Latest news with #MikeVietri
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Agility Amid Market Shifts: Leading With Holistic Solutions In 2025
Mike Vietri is Chief Distribution Officer for AmeriLife, a national leader in distributing and marketing insurance and financial solutions. getty Change isn't slowing down. If anything, it's speeding up. And in 2025, we're dealing with more than just new rules or regulations. We're seeing big shifts in what consumers expect, how products perform and where market demand is headed. I've seen firsthand how staying ahead of those shifts can be the difference between barely keeping up and breaking through. When you give your teams the tools to respond early—whether that means adjusting to new product trends or helping clients rethink their financial goals—they start moving with confidence, not hesitation. Here are a few things we've done that might help you do the same. It's one thing to tell your team to adapt; it's another to teach them how. That's why we've emphasized education—not just generic training, but real-time, practical learning that helps people stay sharp when the market starts to move. Take annuities, for example. When the momentum started to shift from Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) to Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs), we saw it coming. Instead of sitting back and watching, we doubled down on helping our producers understand how to use laddered solutions to meet client needs in the new environment. That shift gave them a strategic edge, not just a reaction. The same goes for cross-selling. We didn't just encourage it; we taught our producers how to identify client needs outside the obvious. Helping clients starts with seeing their full financial picture, not just stacking products on a shelf. If you're trying to build a more responsive team, this is where I'd start. Help them read the market. Help them connect the dots for their clients. The more they understand the "why" behind a shift, the better they'll be at turning it into a win. There's no shortage of tools out there. But if your team isn't using them to spot trends, move faster or improve conversations with clients, you're not getting much return. We've invested in tech that makes life easier—platforms that help producers track what clients care about and tools that give them insight into where the market's headed next. What truly matters isn't the platform itself but how it helps your team pivot, adapt and serve with greater precision. In my view, technology should help you move with purpose. The goal isn't to chase trends or check a digital transformation box. It's to give you the speed and insight to make better decisions faster. When you can act before the competition sees the shift coming, you can gain real ground. There's no shortage of M&A activity in this industry. But the partnerships that work—the ones that drive value—are those that feel like extensions of your mission, not just your balance sheet. We've had the most success when we focus on strategic fit. Does this partnership give us better tools? Reach new clients? Help us serve more holistically? If the answer is yes, we move forward. If you're clear about your long-term goals, you won't get distracted by flashy opportunities that may not help you grow. In a cautious market, thoughtful expansion can still be the smartest play in the book. The last few years have made one thing very clear: You can't rely too heavily on any one channel, product or market. At AmeriLife, we've worked hard to build out both our health and wealth offerings, and it's made a difference. When one side slows, the other usually picks up. That balance helps us keep moving forward even when the market gets shaky. But it's not just about what you offer—it's how fast you can adapt. The teams that are trained to shift gears when needed—not panic, but actually adjust—are the ones that keep winning. If you're trying to build something resilient, I'd say this: Spread out your risk and make sure your team has the confidence and support to change course when the market demands it. When things are uncertain, the worst thing you can do is go quiet. People need clarity. They need direction. And, sometimes, they just need to know someone's paying attention. We've always tried to be upfront with our teams, clients and partners. When regulations start to shift or the market gets turbulent, we hold calls and meetings. We share what we know, what we don't and what we're doing about it. That kind of communication does more than reduce anxiety. It builds trust. It reminds people they're not navigating things alone and keeps everyone focused on what they can control. You don't need all the answers to be a good communicator. You just need to show up, be honest and keep showing up. Things are changing. They always are. But if I've learned anything, it's that the strongest teams aren't the ones waiting for certainty but rather those that act with purpose when things are still unclear. Whether you're focused on educating your team, investing in tech, expanding thoughtfully or communicating with more intention, take the steps now. Don't wait until the dust settles. If you do it right, you won't just make it through the next wave of change. You'll be better positioned, more trusted and more capable on the other side. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Miami Herald
18-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
AmeriLife's 'Empowering Voices' Campaign Celebrates National Women's History Month
Campaign honors women leaders, their achievements, and forward-thinking attributes for the next generation of insurance and financial services industry leaders CLEARWATER, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / AmeriLife Group, LLC ("AmeriLife"), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, is celebrating National Women's History Month through the theme of "Empowering Voices" as it recognizes the remarkable women leaders driving innovation and excellence within its industry. This month-long celebration underscores AmeriLife's unwavering commitment to fostering a unified workforce that values diverse perspectives, contributions, and leadership. One of the key initiatives supporting this mission is the Distribution Women's Leadership Council (DWLC). Now in its third year, the Council is committed to recruiting, retaining, empowering, and advancing women within AmeriLife's Distribution business. The DWLC maintains a forum for sharing best practices, fostering mentorship, and providing networking opportunities. These efforts are crucial in leveraging market opportunities and achieving its business objectives. "We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women making a significant impact at AmeriLife," said Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer for Wealth at AmeriLife and executive champion of the DWLC. "Their leadership and dedication are instrumental in shaping our company's future. The Distribution Women's Leadership Council plays a vital role in ensuring that we continue to support and empower women at every level of our organization." The DWLC has been instrumental in developing programs that provide Distribution with the skills and resources they need to succeed. From leadership training to networking events such as its monthly "Sips & Strategies" gatherings and annual conference, the Council is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full attendance at community events such as the Valspar Executive Women's Day, the ANNIKA Women's Leadership Summit, and the SharpHeels Career & Leadership Summit is a key extension of its mission, providing invaluable networking opportunities and connections with other professionals beyond the office. "We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve," said Kelly Atkinson, AmeriLife's Senior Vice President, Distribution Operations & Chief of Staff, Wealth Distribution, and founding member of the DWLC. "By empowering women and recognizing their contributions, we are strengthening our company and positively impacting the industry." The Power of Mentorship Mentorship is not just a pillar but a driving force at the DWLC, essential for fostering growth, development, and success. Each member is committed to embracing this vital role within their respective positions. "As women in finance, we can use our experiences and influence to inspire the next generation and ensure they have access to clear, easy-to-understand education," said Rayna Reyes, Principal of American Federal. "Women leaders today can make a significant impact by mentoring young women and, more importantly, shaping policies to create inclusive work environments," said Angela Palo, Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Financial Services, Inc. Ana Hernandez, Managing Director of Grupo Latinamericano de Seguras, agrees, saying, "Women leaders can leverage their influence and experiences to inspire the next generation and ensure equitable and empowering education for young women by actively mentoring and sponsoring young females, ultimately creating a visible pathway for future female leaders." Stephanie Kirk, Chief Executive Officer of Secure Benefits, Inc., added, "Young women need mentors. Someone willing to teach them by inclusion, not just instruction. My philosophy is the best education is to learn by doing. Being a woman of influence gives me an excellent opportunity to roll up my sleeves and work hard alongside someone trying to get to where I am. The next generation of women coming behind me will reach even greater heights because I'm giving them a shoulder to stand on!" Learn more about the Distribution Women's Leadership Council and its lead-by-example philosophy. About AmeriLife AmeriLife's strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents, financial professionals, and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Information Jeff Maldonado Media Contactmedia@ Alex Hyer Corporate Developmentcorporatedevelopment@
