We recently connected with Marie Medina and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marie, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful you need to hire people that are smarter than you. Hiring people who are smarter than you brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and skills that can drive the organization forward. When you find people that balance the team their expertise can fill in gaps in knowledge and this creates a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This ultimately boosts the overall performance and success of the organization.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have a bit of a Goldilocks story. Growing up in South Florida, I attended the University of Central Florida, where I earned my business degree. During college, I interned at Macys and subsequently ventured into retail management. Yearning for life outside Florida and the experience of a big city, I moved to Chicago in 2008. While I continued working in retail, I never felt Chicago was my forever home.

By 2016, I was burnt out from both the retail industry and the harsh winters. My sister and brother-in-law, who were living in Denver, convinced me to take a leap of faith. I quit my job and moved to Colorado, which turned out to be the best decision ever. In the same week I arrived in Denver, I connected with my current employer, Intrepid, in the Employee Benefits industry. People often say you don’t find the insurance industry; it finds you. This new path has been a fantastic opportunity.

Back to my Goldilocks story—Denver and my role as Managing Director for Intrepid feel just right.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I transitioned from the unstructured environment of retail to the structured office setting of the Employee Benefits industry, I noticed both stark contrasts and surprising similarities.

In retail, every day brought a whirlwind of activity and unpredictability. Customer needs and preferences shifted constantly, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. There were times when I had to juggle multiple tasks—managing inventory, assisting customers, and handling unexpected staffing issues—all within the same hour. The unstructured nature of retail meant that no two days were alike, and flexibility was key. It was a fast-paced environment where decisions had to be made on the fly, and success often depended on immediate problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

In contrast, the structured office environment of the Employee Benefits industry offered a more predictable and organized workday. Here, I found clearly defined roles, processes, and procedures. Meetings were scheduled, deadlines were set, and tasks were systematically planned out. The structure provided a sense of stability and allowed for long-term strategic planning, which was a refreshing change from the retail world. However, this environment also demanded a different kind of discipline—adhering to schedules, following protocols, and maintaining a high level of professionalism in every interaction.

Despite these differences, the fundamentals of running a successful business remained remarkably similar in both settings. Whether in the chaotic retail world or the orderly office, certain core principles applied universally. Effective communication was crucial, ensuring that team members were aligned and informed. Customer satisfaction remained a top priority, whether it was a shopper in a store or a client seeking employee benefits solutions. Financial acumen was essential, managing budgets, forecasting sales or revenue, and ensuring profitability.

Leadership also played a pivotal role in both environments. Inspiring and motivating a team, whether on a retail floor or in an office, required a clear vision, empathy, and the ability to drive performance. In retail, this might mean rallying the team during a busy holiday season; in the office, it could involve guiding a project to successful completion.

In summary, while the day-to-day experiences of working in an unstructured retail environment versus a structured office setting were vastly different, the underlying fundamentals of running a business—communication, customer focus, financial management, and leadership—remained constant. These core principles bridged the gap between the two worlds, highlighting that successful business management transcends the specifics of the work environment.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My journey has shown me the value of thinking outside the box when it comes to recruitment. I quickly realized that the principles of business management I had honed in retail were just as relevant to running and Employee Benefits brokerage. More importantly, I discovered the value of diverse experiences and perspectives. I joined a team that thrived on innovation and fresh ideas, and it became clear that looking beyond the conventional candidate pool was crucial for success. At Intrepid we have often considered candidates from various backgrounds, not just those with insurance or employee benefits experience. This approach led us to hire individuals with expertise in technology, marketing, and even hospitality. When you invest in people and their future, their morale improves significantly.

I also highly recommend finding a mentor. Finding an amazing mentor can be a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. A great mentor provides guidance, support, and insight that can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in your career. They share their knowledge and experiences, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. I found this in Valerie Smith. Without her I would not be where I am today. My goal is now to pay it forward to the best of my ability!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.intrepidbenefits.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrepidincrowd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/medinamarie/