Women in Business 2021: Emily Bailey, OneDigital
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As managing principal of OneDigital Connecticut, Bailey enables her team of employee-benefit professionals to challenge businesses with strategic options to help them grow and increase employee engagement. She is an innovator and change-leader. Bailey has extensive experience in providing strategic benefit planning, financial analysis, legislative and compliance guidance, providing innovative and progressive plans to support businesses and the workforces they employ. She is an active contributor on many healthcare and insurance advisory committees, including the Move to Value alliance. In the community, she serves on the board of directors of Healing Meals Community Project. In December 2020, Bailey achieved her Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
Q: What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
Being asked to step into my current role two years ago and lead our team is by far my biggest professional accomplishment to date. I began my career 15 years ago at this same firm as an intern while in college. I am grateful for the leaders and mentors I have had along the way who have allowed me room to take risks, try things myself and not be afraid to make mistakes.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
Becoming certified as a leadership coach is my next big goal. I believe that the best leaders spend more time coaching their teams and less time managing or delegating tasks. The more I can employ coaching skills and help my team learn, grow, and succeed in their own goals, the better and stronger we will be as a business.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
Finding a way to balance my career commitments as an executive and stick to my professional goals, while being present for my three small children and husband has always been a challenge. I have learned to strive for progress and happiness instead of perfection. I hope that my daughters will someday look back and see that they too can have a fulfilling and successful career while still maintaining their own personal lives.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader?
Navigating and leading a business through a global pandemic is no easy feat, but it has pushed me to accelerate my use of technology in communicating with my team. We have truly embraced video, both by recording messages and making video calls. I have enjoyed being able to stay engaged and in touch with all my colleagues so easily - sometimes even more than before.
What are your keys to maintaining business success?
Set smart goals and stick to them. I have found that beginning each year with a plan, with a few personal and professional goals that can be measured, has truly helped me to maintain success. I love to learn new things and innovate, but having my own personal plan helps me to stay focused and accountable.
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