Her Story
About Keishla
Keishla Theriaque is a seasoned professional in the life insurance industry with more than nine years of experience at MassMutual. Beginning her career with the company through what was initially intended to be a temporary opportunity, she steadily expanded her responsibilities and expertise across operations, customer care, consulting, and strategic roles. Today, as a Journey Owner on the Experience Journey Mapping team, she focuses on understanding advisor and client experiences, mapping processes, identifying pain points, and uncovering opportunities to improve how work gets done across the organization.
Keishla combines process improvement, customer experience, project management, and human-centered thinking to help teams turn complex challenges into more effective and meaningful experiences. Her professional development includes Six Sigma and project management certifications, as well as training in coaching and professional development. Her background as an educator further strengthens her ability to communicate complex information, recognize different perspectives, and share knowledge in ways that are accessible and useful. She believes technology and efficiency should complement—not replace—the human element, particularly in an industry where communication, trust, and understanding are essential.
Beyond her professional work, Keishla is committed to continuous growth, mentorship, employee engagement, and community service. She volunteers with organizations supporting veterans, including Soldier On, and has also devoted time to animal rescue. Painting provides a creative outlet and a way to maintain balance outside of work. Her personal philosophy centers on embracing uncomfortable experiences as opportunities for growth, much like a seed that must push through difficult conditions before it can bloom. For young women entering the workforce, her message is equally empowering: never doubt yourself, recognize the skills you already possess, and remain open to opportunities that can lead you somewhere greater than you initially imagined.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Keishla
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that discomfort is how we grow, and we should never lose sight of the outcome. I often think of a seed: it must be buried, endure pressure, crack open, and push through the dirt before it can reach the sunlight and become a beautiful flower. Growth may be uncomfortable, but the result is worth it.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to never doubt yourself or limit what you believe you can achieve. Your current position does not define your future. Take time to self-reflect, recognize your potential, and remain open to growth—just because you may not need a skill or opportunity today doesn’t mean you won’t need it tomorrow.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is gaining buy-in, understanding my audience, and communicating ideas in a way that resonates with different people. One size does not fit all, so I focus on adapting the message, balancing different perspectives, and using storytelling to make complex ideas easily digestible. In an environment where technology can sometimes outweigh experience, effectively communicating the value behind the story is more important than ever.
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