We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Miles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.
When I changed my professional career from a WFH (work from home) insurance trainer, I was nervous. There wasn’t much outside of my profession as a licensed broker I had done. I ended up taking my grandmother, who was in town for a short period, to a senior center in Deltona. I met the program manager, mingled with the seniors, and help out with some of the activities they had available. I instantly fell in love. I knew what I wanted to do. I spoke with the Program manager about my interest and she expressed how they were recently looking to fill a position in a space closer to my home. I was elated. I applied, interviewed and was hired as the Activities Director of Ormond Beach Senior Center. Over my time of employment there, I had run into financial hardships, emotional breakdowns, phobias, relationship issues and more than anything, childcare problems. Through everything my boss counseled me, invited me to church, surprised my kids with gifts, fed us and even helped me financially. Nettie Jackson has poured into me as a woman and as a professional and I am forever grateful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
By license, I am an insurance broker for over 5 different carriers such as UHC, Humana, Aetna, Anthem, WellCare and more. I assist seniors navigate the maze that is Medicare as well as individuals and families looking to increase their benefits and save money. When I’m not working on that capacity, I own a small business called Tasteez Snow Cone & Daiquiris right in Daytona Beach Florida. We offer several flavor snow cones in our signature styles of Piccadilly, Snow Zone, and Classic. For our 21+ patrons we provide original flavors of daiquiris infused with Tequilla, Rum, Vodka or Cognac.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Mindset. There are 365 days in a year and roughly 289 days out of that I promise I don’t want to work as hard, pray as hard or do as much. But 365 days I BELIEVE I can do it, so I do. Everyday isn’t a cake walk, hell, most days aren’t. But having the mindset to get it done irregardless is priceless.
Any advice for managing a team?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned thus far is to maintain work boundaries with clients/coworkers/employees who become friends. Maintaining a high morale is easy. Be compassionate and have empathy when need be, work hard when you should and reward the team accordingly.
Contact Info:
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