CNO Stories

January is National Mentoring Month, but at CNO we believe in the power of mentorship all year long. We know that Teamwork is a core value as we strive to achieve our mission of securing the future of middle-income America.  

By having mentors within CNO, our associates gain a role model who can provide guidance, motivation, and emotional support as they grow personally and professionally. 

Lisa White, director, distribution planning and reporting, has had many mentors throughout her career at CNO. One of her mentors gave her a great piece of advice, which she continues to follow, “Trust your instincts on what is right for you. Don't lose sight of the big picture and your vision of your future. Lastly, be patient with yourself.”   

CNO is committed to helping associates reach their professional goals, which is why we are such advocates for mentorship.

LaTasha Jordan, senior scrum master, learned from her mentor that, “You should always remain teachable; some of the best lessons come from failures. Also, be honest and transparent –  it's easier to work that way. Lastly, set high standards for yourself and hold yourself accountable.”   

In 2021, we implemented a new two-year, paid development opportunity in the Consumer Division that provides participating associates with personal mentoring, increased business knowledge, skill development, and exposure to leadership through on-the-job rotational experiences.

Our Bankers Life brand also has programs that help develop and recognize women in insurance and financial advisor careers.

The Women’s Leadership and Networking Community (WLNC), which was formed in 2012, seeks to support career growth among our women Bankers Life insurance agents and advisors. In 2021, the group launched its mentorship program, which provides personal and professional support for women agents.

Approximately 30 women Bankers Life agents were selected to participate and engage in quarterly conversations and learning and development events. At the conclusion of the 2021 session, program participants achieved higher sales production and promotion rates as compared to other agents in the company. The company also formed a Top Women Financial Advisors program to recognize “The Best of the Best” female financial advisors representing Bankers Life Securities, Inc. and Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc. The inaugural 2021 program recognized 29 women from across 20 states.

“These highly experienced and knowledgeable advisors play a critical role in helping to secure the financial future of our clients,” said Cheryl L. Heilman, president of Bankers Life Securities, Inc. (BLS) and Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc. (BLAS). “This recognition is a testament to the value and exceptional work they deliver to their clients every day.”

At CNO, we believe that all associates have the potential for professional growth and development. We are committed to providing a supportive environment designed to encourage all associates to advance professionally through coaching, education, and leadership opportunities.

To learn more about our culture, click here