OWNER
Cathy Lee Style
Women in Business 2022
May 22, 2022
Women in Business 2022
Lynn Babington
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Honest, committed, caring.
How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?
I spend more time supporting others’ fear of uncertainty. Perhaps my background as a critical care nurse positions me better to navigate uncertainty. It has been a major part of my work since the pandemic, to work with others to help them find a comfort level with navigating the uncertainty we face daily.
How do you manage stress and self-care?
I believe that a balanced life is the key to happiness. My family is my first priority and throughout my career, I have made many career decisions based on the needs of my family. I am also a firm believer of balancing the physical, spiritual and social dimensions of what it means to be human. My faith is important to me; therefore, prayer and meditation are part of my daily habit. Exercise has also always been a major part of my life—running, walking, swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc. I am a very social person. Maintaining social relationships, trying new things and incorporating humor and fun is part of how I achieve balance.
What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?
We have all learned about the value and pitfalls of a totally virtual environment. I believe that face-to-face communication is superior in most circumstances to meeting virtually. That being said, we have all learned that we often get better participation by allowing a blend of in-person and virtual meetings. Those who would normally not be able to attend a meeting now join virtually (via Zoom or some other meeting platform). Therefore, the conversation is not only more inclusive but richer. Chaminade University has board members and other supporters who either do not live in Hawai‘i or travel quite a bit, and they are now able to join our meetings and contribute to our success. Allowing participation via Zoom has alleviated the need to always be in person to participate in our work.
Did you always want this career track?
My career has taken many twists and turns. I am a registered nurse and began my career working as a nurse in a critical care unit, eventually earning a master’s degree and working in hospital administration. I ran the patient care divisions of some major hospitals in urban areas around the country (San Francisco, Seattle, Boston). I also worked with disadvantaged communities in Boston and formed a nonprofit to leverage the assets of a number of community health centers. During all of these experiences, I maintained a close relationship with the local university (UCSF, University of Washington, Northeastern University) while teaching graduate courses and precepting students. Somewhere along this journey, I earned a PhD and during a Fullbright Fellowship in Israel, I had the opportunity to reflect on what I wanted for the remainder of my career. This reflection took me to a nursing deanship, Provostship (chief academic officer) and eventually here to Chaminade University. I was and am most interested in finding a mission fit between my own beliefs and values and that of the institution I lead. I have found this at Chaminade University.
If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?
Hmm, that is an excellent question. I would want to know that I can continue to have a positive impact on the people I serve in my current position.
What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
People are the most important asset we have as a society, therefore keeping people at the center of what we do as leaders is critical. My proudest accomplishment throughout my career has been mentoring others. It has been an honor and privilege to be a mentor and support others’ successes. Many of the people I mentored over my career have gone on to build highly successful and fulfilling careers. Another proud accomplishment was successfully and with great care, closing a hospital. This was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I oversaw a small hospital in Seattle and managed its closure. During the year of transition, we were able to work with all of our employees to either help them secure new positions or prepare them for successful retirement. We also worked extensively with community partners to assure the services being discontinued by the hospital’s closure would be available within the area.
Biggest sacrifice for my career.
Early in my career, my husband and I jointly made career choices that necessitated several moves. These moves were not conducive to my own professional advancement. That being said, all of the ensuing professional positions provided me with a rich and varied background in many different positions in multiple regions in the United States. All of these experiences shaped how I think about the world and relate to others, so what seemed like sacrifices at the time ended up being assets for my professional career.
If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Hold true to your beliefs and values and listen to what others have to say. I cannot overemphasize the value in listening. Really hearing other people’s viewpoints helps us all learn and is critical to making successful decisions.
Nicole Lemas Rodriquez
How did you get into real estate?
As a third-generation Realtor, it was written in the stars for Nicole Lemas Rodriguez to continue the family legacy. Nicole began her career early by sweeping the steps of buildings of her family’s property management business. Years later, she grew to manage the company portfolio of 585 units of multifamily and residential investment properties. She began her real estate sales career in 2014 by focusing on first-time buyers whom she trained to have an investor mindset. She knew firsthand that real estate was the only way to build wealth and it was her kuleana to light the way for others. After reading and analyzing thousands of pages of AOAO condo documents on behalf of her clients, she realized the financial management of these assets lacked long-range vision. So, she took her career into the building management sector of the industry and became an Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), managing high-rises throughout Waikiki. There, she could be in the “belly of the beast” with a front row seat to the orchestration it takes to properly and professionally manage a multifamily condo building. In just three years of her building management career, she was recognized by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) as a “30 Under 30,” which acknowledges the next generation of real estate management leaders nationally. With this newly found purpose, she is able to come full-circle for those first-time homebuyers who invested in Hawai‘i real estate to protect their future investment for years to come.
What do you love about real estate and your job specifically?
Being in this position comes with a deep sense of responsibility. My clients are looking to me to both paddle and steer them to their future. I feel privileged to be able to listen to their stories and follow clues they provide to craft a way they may have never seen for themselves. My clients often joke, “Who needs a therapist, when we have you?” Being intimately involved in my clients’ and residents’ lives, I pivot from therapist to coach to comedian, depending on the twists and turns of the day or the deal. This gives me so much joy and purpose that I get to use my talents and gifts so naturally to enhance and elevate the people who deserve it most.
What are the best parts of your job…and the hardest?
They are one in the same—two sides of the same coin. While there is no greater feeling than handing the keys to a new homeowner, I can’t help but acknowledge the many who do not have those same keys. The market is like the ocean, watching the tides rise and fall, waiting for that perfect moment. Many are wiped out before they even touch the shores. The hardest part about this position is navigating the power and kuleana I have to my family and friends to ensure they have a place to call home, in our beloved Hawai‘i nei.
What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
In 2014, prior to getting my real estate license, I was working as a Project Developer for Revolusun, Hawai‘i’s #1 residential solar + battery installer in the state. There, I saw the need in the multifamily market with shared roofs being unable to gain access to photovoltaic. Trusting my vision, they supported my strategic and innovative approach to helping our AOAO communities across the island. With the support of our brilliant team, we calculated the common area interest and translated that into power, truly giving power to the people. I worked with the board of directors to amend governing documents and bylaws to legally allow every homeowner to have access to solar. For this herculean effort, I was honored as a “40 Under 40” by Pacific Edge Magazine the following year.
Making buildings smarter is truly my passion, so I was humbled when I received a call earlier this year inviting me to have a seat at the table with the Institute of Real Estate Management’s (IREM) National Board of Directors, under their Sustainability Advisory Board. Here, we certify office, medical office, multifamily, senior housing, retail, and industrial properties with their Certified Sustainable Property (CSP) designation. These properties are recognized for supporting sustainability and planetary health, while identifying the risks and opportunities within their environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact. Again, I feel extremely privileged to be able to use my accrued business acumen alongside my heart for our people and its place to sustain Hawai‘i for generations to come.
What is one thing you know now, that you wished you had known earlier on in your career?
As a visionary, I tend to move quickly. I can “burn the midnight oil” chasing the sun as there never seems to be enough time in the day to move the mountains I need to. Like all millennials, we want to change the world. As I’ve matured, I see that the change I was seeking was already within me. What I know now is this career is a marathon, not a sprint. I now take my time and listen. Follow your na‘au, your na‘au always knows. Change The Way You Look At Things And The Things You Look At Change.
What are some words of advice for our readers?
In this line of work, the stakes are high. The more advanced the deals get, the more complex and complicated the process can seem. Real estate is a true baptism by fire but through the fire, there is new life. Oftentimes change is painful. When what we’ve known to be “true” is no more, it can feel like a death has occured. Yet something must die to make room for the new thing to rise and take its place. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, I encourage you to dance with this cycle of life knowing what you are seeking is just on the other side. Zig Ziglar said it best: “F-E-A-R has two meanings: ‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours.” I choose to rise so that others may too.
Rachel Bradley
How did you get into real estate?
I was in public relations and marketing prior to getting into real estate. In that role, I worked with developers, and I was impressed with the real estate agents and a little bit envious. I was a single mom of three tweens/teens at the time, and the idea of a career where I had complete control over my schedule really appealed to me so I could be more available to my children. I got licensed and joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices because they’re known for the best new agent training program, and I have never looked back.
What do you love about real estate and your job specifically?
I love what I do because it doesn’t feel like sales. Sure, technically I am selling. But really, I’m a matchmaker. I connect people and homes. I help people build wealth and chase their dreams. I’m with them for some of the biggest life changes they’ll make. It’s a career where you build real relationships and connections, so it feels like so much more.
What are the best parts of your job…and the hardest?
The best part is when we close on a client’s dream home! There’s nothing like wrapping up the successful sale or purchase for our clients and celebrate all the hard work, patience, strategy, and negotiation that went into making it all work with them. Their joy makes all the challenges along the way worth it.
The greatest challenge of real estate right now is our current market—it’s moving so quickly that when working with buyers, we have to be both creative and aggressive to win the bidding wars. And while we often do, sometimes there’s just someone willing and able to pay more, and when that happens, it can be very emotional.
What is one thing you know now, that you wished you had known earlier on in your career?
Earlier in my career, I often found myself hesitant to speak up, worried that my instincts might not be correct, or intimidated because I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. I am so glad I’ve gotten over that! Sure, I’m not always right, but my clients and I are partners and collaborators, and sometimes a path not chosen is still a very important part of the process.
What are some words of advice for our readers?
It’s true what they say—find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I love real estate. I’ve always been interested in people’s homes, design, architecture, and how people live, and I feel fortunate to work in this field every day. I can’t for the life of me remember the last time I dreaded a Monday. Find something you’re excited about and make it your career.
Diane Paloma
Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in healthcare in recent years?
What hasn’t changed in healthcare from the pandemic? The pandemic has catapulted significant changes overnight out of necessity. What would have taken years in terms of telemedicine and access to online resources and online access to providers, happened within a few months in 2020. I can now chat with my daughters’ pediatrician, get consultations, a doctor’s note, etc.—in the evening at 6 p.m! This kind of access enables people to integrate self-care and address family medical needs easily throughout the day. The challenge is that the behaviors needed to improve medical and dental public health, and for residents to seek out the preventive care they need, remain the same despite the increased access and doesn’t necessarily increase utilization.
How do you maintain your own health/well-being?
I have always been a dancer and practice hula every week. I am working towards the next level in my halau as ho‘opa‘a (chanter), having completed the process as ‘olapa (dancer). I also try to work out with my three daughters, who all play basketball, as well as jump in the ocean as much as possible for swimming and water sports. That connection with the water is special, where the waves and salt water really do heal physically and spiritually. As the pandemic eases, gathering with family and friends regularly is essential for my kids, it is paramount for their future development into adults that value family, personal relationships, and supporting one another.
What is something people may not know about your company that you’d like to share?
This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary serving the people of Hawai‘i. In 1962, Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) was formed by just 15 pioneering dentists to fulfill a need in the community by creating one of the first prepaid dental coverage plans for Hawai‘i’s keiki. HDS has grown tremendously since then, having joined the Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) in 1966. Our members have dental coverage and access to the largest dentist network across the United States.
What’s also special about HDS is our company culture—we are a modest, tight-knit team that treats each other like family. We ensure to support our employees, continue to provide training and ways to have fun together, even staying connected through the pandemic by creating a weekly newsletter called “SMILEWell in Solidarity.” The newsletter features the latest aggregated information on Covid-19, health and wellness features and tips, and weekly videos introduced by me and different employees sharing aspects of their family life. We are proud that our culture has retained so many of our long-time employees. About 25 employees have worked here for 20 years or longer, with the longest employee going on year 40!
What are the hardest lessons you’ve had to face in becoming a leading woman in power?
It is the invisibility factor. As a healthcare professional with a PhD and 20+ years of experience, there are still some moments I am seen as the assistant or supporting person. Until introduced or once the conversation starts, at times it feels like I’m nearly dismissed. I have learned to assert myself more, lead discussions, and make some hard decisions on how I want to be perceived. I found that I can still convey my expertise and leadership while being down-to-earth and exhibiting grace in a way that makes me feel seen.
What is your current daily routine?
Days start with getting the kids to three different schools (I’d advocate for better family planning or all at the same school), back-to-back meetings as I continue to become more involved in the daily operations at HDS, then preparing dinner if I am working from home that day. The pandemic changed our routines by allowing me more time in my day, rather than shuttling kids to different practices and coming home when it’s dark; but we’re slowly getting back in the flow with their afterschool activities. Saturdays are always reserved for family and Sundays are reserved for hula halau, which usually runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How do you overcome fear?
Trust in your na‘au (gut). Hawaiians feel that the emotions and conscience come from the center of your body, your core. When I follow my na‘au and seek some truth, I look to this “gut-check” and it never steers me astray. Assessing a difficult situation can add up financially or in my analytic head, but it’s always the na‘au that determines whether or not I can sleep at night.
What advice do you have for other women who may be struggling or may need a boost in their career?
Patience and timing are key aspects to leadership that don’t always get mentioned. Everyone wants faster and faster ROI, but perhaps things don’t always work because they are done immediately. There are strategic factors and relationships that need time to be cultivated—timing is everything. If I gave up after the first or second job application, I would be stuck. I was patient and learned what I could from the opportunities in front of me. When the opportunity came to lead Hawaii Dental Service, I wasn’t really seeking it. By being patient and letting the timing unfold, it was the only way I could have achieved this milestone.
On a more practical level, I am also a large proponent of mentorship. I had many different mentors everywhere along my path. Each of them helped me in different ways and I sincerely value the guidance and experiences I received. I also hope to be able to mentor other women in the same way, to share insights and knowledge gained. It’s this view I take with my daughters so they see themselves as a strong, capable and confident person—all of the values that have made their mom who she is today.
Amy Tomita Castro
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Dedicated, optimistic, and trusting. I am fiercely loyal and dedicated to people I hold dear to my heart. This has come to include my colleagues at work—some of whom I’ve worked with for over 23 years now at Neiman Marcus Hawaii. We’ve weathered some storms and celebrated many wins together both professionally and within our own personal lives, which has helped to create a strong bond. I’m fortunate to be working with some of the most talented and amazing people in the retail industry. I also tend to be quite optimistic and trusting. I strive to see the positive in situations in people and always try to give those around me the benefit of the doubt.
How do you manage stress and self-care?
I’ll be the first to admit this is something I am continually working to improve. With two young children and a hectic schedule, I’ve sort of neglected my own needs until recently. My family bought me a new Apple watch for Christmas, which came with a free Apple Fitness Plus trial, so I finally started taking advantage of the great variety of classes available. I especially love the dance fitness classes to get me going in the morning and the meditation exercises to calm and ground me in the evening. I also like to treat myself to a massage or spa service every now and then.
Did you always want this career track?
I’ve always loved retail and shopping but never dreamed of a full career in this industry. While working towards my double major in International Business and Marketing at UH Manoa, I knew I wanted to utilize my Japanese fluency in a marketing or business capacity. I never imagined that I would be utilizing my language skills and field of study in such a robust way while being surrounded by the best luxury merchandise in the world! My job marries my skill sets with my love of food and fashion—it’s truly a dream come true.
What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
Receiving the Retail Employee of the Year Award from Retail Merchants of Hawaii in 2016 and being asked to participate in this year’s Women in Business issue!
Biggest sacrifice for your career.
I’m probably living my sacrifice right now. A career in retail can create quite a busy schedule. This coupled with the need for after-school childcare has my husband and I working on opposing days so that we don’t lean on our parents too often to watch our kids. It can be a little challenging not having days off together as often as we’d like, but we make the best of it by spending quality time in the evenings when I return home or on Sunday mornings before I go to work. That’s why we relish vacation time as our opportunity to really bond and create lasting memories.
If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to put yourself out there and get to know people on a deeper level. I began my career at Neiman Marcus immediately out of college and often felt intimidated in engaging our very affluent and successful clients. My strong Asian upbringing also conditioned me to provide polite and respectful service but not necessarily to engage in a lot of conversation. In my more recent (older) years, I’ve become much more comfortable in the Art of Conversation and have learned the value of creating meaningful connections with people. I would also tell my younger self to take the time to network with other professionals, as it helps enrich professional development and provides incredible opportunities.
Erin Isa
Describe yourself in 3 words:
I find it difficult to do it in three words, but I would say I’m dedicated, resilient and patient (although my family might argue against the last descriptor). I am a very dedicated leader and take pride in the success of my team whether it is individual or as a group. A strong leader must be resilient and help their team to navigate and bounce back from challenging times. In retail, I’ve witnessed the ups and downs and have had to find ways to persevere. The last two years are an example of this, but the team has pulled together and we have grown stronger as a result. I’m a big believer that cooler heads prevail. Staying calm and exercising patience is not only a sign of professionalism, but also of respect. As a leader, I have learned that patience and purposeful guidance improves productivity and builds confidence.
How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?
I was promoted to the role of Director General Manager for Neiman Marcus Hawaii in the midst of the pandemic in December 2020. This was a huge career shift and very unexpected at the time, since we had just named a new General Manager a few months prior. In the short time we worked together, our former GM became a great mentor. And while I was sad to see her move, I was also happy that she was promoted to a larger leadership role within the company.
Neiman Marcus has always valued the importance of building relationships. During the pandemic, it forced us to explore new ways of doing business which included staying in touch virtually with our clients. This was a major shift in mindset and practice for the team as well.
In my current role and with the reopening of our Mariposa in June 2021, I also received a crash course in the restaurant business which definitely forced me out of my comfort zone. But this has allowed me to grow quicker into the role than I may have otherwise. I have a newfound appreciation and respect for all the hard work that goes into running a successful restaurant.
How do you manage stress and self-care?
This is still a work in progress. While I am not athletic, I start every morning on Peloton or the treadmill. I feel this helps me start off on the right foot and keeps me energized and focused throughout the day. When I want to decompress, I enjoy walks with my husband and fur baby Bodhi, a 6-year-old Shih-tzu/poodle. I have found that even just some quiet time with Bodhi can be oddly therapeutic.
I also love to travel. This is my great escape, which became a challenge during the pandemic. However, I learned that even researching potential travel destinations allows me to transport myself.
Did you always want this career track?
I never imagined that my summer and winter break job at Liberty House during college would lead to a full career in retail. After obtaining my undergraduate degree from the University of Hawai‘i, I had intended to pursue a Masters in Social Work. However, my manager suggested pursuing retail management upon graduation, and I was hired for a lead selling role. This quickly led to an appointment as a department manager. The same manager joined Neiman Marcus as the store was preparing to open in 1998 and recruited me as her assistant. My career took many twists and turns but I am grateful for every one of them because it led me to where I am today.
What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
One of the biggest honors was to be named NM Best in 2008—an annual award bestowed upon an individual who is nominated by their peers and voted by senior leadership at each Neiman Marcus facility. This annual award is Neiman Marcus Group’s most prestigious associate honor. I love that the company continues to celebrate this long-standing tradition.
My other proudest moments are all tied to my team’s successes—from developing the first million-dollar book within my department, to promoting my former assistants into higher leadership roles. I find the most satisfaction in seeing my team grow and thrive.
If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust my instincts and believe. There will always be uncertainty, but it should not stop anyone from pursuing new opportunities and growth. You will never know the limits of what you can achieve if you do not put yourself out there.
Susan Utsugi
How are you and CPB helping support women in business?
Susan Utsugi has always been a small business advocate. She recognizes that women-owned small businesses often have unique challenges because they are responsible for managing their households as well as their business, and they don’t easily have access to networking and support. Knowing that successful women-owned businesses contribute to a diverse economy, Susan happily supports programs such as the Hawai‘i Women’s Business Center, now known as The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership. A huge accomplishment was helping develop women-owned business programs at CPB such as Women’s Business Central, and in 2021 Susan took the lead on the “WE by Rising Tide” program. The program fulfilled the needs of women business owners by helping them enhance their skills and take their business to the next level. Through the inaugural program, the 20 women business owners created a community of support, helping each other with common challenges and celebrating successes. They were able to network with other women business leaders in Hawai‘i who provided inspiration, guidance, and support. The program was particularly meaningful during the pandemic when businesses needed operational help.
What support did the bank provide for businesses during the pandemic?
CPB is a leader in providing Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance to small businesses in Hawai‘i evidenced by its leadership in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). CPB was the first financial institution in Hawai‘i to host a webinar providing information on PPP just before the applications opened in 2020. Susan was a key member of CPB’s PPP team and facilitated the webinar with SBA, for which more than 2,000 people attended. CPB originated more than 7,200 PPP loans totaling more than $550 million, representing more than 28% of PPP loans to small businesses in Hawai‘i and the highest market share made by any bank in the state.
How has business grown under your leadership?
Under Susan’s guidance, the Business Banking Division has seen strong growth in market share and reach. Susan oversees business officers in Honolulu, the Big Island and Kaua‘i. She is instrumental in keeping the bank focused on growing the small business market as this has been a pillar of CPB since its founding in 1954. This growth was attributed to major initiatives Susan implemented in 2021.
How important is thinking outside the box and finding new forms of communication?
Susan helped launch CPB Currents for Business which is an online newsletter to CPB’s customers that shares business information including topics on various local and government programs as well as CPB partnerships. Susan is innovative, thoughtful and capable of utilizing the digital technological tools at her disposal to reach customers and prospective clients. Susan was on the project team to assist in launching a new CPB website portal called Rising Tide, a resource any small business can join. In 2021, under Susan’s leadership, she enhanced the Rising Tide membership benefits and website. This included creating a newsletter, providing opportunity for visibility for Rising Tide members, collaborating with ShopSmallHawaii, and improving the onboarding process. As a result, growth in the Rising Tide membership program was up 18 percent.
Tell us about your background and where you found your passion?
Susan is a graduate of Seattle University and Pacific Coast Banking School. Susan has flourished within the banking industry for more than 30 years, most of which is with Central Pacific Bank. In addition, Susan lends her support and advocacy for women-owned business in her prestigious role as Advisory Board Chair for the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership (MCBL), the only women’s business center in Hawai‘i where she has been involved since its inception. Susan also served on the board for Hawai‘i Women’s Business Center, the predecessor to MCBL. She was a 2017 PBN Women Who Mean Business – Women to Watch and the 2008 SBA’s Small Business Advocate of the Year for City & County of Honolulu. She was awarded CPB’s Leadership Award in 2016.
Susan is happily married and has two daughters, which is also a motivating factor for helping women succeed.
Tammy Teixeira
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Charismatic, driven, and passionate. I am inspired by people and purpose. My family, friends, and the future leaders of our industry are important to me, and I will go the extra mile for them.
How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?
The pandemic has impacted workers and workplaces everywhere. The biggest shift for me has been in the ways we addressed the needs of our customers and our staff. For example, we developed programs to help ease the strain on our policyholders and the increasing, evolving cyber risks of their digital workplaces. With our employees, we were purposeful in creating flexible working arrangements and safety protocols for our offices. There has been a sizable impact on all of us, but I’m proud of how we have adapted and continued to move forward.
How do you manage stress and self-care?
There is nothing better than spending time with family and the people you love to help you unplug and recharge. I so enjoy my family’s many weekend gatherings where multiple generations come together for a great time, incredible food, a few games of cribbage, and many other activities. When searching for peace and serenity, I turn to the ocean and outrigger paddling. A long-distance run on the water will provide me with a full dose of R&R.
What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?
Microsoft’s OneDrive, OneNote and Teams have been game changers for me in terms of staying connected with business partners and staff.
Did you always want this career track?
I was just a college student at HPU when I began working part-time as a workers’ compensation claims adjuster. After seeing the impact that I could have on people’s lives, I was inspired to continue in this career path. From my beginnings in claims, I eventually moved into the business side of insurance where I focused on developing programs to help our community succeed through safety, risk management and operations, and most recently, with COVID relief programs.
If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?
That what I have done has made a difference, and that it will support the generations to come. That I have helped to ensure the next generation will continue to serve the insurance industry with strong morals, good ethics, compassion, and integrity.
What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
I’ve dedicated my career to helping Hawai‘i run safe and productive workplaces, and my personal satisfaction comes from helping businesses and workers thrive. I’m proud to have spearheaded an innovative workers’ compensation program to benefit Hawai‘i’s union workers. This program was a progressive departure from the traditional workers’ compensation system, designed to enhance workplace safety, provide effective medical care for injured workers, and help make contractors more competitive. At the signing ceremony commemorating the agreement, the Governor at the time referred to it as a “big deal” that would provide distinct advantages in the years that followed—and it has. It was a complex undertaking, but so gratifying to see it come to fruition and make a real difference for labor and management.
I’m also proud of developing young professionals and industry leaders—empowering them, mentoring, and providing opportunity. My heart swells with pride when I hear from former employees and mentees about their growth and promotions, and I am so proud to see their impact in the industry.
I’ve always believed that investing in our people is one of the best investments a company can make. At HEMIC, we’ve focused on creating training and development programs that help our staff reach their full potential. It has been extremely rewarding.
How do you find a job that you will love?
To find a job that excites and inspires you, be persistent in your search. Gather the insight of people in your field of interest or who are doing things that interest you. Be sure to research the company you are interested in working for. Don’t feel like you need to compromise your own values for a job. Attend industry events, read trade publications, watch TED videos, volunteer. Seek to educate yourself and find ways to gain experience. The path to a rewarding, successful career is not always linear or straightforward. Don’t be afraid to try things or to make changes. And don’t give up until you find the right fit!
Biggest sacrifice for my career.
The biggest sacrifice for my career has been time. There are times when I have missed important family events, working long hours and weekends. It can be hard to balance work and family life, but it is important to try to find a balance that works for you.
It’s important to remember that our careers are not static—they evolve over time. There may be times when you have to make sacrifices, and there may be times when you can relax a bit more. The key is flexibility, knowing your goals, and being open to change.
If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
To be intentional, purposeful, and strategic. To be focused and to make everything count. When your efforts are thoughtful and cohesive, you can achieve your goals and your vision. I would tell her to look for ways to be more efficient, because we did things the long way in the old days!
Michelle Jaime
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Creative, playful, curious.
How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?
I don’t think my career has really shifted from the pandemic much. Though I think my mindset has. I’ve had to make a lot of tough decisions using my instincts. I had to trust myself and my team to be clever and nimble. Today I rely on my instincts much more.
How do you manage stress and self-care?
I surf, hike, run, schedule social time, and make sure I get eight hours of sleep.
What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?
Slack, Dropbox, and Trello.
Did you always want this career track?
I changed career tracks so many times! I started off studying psychology. After that I studied interior architecture. Then I pivoted to architecture. Then I pivoted to interior design. Then I pivoted again to creative direction. I’m not done pivoting yet.
If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?
At what age I’m going to start getting weird?
What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
Getting into a really good design school. The first day of class, I knew I found my people. It was like starting class at Hogwarts. The other was receiving a Gold Key design award, an international design award. I went to the NYC design gala by myself because I didn’t think we were going to win. I was shocked when they announced The Vanguard Theory was the winner.
Who is your favorite Woman in Business?
One of my favorites was one of my first bosses, Siri Ky, owner of Assaggio’s restaurants. She would greet people at the door, take food orders, pour drinks, and scrub the floors while wearing her beautiful Chanel. She knew every guest’s name and she deeply cared for her employees. She had grit and grace and I think about her often. I learned that I could have my own style and that I didn’t need to have a masculine posture to be respected in business.
Biggest sacrifice for my career.
My health. When I started my company, I worked crazy hours and didn’t sleep or eat well. I skipped exercising, and the wheels started falling off. My body started breaking down. I had to do some major reprioritizing.
If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Guurl. You don’t look good with bangs.