Debra Boblitt

My values have been my foundation for success both professionally and personally. I have relied on my values to influence my decisions throughout my career. In addition, from a professional perspective, systems have played a significant role in my success. I'm very system-oriented, and it served me well for 28 years and still shapes what I do and how I do it. I owned my own insurance business for 4 years, then was promoted into many leadership roles in the following 24 years. Those systems I developed in the early years still play a role in my success today. They have been a significant influence on my success and I've taught those systems to many business owners.

The best advice I've ever received came from both my husband and a good friend named Cindy, who was a very well-known speaker and consultant. I was president of one of the largest women's professional organizations in California, and after a board meeting, Cindy pulled me aside and said, "That's not the Debra Boblitt I know. What happened to her?'" It's the same as what my husband has said to me for years; "Be yourself, don't try to be anyone else". However, we may need to refine our skills and styles of leadership at times, depending on the audience you are addressing. But never lose your identity. That is the most important advice that I would offer and I learned from that as well. I believe all of us were created with a purpose , unique identity, gifts and talents. You may refine them over time, but don't ever lose them. Instead, learn how to leverage them.

I would say know the business, do your research, prepare, and then know how to present yourself in multiple scenarios. We all know that first impressions count. My advice is to do the research on that particular organization, or the job you're interviewing for, or the next level you are aspiring to in your organization. Be willing to volunteer for opportunities that stretch your abilities. Find a mentor, coach and champion all of whom will benefit your career success. Create a net of resources around you by finding the people that you can count on as resources who will assist you in areas unfamiliar to you or where you are lacking. Ask those individuals to be available to you so that you can have conversations with them and learn from them. If a woman is aspiring to another level in her own organization, a new position, a new company, or starting a business, all of those things would be important.

First of all, competition's always been a big issue in any industry, and actually, it keeps you sharper and products have to be the best to compete. The on-line capabilities have also impacted most industries, small and large businesses. The key is finding how to compete in the digital world while still delivering a dynamic customer experience. And, as in many industries now, AI has become a significant challenge. Having been out of the insurance industry for 10 years, I still talk with a many former colleagues, and I'm also in tune with many industries because of the work I do now as a consultant. AI is one of the biggest issues in any industry today. The challenge is to leverage it in a positive way for the benefit of your industry and clients. In fact, I've read a statistic recently that 60% of the information through AI is false and referred to as "hallucinations". The key will be how to use this incredible tool to your advantage.

I would say integrity is one that's very important to me. And living what you believe is the foundation of my life, both personal or professional. I believe every decision we make is based on our values. I also believe in giving others the opportunity to shine. One of my greatest joys is helping others grow, develop and attain their dreams.