Rak Rewind: Invest in People to Defeat Tech Disruption with Deanna Mulligan

"Some occupational categories might disappear, but many more will simply evolve, requiring new sets of skills over time and providing new opportunities for workers."

Named by Fortune as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” former Guardian CEO / Board Chair Deanna Mulligan joins Off the Rak in this look back to season one for a chat on purpose, talent, and the work of leadership to foster both for organizational success. Tune in to the conversation for an insightful look at overcoming tech disruption and how investing in people fuels growth.

About the Guest

Deanna M. Mulligan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Guardian. She is a member of Guardian’s Board of Directors and a Director on the Board of Arch Capital, a Bermuda-based re-insurer.

Ms. Mulligan was named Chief Executive Officer in July 2011 and previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2010. She joined Guardian in 2008 as Executive Vice President in charge of the company’s Individual Life & Disability business. In this role, she was responsible for developing and leading Guardian’s product and business strategy to drive the company’s continued growth in these markets.

Ms. Mulligan’s background is in both strategy consulting and operational management. She founded DMM Management Solutions, LLC, a life insurance consultancy, and was a Principal at McKinsey and Company. While at McKinsey she also served as co-leader of the North American Life Insurance Practice and was a member of the firm’s Organizational Performance Practice. Ms. Mulligan has held senior positions at AXA Financial, New York Life Insurance Company, and ChannelPoint, a technology enterprise, throughout her career.

Active across the industry and in the community, Ms. Mulligan is currently a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council. She is also a Board member of the Partnership for New York City, the Economic Club of New York, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), and the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT. Ms. Mulligan was appointed to, and served on, the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans from 2014 to 2015, and was Chair of the Board of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) from 2015 to 2016.

In 2013, Fortune named her one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and, in 2015, Crain’s New York Business recognized her as one of “The 50 Most Powerful Women in New York” for the third time since 2010.

Ms. Mulligan graduated from the University of Nebraska with High Distinction and holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Links in this Episode

Deanna’s LinkedIn

Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak

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