This article is part of a series of posts from National Life’s Women’s Inclusion Network. WIN is a concentration of bright and forward-thinking women (and men!) who collaborate on the leadership development, diversification, and empowerment of National Life’s female field affiliates and home office employees.
Anna Salgado is co-owner and COO of Innergy Financial. She is passionate about contributing to her team by managing the company’s operational aspects for the overall development and growth of the agency. As a San Diego, CA native, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters at the beach.
What’s your career pathway been like? How did you get to where you are now?
I was introduced to the financial services industry when I purchased my first life insurance policy in 2004. I believed in the product so much that it inspired me to obtain my insurance license and pursue a career in the industry where I can help others. I gained invaluable experience dealing with people from all walks of life. I also learned a lot about sales and marketing, how to implement systems, and how to run a business independently.
At that time, my spouse was in the military, and we got relocated abroad for a couple of years, so naturally my financial services career took a pause. During my time traveling, I became a yoga teacher for a while, and then a mom of two daughters.
Once my girls were old enough and both in school full-time, I knew I was ready to make my way back into the industry and do it bigger and better than I did before. I realized from my personal experience dealing with my finances throughout the years how easy it can be to get off track, and how important it is to have a solid financial plan.
The years of experience coupled with a specialized knowledge of this industry inspired me to start my own company where I could educate and empower people to win financially in their own lives. In July of 2020, I co-founded Innergy Financial & Insurance Services with my husband where we take a holistic approach to financial planning that incorporates effective products and strategies combined with purposeful and meaningful planning.
What did you want to be when you “grew up”?
I wanted to be a nurse to help and care for people with medical needs. Although I did not become a nurse, I am proud of the fact that I still get to help and care for people with their financial needs.
What do you like most about working with National Life Group?
Innovation and living benefits! It has been my experience that National Life continues to remain two steps ahead of the rest of the industry in terms of back-office resources and training for agents. Additionally, the unique design of National Life’s products truly helps provide clients with peace of mind.
Has the industry landscape changed during your career? What have you seen?
The landscape has changed dramatically! In the last five years we went from driving all over, going from appointment to the next, to now hosting Zoom appointments with clients all over the country.
Is there a particular woman who has inspired you in life?
My mom is my biggest inspiration in life. She was an immigrant from Mexico who fled poverty and came to this country by herself for a better future. She taught me perseverance, resilience, and the will to win despite adversity or uncertainty. She is my hero!
What advice would you give to young women who are just beginning their careers?
Be mission driven. With a mission, we know why we exist and what we are doing. Focus all your energy and efforts on building your career around that. Being mission driven is the highest form of emotional intelligence and discipline, because even when challenges arise, the mission must go on!
What leadership quality do you most admire and aspire to?
I admire leaders who genuinely desire to help people become a better version of themselves.
Do you have a cause or a favorite “Do good” passion?
I am passionate about empowering people with financial education so that they may make the best-informed decision regarding their financial future.
What attracted you to National Life and what would you tell someone who is considering doing business with us?
What initially attracted me to National Life were the living benefits and their agent support. What I would tell someone who is considering doing business with National Life — both client and agent — is you will feel supported every step of the way. It is not transactional with National Life; they truly have an intention to serve.
Living benefits are provided by riders, which are supplemental benefits that can be added to a life insurance policy and are not suitable unless you also have a need for life insurance. Riders are optional, may require additional premium and may not be available in all states or on all products. This is not a solicitation of any specific insurance policy.
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