Voice of Experience: Elizabeth Nieto, Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, MetLife

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“Women who have power can continue to push the envelope on women’s interests,” Elizabeth Nieto says. “We can complain about where we are or focus on what we’re achieving. Things may not be perfect in the corporate world, but we’ve accomplished a lot and we have to build from here. Our daughters are watching us and making decisions about their lives based on how we make decisions about our own lives.”

This perspective is what drives Nieto as she implements programs focused on building a diverse and inclusive workplace at MetLife.

Nieto didn’t always work in insurance and in fact she started her career as a consultant in change management for a global company in Argentina. Her 20 years with Citigroup took her through a wide variety of roles in the U.S. and Latin America, as she steadily built her skills and experience in talent management and sales and services

Her experience working in cross-cultural environments and diversity and inclusion teams is what led to her current role of Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

The company approached her at the point they were undergoing an internal transformation – switching from the mindset of a “domestic firm with some international outposts,” to a truly global organization.

“They were serious about the fact that inclusion was going to be a critical part of their future and I saw the opportunity to make a huge contribution in changing the culture of the organization,” she says.

Remaking an Image

Nieto admits that when she originally interviewed, she knew there was a perception that insurance was a less fast moving industry than banking. She now knows that there is a lot of innovation happening in the insurance industry, both globally and for women.

“As the middle class grows around the world, there is more need for our products globally. And, I have been intrigued by research that shows that although men might be the ones making the insurance purchase, increasingly women are the decision makers. So my role is to help leaders think about the value of diversity and how it impacts innovation to meet our customers’ needs.”

In addition, because the industry was male dominated for many years, Nieto knows that there are opportunities for companies like MetLife to look at talent more broadly. “The more women leaders there are, the more women we will attract.”

She feels the industry is promising for women. “For example, our sales organization provides lots of schedule flexibility since we see clients when it’s convenient for them.”

She says that women, and particularly the upcoming generation, know it is critical to work in an organization that shows purpose. “We recently articulated our purpose to ‘help people pursue more from life’ that aligns with these values. This is a great place for women to develop their career.”

Programs that Mentor and Teach

Nieto’s position has allowed her to spearhead and champion a wide variety of programs that are changing the face and culture of MetLife.

Act 2 is MetLife’s returnship program sponsored by senior leaders in the organization. The pilot program, which included both women and men, just wrapped up with 11 of the 12 participants offered full-time roles. Due to the excellent results and commitment from senior management, they intend to expand it for 2015.

Nieto has also been working with senior leaders on discovering their own unconscious bias while passionately designing MetLife Global Women’s Initiative that includes programs for different levels in the organization with senior women as ambassadors to ensure they have an impact and move the needle.

Of the 45+ countries where they do business, Nieto says that 24 of them have women’s networks that are largely self-directed, though her team supports them with their launch efforts and ongoing activities. The CEO of the respective country is the executive sponsor and responsible with the women for the success of the network. All networks are connected throughout the world sharing best practices.

“I hear from women who say, ‘I’m being told to have it all. How do I do that?’ I tell them, ‘You have to figure out what having it all means to you. It is different for everyone.’”

Nieto also emphasizes to the women she counsels that professional role models and supports don’t have to be above you. “A lot of people don’t realize the influence that peers have on our career growth, they build the narrative that surrounds you. Managing up is important, but so is building strong relationships with the people with whom you work side by side as you grow your leadership skills.”

Outside of Work

“My work IS my hobby,” Nieto jokes, but goes on to mention how much she enjoys a Sunday morning African dance class that allows her to completely disconnect. She also brings her passion to philanthropic groups, including A Fair Shake for Youth, where she is president of the Board; and The Opportunity Network. Both support the advancement of underserved youth – the first reaches youth at risk; and The Opportunity Network serves students who have the potential to be first-generation college students. This summer one of the youths interned with her at MetLife.

In addition, she has two children of her own, who keep her busy with their very different life stages – Maite just graduated from college and Matthew is starting fourth grade.

By Cathie Ericson