As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s natural to reflect on what we're grateful in all areas of our lives – including our careers. Below, our colleagues from across The Jacobson Group share their personal perspectives on cultivating gratitude, nurturing their professional networks, and recognizing the moments and people that have enriched their careers. We hope their insights inspire you to reflect on your own career harvest and the abundance that comes from expressing appreciation in your professional life.
What does “harvesting your career” mean to you right now?
'Harvesting my career' means hitting a peak state of efficiency and knowledge, allowing me to evolve and pivot into more advanced capabilities. I’m continuously using every interaction to learn and refine my output, planting the seeds for my next chapters while actively giving back high-value in my current one.
– Tyler Thompson, Executive Recruiter
For me, this means finding fulfillment and leveraging my accumulated skills and network in a thoughtful way. I try to take time to appreciate the impact of the work I’ve done, the lessons learned (especially from failures) and the strong professional relationships I’ve cultivated. Additionally, I try to focus on mentoring others and sharing the knowledge I’ve collected over time. Helping the next generation grow and develop is very rewarding for me.
– Catherine Prete, Senior Vice President
What are you most grateful for in this season of your professional life?
I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to truly develop my own strategies and team. While I have relied on input from other leaders and team members, the flexibility and autonomy Jacobson allows me is truly inspiring. In the past I have been part of organizations where there is a lot of bureaucracy which limits or crushes the ability to make incremental changes. With little barriers, it allows decisions to go quickly from ideas to implementation with the understanding it might fail but at least it is tested in the field. Failing quickly and pivoting is essential in making changes from the "norm" to find new ways to achieve goals.
– Jeff Black, Senior Vice President
Relationships. I’m grateful for the people I can bounce ideas off of, ask for help from, share a laugh with during stressful moments and count on when it matters most. Having those genuine connections makes all the difference.
– Nikki St.Martin, Vice President
In this season specifically, a company that supports a work/life balance and flexibility. With small children, finding a company that understands, values and appreciates that you are a busy mom outside of work is so important. I know when I look back and my kids are grown, I won’t regret the sacrifices I made in my professional life to be present in theirs.
– Shelby Punke, Recruiter
Having a robust and diverse network of insurance professionals, having leadership support and being able to mentor younger professionals starting in their career is something I’m grateful for in this season.
– Karen Lopez, Assistant Vice President
In this season of my professional life, I'm most grateful for a super supportive team. On our Executive Search team, we always like to say that “teamwork makes the dream work,” and we really live that daily. My work is better because of the support of everyone on our team.
– Gillian Gryz, Researcher
In this season of my career, I’m grateful to be in a role where my work truly matches my purpose. Being at Jacobson feels like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—connecting great leaders with great organizations and helping shape the future of the insurance industry in a meaningful and inclusive way. I’m also grateful for all the opportunities the insurance industry has afforded me. Although I’ve made several pivots throughout my career, I’m proud to be in a place where I can continue to grow and evolve professionally, while still being present for my family.
– Brett Carter, Vice President and Managing Director
In what ways do you think expressing gratitude contributes to effective leadership?
Everyone wants to feel appreciated and know that their contributions matter—regardless of whether it’s part of their job or not. Taking the time to thank someone directly, recognize them in a team meeting or highlight their efforts through a company awards program goes a long way. People are more engaged and motivated when they feel valued, and they’ll go the extra mile for a leader who genuinely appreciates them.
– Nikki St.Martin, Vice President
Far too many leaders adhere to the Don Draper quote from Mad Men, 'that’s what the money is for.' I feel it is a requirement for a leader to catch people doing the right thing, let them know you appreciate what they are doing, and share the positive impact it has on others. Among the many hats a leader needs to wear, that of a cheerleader is crucial to success.
– Jeff Blair, Senior Vice President
Expressing gratitude keeps me grounded and connected. It reminds me to see people clearly, acknowledge their contributions and lead with humility instead of ego. When I show genuine appreciation, it builds trust, strengthens relationships and creates space for others to do their best work. Gratitude centers me, sharpens my presence, and makes my influence less about authority and more about creating wins for everyone.
– Brett Carter, Vice President and Managing Director
How have you grown through mentorship - either as a mentor or mentee?
As a mentor/supporter, I’ve learned to ask more questions. Not only can I learn more, but it forces me to be a better listener. Additionally, I run into many situations I’ve not previously encountered, allowing me to problem solve alongside my mentee – we are learning together.
– Karen Lopez, Assistant Vice President
Teaching and mentoring have become the most powerful tools for my own growth. To teach others is to teach thyself.
– Cody Fincher, Client Advisor
Mentorship has taught me that it’s less about having the answers and more about creating space for others to find their own. Every conversation reminds me how much we learn by supporting others.
– Michelle Velto, Assistant Vice President
Who is at your career table?
My career table has grown to encompass more technology innovation, project management, and process documentation. Knowing my interests were developing this way, my manager encouraged me to work across departments to find opportunities to do the things I was interested in. As a result, I’ve cultivated relationships with other members of the organization who can benefit from my expertise, as well as help me grow into new areas. I’ve been really fortunate to get to experiment a lot, while learning a lot of new things, and this supports my next chapter in operations.
– Ann-Marie McManaman, Enterprise Reporting and Administration Leader
While your career harvest is unique to you, it’s shaped by the mentors you've encountered, the risks you've taken, and the relationships you've intentionally cultivated along the way. This giving season, we encourage you to not only take stock of what you've achieved, but also to express gratitude to those who've had a seat at your career table. Sometimes the simplest gesture of appreciation can plant seeds for future growth, strengthen vital connections and remind us that success is rarely a solo endeavor. Here’s to a bountiful harvest - today and in every season of your career!