Mover and Shaker: Karen Heath-Wade; Vice President of Mutual Fund Sales, Nationwide Financial

By Cathie Ericson

Karen Heath-Wade, Vice President of Mutual Fund Sales for Nationwide Financial, is a great example of someone who seeks and plans for career opportunities. Over her career in the Financial Industry, Karen has progressed from being an analyst to managing a team of analysts; to conducting external sales to leading the national distribution efforts of external wholesaling teams. Quite simply, she’s performed every job along the way, from her beginnings as a sales assistant to her stint on the “other side of the table” as an advisor. Through it all though, she has maintained that the secret to career success is knowing the industry inside and out, and understanding your current job before you look at the next one.

“My grassroots start has really helped me. For example, when I work with financial advisors I can refer back to how I felt in their shoes,” she says. “It gives me credibility with leading my team and other business partners. Since I’ve lived it, I can really weigh in and lend value. I know what it takes at each level and building on that robust experience helps me to leap forward and to relate to the people who report to me, as well as those in all facets of the industry.”

She also believes that rounding out your career with advanced designations is another important key to success. “My first step was to earn my MBA as a way to differentiate myself from my peers. I did this at night after working all day – but once I succeeded, I had the motivation to pursue other industry designations that I felt would also serve in helping me stand out.” On the heels of earning her MBA, Karen earned her CIMA and AIFA designations which each reflect a deep understanding of investment advice, principles, and guidance.

However, she also cautions that education is only a primary step. Heath-Wade says she was fortunate to work with really strong leaders who gave her the opportunity to learn and grow. “Every role and stepping stone has helped me,” she says, “and I have learned from what I would consider some of the best leaders in the industry. At this point in my career, I’m trying to couple what I’ve learned from them with my own personal values and beliefs. One of the best things I can do is to help others be successful – like many so many others did for me.”

As a leader, she has valued her role helping her team grow. “I am fortunate to be able to lead a team with really strong talent who believe in the vision and strategy we’ve set forth. It’s my honor and privilege to drive the business results I’m asked to do on behalf of company with these amazing people.

“There’s nothing like being the leader of a winning team, but you can’t win if you don’t have good people and a good plan. That’s why there’s nothing more satisfying than leading great people to do extraordinary things.”

Professional Role Models, Sponsors and Mentors
Heath-Wade names her parents as her personal and professional role models. She says that her mother is the reason she is who she is, citing her influence on her values, morals and ethics as being the standard that translates to her professional life and how she makes decisions.

From her father, Karen sees the perfect model of tenacity, work ethic and disciplined focus. “I wish I could bottle his attitude, because he impacted the lives of all the people he’s worked with. He also had the concept of work/life balance down. I hope to someday leave the same legacy of leading a successful team, but also being good to people.”

Heath-Wade cites one of her important relationships as her first boss, whom she describes as sponsor, mentor and big brother at different times within the past 20 years.

“When I first came to work with him, he said, ‘Keep every business card you get because you have a wonderful career in store.’ He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at that time. It’s truly a blessing if you’re fortunate enough to have someone believe in you before you even see it – and they are in a position to help you get off the ground.”

Heath-Wade believes that another important key to success of most professionals, but particularly women, is through a sponsor. “Your career is made when you’re not in the room,” she says. “What’s your brand? What are people saying? A sponsor will champion you when the company is looking to make promotions. Without one, it’s hard to move to the next level.”

She is not shy to admit that she has benefited from mentors, whom she defines as the people you seek out for feedback, and who are politically savvy within an organization. “Mentors will challenge you on things to think about that will help you be successful in your current role or in seeking new opportunities.”

Coaching Helps Shape Her Career – And Help Others
In addition to the knowledge she’s gained from sponsors and mentors, Karen is a proponent of executive coaching to sustain high performance.

“I have learned to become more self-aware of my brand, that I’m always on stage.” She also believes in 360-degree feedback – “…especially when you are ready to hear it and ready to take action. We can be our greatest critic or the best fan of ourselves, but we really need support and honest feedback to help take us to the next level.”

And for her, that’s the key to career success: being surrounded and supported by great people.

“You have to organize stakeholders so that they are engaged by giving them what they need. When you show that passion and drive, it’s easier to enroll your support team.”

Another area where she can both give and receive are through the many professional support programs Nationwide offers. Associate Resource Groups have been established for different audiences, such as professional women, veterans or LGBT colleagues, and these help employees with common interests form a sense of community. Heath-Wade is a mentor for AWARE, the resource group for African American women at Nationwide.

In addition she is active in the Columbus Chapter of The LINKS Incorporated, an international volunteer service organizations that tackles issues such as teen dating and violence, getting out the vote and other priorities in underserved communities. “It’s allowed me to meet professional and non-working women, which gives you a sense of community and friendship.”

Outside the Office
Heath-Wade calls herself the “happiest soccer mom on the planet,” parenting two kids, ages 3 and 5. Recently she was able to be a volunteer coach at “dribble camp” and reveled in her son’s delight. “He couldn’t wait to tell his grandpa that I was a coach! Being involved in their activities has been so much fun and it keeps me balanced – especially when my husband offers me insight on how our sons are ‘just being boys. It’s been a great experience.”

She loves to travel, particularly on an annual trip to Martha’s Vineyard with her family. She grew up going there, and it’s the one place she can be with her parents, kids, husband and friends she’s known her whole life. “There’s nothing better in my life than recharging with family time on the beach with my kids.”

In addition, she has run marathons and says she learned from her parents the value of declaring exercise time as “her time.”

And finally, she cites her faith as the key foundational element in her life. “My spiritual counselor was my grandma, who’s no longer here on earth but is always here. She taught me that all good things happen because of God.”