Growth does not happen in comfort zones

Every year, the fourth quarter arrives like a glitter covered freight train. It’s renewal season, holiday season, budget season, and for some of you… Elf on the Shelf season, and God bless every parent who invited that tiny menace into their home. Between client deadlines, family calendars, travel, and the general swirl of year end chaos, it can feel like we are all sprinting on fumes. Yet in the middle of all this madness, it is easy to forget just how much good we are doing and how many women in this industry are out here leading with grit, grace, and a serious ability to multitask under pressure.

This month, we are celebrating Taylor, Sarah, and Whitney, three women who prove that growth does not happen in comfort zones, leadership takes both heart and backbone, and investing in yourself is never wasted effort. They remind us that even in the busiest stretch of the year, we can still choose intention, integrity, and impact.

Let’s meet them!

Taylor Morales, PresentLeave

“The quote ‘a ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for’ has always nudged me to choose growth over comfort. In my previous role as an ancillary and absence advisor at a top 15 firm, I saw firsthand how much opportunity our industry still has to better support employers in this space. This year, I decided to leave the safe harbor and step into something bigger, becoming a Partner and launching PresentLeave – a strategic absence and ancillary benefits consulting firm.

Over the past eight months, I’ve built the systems and workflows that anchor our work, helped guide our brand from concept to launch, and continued advising employers on designing absence and leave benefits with real intentionality. This new chapter has stretched my comfort zone in the best way, allowing me to pour my energy into an underserved segment and finally do the kind of work I feel I was built for: supporting people in the moments that matter most.”

Sarah Brienza, H Benefit Solutions Inc.

“This past year stretched me, sharpened me, and reminded me exactly why I do this work. I guided several school districts through complex plan transitions and renewal challenges, making sure people felt supported and informed rather than overwhelmed. Behind the scenes, I rebuilt the way I operate — refining my systems for claims analysis, forecasting, and compliance so everything runs with more clarity, transparency, and intention.

But my greatest growth wasn’t just technical. It was personal. I rooted myself more deeply in the North Country community, showed up for employers and families when things were hard, and created space to empower other women who are carving their own paths.
Most of all, I grew into my voice as a female founder in a male-dominated industry. I learned to trust my instincts, stand firm in my integrity, and lead with heart — even on the days when the weight of it all felt real.”

Whitney Person, Licensed Health Insurance Broker, Serenity Benefits Group Incorporated

“This past year stretched me in the best ways, both as a business owner and as a human. I finally said out loud that if I wanted my business to grow, I had to grow first. I needed structure, accountability, and a smarter way to lead. Investing in myself by joining Q4i became the catalyst for how I now show up every day.

Keeping that momentum going, another huge milestone was licensing and developing the first producer in my agency. My business is expanding, and it required both intentional training and a leap of faith. Handing a piece of your ‘baby’ to someone else is exciting and terrifying at the same time, but it marked a true shift for me into leadership and long-term vision.

Owning a business is intense, so making time for physical activity remains non-negotiable. I set goals and hit personal bests this year. Feeling physically strong carries into everything else: strong body, strong mind, strong business.”

Do you know a woman in our industry who is driving change, lifting others, or leading in a way that deserves to be seen? Especially during a season when Q4 chaos, holiday deadlines, and even a roaming Elf on the Shelf can test the strongest among us, the women who lead with heart and resilience deserve to be celebrated. I am always looking to spotlight those making a real impact, whether they are reshaping strategy, mentoring the next generation, or simply showing up with integrity every single day.

If someone comes to mind, I would love to hear her story. Reach me anytime at scombs@combsandc.com