Strength that is simply unmatched

This has been a historic year. We’re in highly volatile times – experiencing so much disruption - and there’s a lot we don’t know.

In a normal summer, our Northwestern Mutual family comes together for one of our biggest events—our Annual Meeting with our financial representatives and advisors. It’s a major gathering in our hometown of Milwaukee, and it has happened for generations. This year, like so many other things in our world, we made the decision to make it a virtual event. We’re taking the things that have made these meetings memorable in the past—the mainstage presentations, recognition of top advisors across the country, a powerhouse line up of speakers and events— and we’re keeping this momentum going, all in a virtual way. We’re pivoting and maintaining a full-speed-ahead approach.

 As I prepared for my own Annual Meeting mainstage presentation for this virtual event, I began by reflecting on the events of this year. We have all experienced significant disruption – and have each had to respond. Right now, it’s more critical than ever that we lean on our strength – and each other – to face the future with confidence.

For example, despite the pandemic and volatility, we continue to have the highest-possible financial strength ratings awarded to any US life insurer – no company in our industry is stronger. In fact, Moody’s considers us one of only two companies – across all industries – to have a Aaa rating with a stable outlook.

So, what does that financial strength have to do with this current environment and everything we’re going through right now? It means that we can take steps to accelerate our business and build for the future throughout this time. We have continued to make significant progress on major strategic priorities – including continuing to build our client experience.

We have also been investing – on behalf of our policyowners – through this time. When you’re financially strong, and follow a disciplined investing approach, you can take advantage of down markets and find opportunities that will deliver long-term value to clients. Despite the very volatile market, Northwestern Mutual has invested nearly $10B this year – and we’re seeing solid returns.

Overall, we see growth - ending the first half of the year with a record number of total financial representatives and advisors at all ages and stages of their career —from those just starting in the business all the way through highly sophisticated practices. 

Plus, in this volatile time, Americans need the partnership of a financial representative as much as ever. As we gather as a company for our Annual Meeting, we’re talking a lot about the impact we have on our clients’ lives. Our entire approach as a company helps clients weather volatility – delivering financial security through the guidance of a trusted advisor and a personalized plan that integrates insurance and investments.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Jordan Lawley, one of the most focused and driven people I’ve ever met. With the help of his Northwestern Mutual financial advisor, Alex Goldberg, Jordan was building his business, supporting his family, saving for retirement and living his dream. But he received an unexpected medical diagnosis. His story is incredible – and I’d encourage you to watch it. He credits his Northwestern Mutual advisor for helping him during that difficult time. 

That ability to face an uncertain future with confidence is powerful – and that’s what we’re here to do as a company.

What’s around the corner? It’s the question none of us can exactly predict – and that can create a lot of anxiety. The bottom line is this: the best response to this fear is to look forward with strength, understanding and action—this approach stands the test of time, and will guide us forward as we lead our business into the future.