She started with the company as the office manager and now she’s the president. How’s that for inspiring?>>>
We all want to know how you went from office manager to president.
I started my career right out of college at 21 years old at Robert O’Byrne and Associates, which was an insurance agency and employment benefits consulting firm. I started off as the office manager. It was a small company with about 12 employees at that time. Many of the people in that core group still work together and grew that company to be the largest employee benefits consulting firm in Kansas City.
I was the first employee of our new Client Services department, which was started in 1978. Because I had the opportunity to be in on the ground floor of our company, I was exposed to all aspects of the business including sales, human resources, operations, regulatory affairs and accounting. This experience taught me how a small business runs.
We saw an opportunity in the employer market where the level of service was not what it could be. Our goal was to provide legendary service and support to small-to-medium-sized businesses - those with under ten thousand employees - 365 days a year. We wanted to give upscale service to a part of the market that usually didn’t have access to that level of quality. This work was highly consultative - which was an innovative idea back then.
CBIZ was created in 1996 through acquisition. The company, based in Cleveland, acquired Robert O’Byrne and Associates in 1997. I was named president of CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services in Kansas City in 2000.
What is your philosophy?
I believe that life is good and I try to frame each day with that philosophy. I believe in continually learning and growing. I am anxious to learn new concepts and develop new skills and relationships.
What would you say are your top three reasons for your success?
The first is that my parents instilled in me a very strong work ethic. Secondly, I am persistent and open to growing and learning along the way. The third thing is that I have a passion for what I’m doing. I enjoy what I do and find it very rewarding.
Do you have any mentors?
My mother was a career business person. She was an accountant at the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph. She was a great role model to me and demonstrated a strong work ethic and the importance of persistence.
Also, Bob O’Byrne obviously had a big impact on my career. He inspired us all to aim high; work smart and hard; and to persevere. He challenged us all to be the best we could be and to create a lasting legacy with those who follow us. For me, it was particularly important that he never saw gender as any kind of limiting factor or barrier.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I think my challenge is to keep up with the pace of change with all the new developments and information. There is so much information available that it continues to be very challenging to develop ways to gather this data and absorb it. I read lots of books and some magazines and also like to talk to others about what has been successful for them.
What is your passion?
I like representing the company by being out in the community developing new relationships and telling our story. CBIZ is truly unique in the business services arena and I enjoy sharing with people how we can help solve their challenges.
What has been your greatest achievement?
I feel good about conquering fears and continuing to grow and develop. I think each year is a better and better year.
What do you do to recharge and bring balance to your life?
Reading is very relaxing to me. Also, I love to travel. When I’m sitting on an airplane, I’m already happy. I enjoy playing golf and I also enjoy community activities such as board work, networking and spending time with friends and family.
Do you have any advice for other women?
Believe in yourself. You can accomplish anything. Decide where you would like to be and plan for it. It’s important to follow your dreams and be active in the community. Continue to identify areas where you can grow and develop yourself. And, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from others. Seek out mentors or just connect to others who can help you when needed.
Do you have any other comments?
I think it’s important that women help other women. This helps you and the women you are helping. I mentor three young women in our company and have a hand in assisting them in their growth. This is rewarding and exciting. There is so much joy associated with this.
Carolyn Watley’s Way