010: Finding the Resilience to Climb the Insurance Ladder with Yelhis Hernández

How do you navigate impostor syndrome when aiming for managerial roles? What methods should we implement whilst climbing the insurance ladder to secure competitive promotions? What role can an established personal brand play towards this end?

In this episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with Yelhis Hernández, Mexico Country Manager and Central America Market Development Manager for Lloyd’s. Openly sharing her inspirational journey, spanning a variety of fascinating insurance roles across seven countries, Yelhis is clear about the importance of resilience, and the curation of a supportive network, when pursuing your goals. She demystifies the presence of impostor syndrome in c suite managerial positions, and highlights the importance of proactivity and clear vocalisation of your ambitions to those empowered to fulfil them.

 

Quote of the Episode

“I've faced [imposter syndrome] many, many times during my career. If somebody says, ‘Oh, no, I don't know what that is’, they are lying to themselves. We all have a fear of sitting in a room with a lot of people that are senior, and that probably have more experience than you.”

In the episode, Yelhis emphasises that while you may not necessarily have years of experience behind you, potentially fuelling fears of inadequacy or uncertainty in your role, you will possess unique skills that may otherwise be missing in the room. You have something different to offer, which is why you have been given this position. Using that knowledge will give you the strength to sit at the table proudly, and enable you to begin to unravel impostor syndrome. Ultimately, she argues that this phenomenon will recur throughout your career, whenever you are given a new opportunity or responsibility. At every stage of your career, you are taking something new on, reigniting those feelings of uncertainty. Yelhis suggests that you must learn to live and work with it, whilst always keeping in mind that you have been granted that opportunity for a reason.

 

Key Takeaways

Yelhis has worked in a variety of different countries and markets across her illustrious career. While some of these roles were offered to her in a more traditional sense; others she created herself. Her initial move from Venezuela to Switzerland, for example, was prompted by a business case she delivered, demonstrating that if she continued to work in her home country, her ability to perform her role would be jeopardised due to prevailing political circumstances. This facilitated her first international move. Similarly, later on, she rationalised the need for her to move to Mexico, presenting a business case to the local CEO, evaluating the pros and cons of centralising and thereby improving operational processes in the market. This led to her being offered the job, which she had herself demonstrated the need for and value of. This decisiveness is indicative not only of Yelhis’ relentless drive and ingenuity, but also of the possibilities and opportunities that are unlocked by being well-researched and steadfast in your ambitions. If you can demonstrate how and why you could do more to help a company in its endeavours, you could very well open some new doors in your own career.

One of the key skills Yelhis deploys in her day-to-day activities is preparation. She argues that being well-prepared for every meeting and presentation will always give you the advantage, ensuring that you are never caught off-guard with a question or concern. Furthermore, intensive rehearsal and research will enable you to speak clearly and confidently in pressurised situations. Similarly, when dealing with clients, Yelhis suggests that you must thoroughly understand what they do, and what they need. You must be prepared to respond to any question they might have, and to provide a detailed answer with an understanding of their specific needs. The ability to ask them questions in return, before telling the client what they might need, is what could make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.

For Yelhis, networking is absolutely crucial, particularly early in your career, for rising up the ranks of insurance. Contrary to the military, in which you can transition from one role to another purely on the basis of a certain amount of years’ experience, in insurance, you have to build your profile yourself. Everyone must know your potential and ability to excel. She attributes her current role to a large degree to her knowing a lot of people in the region, who could provide positive feedback relating to her character and commitment. Thus, building your network base as early as possible is crucial for when you are seeking to climb the ladder later down the line.

She argues that curating your own ‘personal brand’ is key towards this end. While this may seem a vague and bewildering notion, she argues that a strong personal brand is developed through a consistent demonstration of your willingness to work hard for your goals, and a clear expression of those goals to those within your company who can fulfil them. You must never assume that you will reach a goal – you must actively work for it, and demonstrate to those in managerial positions that you deserve a certain role, for example.

Yet, Yelhis is also keen to highlight the importance of a strong work-life balance. Dedicating yourself entirely to your company will not guarantee promotion. To perform your best during your workday, you must also take part in activities or hobbies that enrich and fulfil you.

 

Best Moments/Key Quotes

“In the case of Brazil and Mexico, I also made a business case, those roles had not been created yet. So, I put together the facts and demonstrated the need for those roles. And this helped move me to from London to Brazil, and eventually to Mexico.”

“I will never go into situation, whatever it is, without being prepared. I have a team that supports me in London with content and material if I have to deliver something. Once we have that content together, I start a routine of preparation, that includes recording myself with or without video. During that rehearsal, I’ll stand in front of my dog and my cat, reading the material, studying the material as much as possible. So, I never go into a situation not knowing what I have to say. You must be prepared. And that will give you a position of advantage in any situation.”

‘Building your network very early in your career will make a difference.’

“I think every success comes with a great deal of work that you have to do yourself, no one is going to do it for you. But if you demonstrate that you are here to learn, and work towards a goal, and you will find the support.”

‘It is time for companies to recognise those individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds that often face a lack of opportunities and exposure to professional sectors like insurance.’

“As a senior woman in this industry, what I want to do is pay it forward. And I hope that my journey shows that determination, belief in your abilities, and the support and guidance and encouragement from others can help people overcome any hurdles.”

 

Resources

InsureTV – Samantha Ridgewell Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRP9R6B6AeA&ab_channel=EmpowerDevelopment

 

About the Guest

Yelhis Hernández is the Mexico Country Manager and Central America Market Development Manager for Lloyd’s. She leads a prolific insurance career, with experience across a multitude of roles in seven different countries.

Yelhis’ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yelhish/

 

About the Host

Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives.

Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin