Whether you’re new to Applied and the insurance industry or you’re a seasoned professional, finding a community of colleagues with similar challenges and goals is essential. To support this need, in 2024, ACN launched the Member Alliance Program featuring persona-based alliances to provide tailored education and professional development opportunities for members.
In this interview, Member Alliance Leader Kaye Peloquin highlights how her role has not only helped her grow but also allowed her to give back to the community. She offers advice to those considering joining an Alliance or attending meetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and participation in shaping the future of the industry for your team.
ACN: What is your favorite thing about volunteering for ACN?
Kaye Peloquin (KP): Volunteering has allowed me to meet peers from other agencies, ACN staff and Applied staff. These connections have assisted my learning and have made the Applied Net conference a lot more fun. At the conference, I can meet the folks in person who I’ve been talking to for months online or via email. It’s like seeing old friends.
ACN: What are some of the top benefits of attending Alliance meetings?
Kaye Peloquin (KP): Attending meetings has several wins: 1) You stay up to date on the latest updates in Applied tools. 2) You meet peers who can help you in your Applied journey. 3) You realize you are not in this alone.
ACN: What has been the most interesting topic that has come up in an Alliance meeting?
Kaye Peloquin (KP): All the conversations that have been held are interesting because it’s not often that employee benefits (EB) managers, leaders and users can gather like this. It is great to be with like-minded professionals.
ACN: What have you learned by being an Alliance leader?
Kaye Peloquin (KP): As a newbie to EB and Applied (22 months of experience), I have a lot to learn and the journey is a lot more fun with others around me. Also, I assumed as someone with so little experience I would not have much to give. I was very wrong in that assumption. My view as a new user has value.
ACN: What goals do you have for your Alliance in 2025?
Kaye Peloquin (KP): Our goals include growing our membership, providing valuable content and being an asset to every EB user. We also hope to meet many of you in person at ACN events this year.
ACN: What advice can you give to ACN members who are unsure about joining an Alliance or attending the meetings?
Kaye Peloquin (KP): Here are some key points I would share with them:
- You have everything to gain and little to lose.
- Your voice is needed to impact the functionality of EPIC for benefits users.
- If you felt alone amongst the masses at Applied Net in Nashville last year, my advice is to create a whole list of colleagues and friends to see at the Summits or at Applied Net 2025 in Las Vegas.
- Vegas is always better with friends!
- By showing up, you could be impacting the future effectiveness of EPIC for your team.