On Sunday morning, April 7th, over 125 women participated in the launch of WiPN’s new EXCELerate program specially designed for our organization by Dr. Ben Sorensen of Optimum Associates. Throughout 2019, the EXCELerate program will provide practical tips and techniques to help us meet the specific challenges and realities we face as we advance in the retirement industry. Dr. Ben trains thousands of senior executives every year across a wide spectrum of industries focusing on actionable and practical skills, and we are fortunate to have him working with us this year.

Daniella Moiseyev, CMO for the American Retirement Association and President-Elect of WIPN, opened the program sharing insights about her own career journey before introducing the keynote speaker. Addressing a packed ballroom at Ceasar’s Palace just prior to the start of the NAPA 401(k) Summit, Dr. Ben provided actionable advice for how to accelerate our careers. He discussed the role of “self talk,” sharing with the audience that we speak 100 words per minute but talk to ourselves at 1000 words per minute. Our “self talk” leads our emotions — driving actions, decisions and behaviors. He also stressed the importance of the highest performing emotions — happiness, confidence and gratitude — and provided strategies on how to control emotions using a breathing technique called 4X4X4 (Breathe in, count to 4, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out. Repeat 4 times). Charmaine Hughes of Transamerica and WiPN’s Director of Special Projects added an important dimension to the session on how to ask for for feedback.

After the formal remarks, there was ample time for the crowd to network over mimosas. Hope to see more of you next year!