She Leads – With Rachel L Azriel
Name:
Rachel L Azriel
Title:
Director of Risk Management, Claims, CEI
What would you tell your younger self?
Talk to your grandparents and ask them questions about their life and what the world was like for them. Seek out opportunities to learn about the things that interest you most.
What was your major in college and how did you get to the position you are in today?
My major was business but I only finished my bachelor’s when I turned 41. My best friend’s girlfriend’s friend worked at Cox ;o) I started as the department secretary and now I am a Director in the same department. Moved up as I gained skills and sought out opportunities to learn about the company and what Risk Management was and then a combination of luck and gaining the skills, taking initiative, and believing in myself, and seeing the big picture.
What was your inspiration and what helped you become successful? How do you define success?
My grandparents escaped Europe during WW II and fought to have a great life here. They worked so hard and the challenges that confronted them and the tenacity they had to use to keep going every day. They inspire me. Success to me is being happy in your job. Feeling like you are providing quality work and knowing that you are able to help others.
How do you balance your work and personal life? Often times one has more importance, and we’re curious to know how you’ve handled the balance.
I have a six year old son who is the world to me. My job gives me flexibility to be able to take care of his needs and spend quality time with him. I am treated as a professional and I am able to work around my different schedules. This past year with COVID and virtual school was not easy. I had to compartmentalize and put the different tasks that were demanding attention almost into boxes so I could be present in work and with my son.
What is your favorite quote?
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
Helping others. I am given the opportunity to not only work with people within the company to solve challenges and perform training, but also deal with a lot of members of the public. If I am able to help, that makes me happy.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading.
What advice do you want to give the next generation of women leaders?
Stay tough, stay strong, know your worth, be proud of where you came from, look to others for advice and mentoring. Keep the faith, you will get there as long as you never give up.
What does leadership mean to you?
Helping others around me to be the best that they can be. Seeing the big picture and helping others to see it too.
What’s your advice on mentoring?
Mentoring is a great way to learn about other perspectives and to ask questions of someone who has already had the experience.
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Ben and Jerry’s Tonight Show
Is there any other information that you think Girl Talk members would benefit from?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek your answers!