In this episode, I’m joined by Jamala Arland, President & CEO, US Life Companies at Genworth. Jamala is a remarkable leader in the insurance industry. Growing up in Barbados, Jamala discovered her passion for actuarial science early on after meeting the island's only actuary, an experience that set the foundation for her impressive journey in insurance. Jamala quickly recognized the pivotal role of insurance as a safety net for individuals and businesses, highlighting the critical importance of customer experience. Jamala shares her pride in being part of an industry that profoundly impacts lifestyle and quality of life by offering protection and security.

Jamala's story is also one of compassionate leadership, shaped by her own experiences of navigating the intersection of career and personal life, including the challenges of starting a family while in a leadership role. She reflects on the importance of empathetic management, drawing from her own journey of infertility and the support she received from her supervisor who understood her struggles. This experience inspired Jamala to embrace a leadership style that integrates the whole person, creating space for employees to be fully human at work. Jamala emphasizes that compassionate leadership doesn't mean compromising on accountability but rather fostering a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work. She likens balance to yoga, emphasizing the importance of sharing the load and nurturing all facets of life to prevent burnout and optimize what matters most.