Taking the lead - advancing women in leadership

As the leader of Northwestern Mutual’s exclusive distribution system, I am committed to ensuring that this company is a place where women can join, stay and grow. Beyond my role as a business leader, I’m also a co-sponsor of the Northwestern Mutual Women’s Platform, where I’ve had the privilege of being an ally to so many amazing women in our field who are blazing trails for themselves and future generations of female advisors and leaders at Northwestern Mutual.

I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re building to advance women in our career. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I’d like to highlight the accomplishments of one of the standout leaders in our system: Managing Partner Jessica Salazar, who is making history as we speak!

Jessica started at Northwestern Mutual back in 2005, built a successful practice and is now our Managing Partner in Jacksonville, Florida. Her ascent into a leadership role was never a surprise – it's been part of her vision since day one.

In fact, I still remember meeting Jessica for the first time. We were at a reception during one of our regional meetings. The event was winding down and people were mingling before the next session started. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed someone walking towards me with purpose. She gets to where I’m standing, extends her hand, looks me in the eyes, and with a big smile on her face says, “Hi Tim, I’m Jessica Salazar and I’m going to be a Managing Partner.”

Jessica and I have developed a great friendship since that day and I’m so grateful for the grit she’s displayed in challenging the status quo and advancing her leadership journey through her progression as a leader in Virginia Beach, Austin/San Antonio, and now Jacksonville. In her first full year as a managing partner in Jacksonville she has already doubled the number of women in her office and set a territory record for recruitment. 

Her pursuit of the leadership path has never been about status or what she gets out it if. It’s been about creating a culture that enables people to have it all, to chase their dreams in this business, to make a big impact, and to build a great life. Jessica embodies this culture in her office. She is developing a rapidly growing network office, recently completed her MBA and is serving as a community leader in her home state of Florida — all while being an amazing mom and great partner with her husband and Northwestern Mutual advisor, Jeff Salazar. 

Jessica’s choice to challenge the norms of women in leadership in the financial services industry is inspiring other women in our field to do the same and we are a better company as a result. Within Jessica’s first 18 months as Managing Partner, four other women in her office took contracted leadership positions – none of whom were in leadership prior to her appointment. 

Jessica’s inspirational story coupled with a new leadership development program and the collective voices of our new Women’s Field Association encourage women across our system to pursue leadership and development opportunities that either didn’t exist previously or weren’t as visible as they are now. 

 I believe our progress is tied to all Northwestern Mutual teams continuing to challenge themselves to be environments where women can join, stay and grow at all levels. Women coming into our system should be able to look up and over at every opportunity we have, see a clear path of how to get there and feel supported every step along the way.  While we know there’s more work to be done, we can see real progress – and with women like Jessica (and countless others) blazing the trails, I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction and the best is yet to come!