Her Story
About Cleonie
Cleonie Nathanielsz, is an Account Executive at Lockton with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and over 10+ years in executive account leadership. Originally from the Philippines, where she earned her bachelor's degree in agriculture, Cleonie entered the insurance profession by happenstance as a single mother seeking a stable career. What began as an unexpected opportunity became a lifelong passion built on perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving clients with excellence. Today, she oversees a diverse book of business, leads strategic renewal planning months in advance, and is recognized for her collaborative, people-first approach to client service. A Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM), and Transportation Risk Insurance Professional (TRIP), Cleonie believes technical expertise is only part of what makes a successful insurance professional. She is known for her engaging leadership style, encouraging colleagues to build relationships by picking up the phone, asking questions, and never stopping their professional development. Her greatest professional achievement is not measured by awards or titles, but by the success of the people she has mentored. Watching team members grow into leaders—and in many cases surpass her own accomplishments—is the legacy she values most. Beyond her client work, Cleonie is passionate about investing in the next generation of professionals and creating inclusive workplaces. She actively supports Women in Leadership and Pride initiatives within her company and is a proud advocate for the Pancreatic Association. Outside of the office, she enjoys entertaining and planning events, bringing the same enthusiasm for connecting people into her personal life. Guided by the work ethic instilled by her parents and the belief to never give up, Cleonie continues to inspire those around her through leadership, service, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cleonie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who instilled discipline, strong values, and a solid work ethic in me from an early age. Those lessons have shaped both my personal and professional approach to achieving my goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never give up. Rejection is part of the journey, and if one person says no, I keep moving forward because someone else will say yes. Persistence has been one of the most valuable tools in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to actively build relationships, continuously develop their skills, and seek guidance from those who have paved the way before them. Networking, lifelong learning, and staying focused on your long-term goals are key to building a successful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. While AI presents exciting opportunities to improve efficiency and innovation, it also requires professionals to continually adapt, learn new skills, and embrace change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are family, integrity, strong time management, and a solid work ethic. I also believe in understanding the "why" behind every challenge or setback, as those lessons often provide the greatest opportunities for growth.
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