010: Finding the Resilience to Climb the Insurance Ladder with Yelhis Hernández

How do you navigate impostor syndrome when aiming for managerial roles? What methods should we implement whilst climbing the insurance ladder to secure competitive promotions? What role can an established personal brand play towards this end? In this episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with Yelhis Hernández, Mexico Country Manager and Central America Market Development Manager for Lloyd’s. Openly sharing her inspirational journey, spanning a variety of fascinating insurance roles across seven countries, Yelhis is clear about the importance of resilience, and the curation of a supportive network, when pursuing your goals. She demystifies the presence of impostor syndrome in c suite managerial positions, and highlights the importance of proactivity and clear vocalisation of your ambitions to those empowered to fulfil them.   Quote of the Episode “I've faced [imposter syndrome] many, many times during my career. If somebody says, ‘Oh, no, I don't know what that is’, they are lying to themselves. We all have a fear of sitting in a room with a lot of people that are senior, and that probably have more experience than you.” In the episode, Yelhis emphasises that while you may not necessarily have years of experience behind you, potentially fuelling fears of inadequacy or uncertainty in your role, you will possess unique skills that may otherwise be missing in the room. You have something different to offer, which is why you have been given this position. Using that knowledge will give you the strength to sit at the table proudly, and enable you to begin to unravel impostor syndrome. Ultimately, she argues that this phenomenon will recur throughout your career, whenever you are given a new opportunity or responsibility. At every stage of your career, you are taking something new on, reigniting those feelings of uncertainty. Yelhis suggests that you must learn to live and work with it, whilst always keeping in mind that you have been granted that opportunity for a reason.   Key Takeaways Yelhis has worked in a variety of different countries and markets across her illustrious career. While some of these roles were offered to her in a more traditional sense; others she created herself. Her initial move from Venezuela to Switzerland, for example, was prompted by a business case she delivered, demonstrating that if she continued to work in her home country, her ability to perform her role would be jeopardised due to prevailing political circumstances. This facilitated her first international move. Similarly, later on, she rationalised the need for her to move to Mexico, presenting a business case to the local CEO, evaluating the pros and cons of centralising and thereby improving operational processes in the market. This led to her being offered the job, which she had herself demonstrated the need for and value of. This decisiveness is indicative not only of Yelhis’ relentless drive and ingenuity, but also of the possibilities and opportunities that are unlocked by being well-researched and steadfast in your ambitions. If you can demonstrate how and why you could do more to help a company in its endeavours, you could very well open some new doors in your own career. One of the key skills Yelhis deploys in her day-to-day activities is preparation. She argues that being well-prepared for every meeting and presentation will always give you the advantage, ensuring that you are never caught off-guard with a question or concern. Furthermore, intensive rehearsal and research will enable you to speak clearly and confidently in pressurised situations. Similarly, when dealing with clients, Yelhis suggests that you must thoroughly understand what they do, and what they need. You must be prepared to respond to any question they might have, and to provide a detailed answer with an understanding of their specific needs. The ability to ask them questions in return, before telling the client what they might need, is what could make the di