Transamerica Agency Network

For most of my life, I woke up every single morning with a paralyzing feeling in my chest. I assumed everyone did. I genuinely believed that the hum of anxiety before my feet even hit the floor was just part of being human. The tightness, the dread, the sense that something was already wrong before the day had even started, I thought that was just how it felt to be alive. I had no frame of reference for anything different. It wasn't until I was well into my adult years, deep into therapy, that I realized that wasn't true. Not everyone woke up that way. What I had been carrying wasn't normal. It was the result of growing up in an environment where fear was the baseline and safety was never guaranteed. That realization changed everything. I share this because I think it matters in a corporate context more than most people are willing to admit. The professional world rewards performance. It rewards composure, decisiveness, and the appearance of having it together. What it rarely makes room for is the conversation about what's actually happening underneath all of that. And here's what I've learned after almost 30 years in a high-pressure legal career: anxiety doesn't stay in the car when you walk into the office. It sits across the table in negotiations. It shows up in how you respond to feedback. It shapes the decisions you make when the stakes feel high. It affects how you lead, how you listen, and how you show up for the people around you. The question isn't whether it's there. For a lot of people, it is. The question is whether you're aware of it, and whether you're doing anything about it. You don't have to hit rock bottom to start paying attention. But you do have to be honest with yourself about what you're carrying. That's always the first step.

Coming into work early inspired and fired up after 2 days of sharing ideas with 23 other Managing Directors from the East Coast. This is the sharpest group I have ever worked with. The wind down time was just as valuable - Laughing and connecting is always good for the soul. Shout out to my mentor Don Balderson for putting on a wonderful two days - to Matt Vollen for the assist- and Wade Hampton for casting the vision. Here’s to a huge year For Zone 2!

Many of us start our careers following a path shaped by others...parents, mentors, societal expectations. But at some point, we realize that to build a fulfilling career, we have to take control of our own story. Research shows that professionals who feel a sense of autonomy and ownership over their career paths experience higher job satisfaction and well-being. In fact, a study by McKinsey & Company found that 60% of employees report feeling more engaged at work when they have the ability to shape their roles and make impactful decisions. If you’re at a point where you want to reclaim ownership of your professional story, here are a few strategies to help: Identify Your Core Values: Define what genuinely matters to you in a career. A Gallup survey found that employees who feel connected to their core values are nearly 3 times more likely to be engaged at work. Knowing your values can guide you in making career choices that feel authentic. Set Personal Goals: Stop defining success by external standards. Set goals that align with your interests and aspirations, even if they don’t match the traditional ladder. Break down these goals into actionable steps and track your progress regularly. Seek Mentorship and Feedback: Surround yourself with people who support your growth, not just your status quo. Mentors can offer guidance, but it’s essential to choose those who respect your vision and encourage you to take risks and make bold moves in alignment with your goals. Regularly Reflect and Recalibrate: Careers evolve, and so do personal goals. Take time every few months to assess your direction, celebrate progress, and make adjustments as needed. This reflection keeps your journey aligned with who you are and who you want to become. Taking charge of your professional story is about making conscious, value-driven choices. By owning your path, you create a career that reflects your unique strengths and aspirations, leading to a life that feels both fulfilling and truly yours.