This week we’re learning more about Simone Marshall from Belay Advisory.
What inspired you to join the benefits industry?
I’ve never had a job that didn’t involve taking care of people, so it ended up being an unexpected natural move into benefits. My best friend had contacts in the industry, knew I was looking for a career and thought I would be successful… a few interviews later, I landed in the benefits world and haven’t looked back.
To me, the most important inspirations are why I stay. Knowing that I have helped someone navigate a situation and made their day a little easier is very rewarding, and then of course there’s the team I work with here at Belay. They make work fun, supportive and everyone brings something special to the table.
Who is your mentor?
There are multiple people who I feel have helped shape me and encouraged me to grow, given me opportunities and who came along at the time I needed them. There are amazing women in our industry that I’m constantly inspired by, who I learn from, discuss challenges with and have immeasurable respect for. They know who they are and how much I appreciate them. And my boss at Belay Advisory, John Goode; I’ve been given the opportunity to learn an incredible amount from him over the last 11 years and he is someone I respect and look up to.
What is something that people do not know about you?
I’m a fairly private person, so that’s likely a long list…! One of my favourite times of year is Christmas. Each year I tune in to cheer for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship – no matter what time the game, I’m there with my jersey on. There’s nothing quite like watching that kind of hustle!
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in the business to date?
Surround yourself with talented, passionate, kind people who care profoundly about their work and each other. I don’t think it’s a wise move to try and be the smartest person in the room, otherwise you’ll never amount to much.
Do you have insights about the industry that you would like to share? Thoughts about the future of our Industry?
Any insight or thoughts I have about the future of our industry will always be to maintain our focus on who we’re taking care of. While I understand that we’re in an incredible time of growth, adaptation and change that requires strategy and action, I believe that if we lose sight of our core business that we’re missing the mark and our clients will feel it. The bottom line is we’re here to help employers take care of their employees. All of the energy we might spend on disruptors won’t matter if we forget that. Isn’t that what it’s all about?