Annette Kreuz
Vice President of Employee Benefits – Houston
IMA Financial Group
1. What motivated you to join the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
After leaving the female-centric retail business to join the male-dominated brokerage, I needed to have a space where I was evaluated for my merits without being first judged by my gender. It was my lifeline to the business woman I knew I was growing into.
2. In your opinion, what sets the Chamber apart from other organizations?
Women laser focused on helping other women by connecting them with opportunities, identifying and validating their capabilities, and recognizing the reality of the challenges we face so that we can propel each other further.
3. In your experience, what are the key benefits that members of the Chamber receive, and how does the organization support their professional and personal growth?
Supporters, connectors, visibility and recognition for strengths and impact you didn’t even know you had! Innumerable conversations that help navigate tricky situations, identify opportunities and simply learn how to get where you’re trying to go – or redefine where that is.
4. As a successful leader in your field, what advice do you have for the next generation of aspiring professionals, particularly women, who are striving to make an impact in their industry?
Most people like to help people. Be part of that fabric instead of trying to get somewhere without any help. You will get your chance to help. Men can be awesome mentors, sponsors, and colleagues. Find the good ones and support them. Help good people get where they’re going and good things will happen. If you want to be excellent, cultivate mind wandering by walks, bubble baths, scientific exploration or arts. This creates the stuff brains use for exceptional performance.
5. Who has been a source of inspiration for you, both personally and professionally?
-My greatest source of strength and inspiration has been my husband. After that, there have been many people who have given me energy and clarity toward my purpose.
-Suzan Deison, bringing people together to help each other get somewhere Good.
-Bambi McCullough, who asked me why I wouldn’t aim for a CEO spot, which shocked me and changed my perspective.
6. As a leader in the business community, what legacy do you aspire to leave behind?
I’d like it if, thanks to connections I make, many people would have discovered people and resources that can help them do a good thing for their business and the people it affects. I’d also like to do my part, on the shoulders of the women that came before me, to further forge the path to equal opportunity for men and women in business.