We’re learning about Denise Higgins at Gold Leaf Financial Group.
Where in Canada are you based?
Sudbury, Ontario
Please introduce yourself.
I am an Eligibility Administrator for TPA services within our financial group, a role I’m excited to be growing into. Prior to this position, I worked as a Mental Health Nurse in both inpatient settings and community outreach, gaining extensive experience supporting diverse populations and navigating complex care needs.
When I decided I needed a change in career direction, I went back to school for Administration. I’m so grateful that even though I didn’t have work experience in Group Benefits, Gold Leaf Financial Group recognized my value and chose to invest in my growth and career. I am currently working toward my Group Benefits Associate Certificate.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of this role is having the opportunity to grow alongside our company as it continues to expand. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with such forward-thinking leaders and contribute to a shared vision and common goals.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role or in this industry?
One of the challenges I face is balancing the volume of inquiries and tasks with the high level of detail each requires. However, this pushes me to stay highly organized, and I continuously look for ways to improve efficiency within the workflow.
How do you manage work/life balance?
I prioritize work–life balance by staying intentional about how I recharge. I practice yoga regularly, which helps me stay grounded, mindful, and energized throughout the week. I’m also an avid indoor rock climber—it’s both a great workout and an exciting challenge, and there’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment after completing a tough route.
Outside of physical activities, I lean on my support system. My church, community, family, and friends, play a big role in helping me maintain perspective and stay connected to what matters most.
What books/resources do you recommend that every business person should check out?
I’m very big on personal growth, which is why most of what I read centers around self-development. I’ve always believed that before someone can truly succeed in business, they first need to understand themselves—how they think, communicate, and show up in the world.
The book that really sparked my own self-growth journey, as a young adult, was The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It taught me the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and mindset, and those lessons continue to influence the way I approach both my work and my life.
What advice would you give to people who want to join this industry?
My advice for anyone wanting to join this industry is to stay curious, be adaptable, and commit to continuous learning. Group benefits and TPA services involve a lot of moving parts—regulations, clients’ needs, and internal processes all evolve quickly—so being open to growth is essential.
The Benefits Alliance Member Spotlight showcases our members across Canada who provide custom solutions for their clients’ Employee Benefits and Group Retirement.