Lesly Nodarse-Rivas

I attribute my success to a combination of my work environment, the company culture, and the support of the people around me. The culture at my current company is unlike anything I have experienced before, and my mentoring sessions with April have been incredibly valuable to my professional growth. I am also fortunate to have the best leader I have ever worked with in my manager, whose guidance and leadership have made a meaningful difference. Along with the experience I have gained throughout my career, I believe my success comes from my ability to identify challenges, find effective solutions, and approach every situation with consistency, persistence, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The best career advice I have received was to take an Enneagram assessment and spend time learning more about the results. My mentor encouraged me to take the test and even gave me a book to help me better understand the different personality types and where I fit within them. Although I am still exploring the material, the experience has been incredibly insightful and has taught me a great deal about myself, including my strengths, behaviors, and the way I interact with others. I believe that developing self-awareness is one of the most valuable tools for both personal and professional growth.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to develop a thick skin, understanding that every career will have its ups and downs. What matters most is how you choose to handle those challenges and continue moving forward. Never feel as though you are stuck or that you have to settle, especially if you are in a work environment that is creating significant stress or negatively affecting your personal life and family. Continue looking for opportunities that align with your goals, values, and well-being, and remember that you deserve to pursue a career and workplace where you can thrive.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is apathy, particularly when working with medical offices, front-desk staff, and providers. There are times when people may not be engaged or may not show a strong sense of urgency, which can make it difficult to build relationships and connect patients with the care and services they need. Another challenge is overcoming the stigma associated with representatives who work with car accident patients. Because the industry has historically included brokers, and there have been instances of inappropriate or unethical practices, such as offering bribes, some people may have preconceived perceptions about the profession. I believe the opportunity lies in building trust through transparency, professionalism, and ethical relationship-building, while demonstrating the value of connecting patients with appropriate, comprehensive care.

The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are transparency, honesty, and proactivity. I believe in communicating openly, being truthful and authentic in my interactions, and taking initiative rather than waiting for problems to arise. These values guide the way I build relationships, approach challenges, and strive to make a positive impact in everything I do.