Have Ever Made - Gloria Beth Mapa, one of Greatway’s Senior Vice Presidents, shares why joining Greatway is the best decision she made.
We Need to Help Our Family First - Susan Ilic, one of the people who started Greatway, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and how it transforms lives.
Start Young & Save - Raselynn Rosell, encourages starting young and investing in financial literacy for a secure future.
I realized that I was young, I needed to take advantage of that - Saved since 19, Dana Rigucera, a Greatway Insurance Advisor, shares her realization about the importance of financial education and effective strategies aside from TFSAs and RRSPs from a young age.
Conclusion
This International Women's Day, we at Greatway take immense pride in celebrating the formidable achievements of Suze Orman, Oprah Winfrey, Mellody Hobson, and Abigail Johnson, and our great women in Greatway, among countless other influential women who have boldly redefined the spheres of finance and business. Their journeys underscore the indispensable role of astute financial planning, with life insurance as a cornerstone, in securing and propelling legacies. Inspired by their trailblazing paths, we remain steadfast in our dedication to championing financial empowerment and gender equality. Together, let us pay tribute to these luminaries, drawing inspiration from their sagas of resilience and foresight, to illuminate the onward path for empowering future generations of women worldwide.
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