April 11, 2022
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2022 Top 25 Women in Business
Heather Lavallee, Top 25 Women in Business 2022 Honoree
By Susan Shalhoub
Heather Lavallee
Employer: Voya Financial
Title: CEO of Wealth Solutions
Check out all of the WIB honorees here!
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In her role with Voya Financial, Heather Lavallee is responsible for driving Voya’s customer experience and profitable growth. She delivers planning, investing and protection solutions to and through the workplace to help individuals and employers from “hire through retire.”
Lavallee oversees Voya’s workplace and individual retirement businesses, which generate approximately 60% of Voya’s adjusted operating earnings.
She also oversees operations services, which supports Voya’s health and wealth solutions business and serves on Voya’s executive committee.
Q: What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
My biggest professional accomplishment has been serving as executive sponsor for Voya Cares, which was founded to address the unmet financial planning needs of the special needs community and their caregivers. It has had an immensely positive impact. I had the privilege of leading the program at its inception, which now has contributed to great success within Voya’s businesses.
Q: What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
In my professional career, I’d like to help address the wealth gap in the U.S. This involves continuing to raise awareness of the issue and leverage Voya’s expertise around workplace savings, importance of financial protection, and providing the right support, education and guidance to build better financial futures for Americans.
Q: What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
Taking a leap and leading a business where I had no prior work experience has been my biggest professional challenge. I was tasked to learn at an intense pace, but leaned in on learning and understanding — and always asked the questions. The result? The greatest professional growth in my career.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader?
We found tremendous opportunity and success in providing employees with flexibility — particularly providing working parents and caregivers with greater support, which will remain a priority moving forward.
Q: What are your keys to maintaining business success?
There are several factors that help lead to success in business. For me that includes: always be authentic, be humble and show vulnerability, but to also be present in the moment. Remember, growth comes from discomfort.
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