‘Keep Your Sense of Humor’: Advice from a VP on Navigating the Ups and Downs of Life and Your Career

Sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group

‘Keep Your Sense of Humor’: Advice from a VP on Navigating the Ups and Downs of Life and Your Career

Photo courtesy of The Hanover Insurance Group

Fairygodboss
Fairygodboss

Vice President of Corporate Marketing Jennifer Luisa joined The Hanover Insurance Group 25 years ago and she’s never looked back. Why would she, she says, when she’s found so much professional and personal fulfillment within the same organization? 

“The ability to work with great people makes all the difference,” Luisa told us recently. “My manager inspires me to do the best I can each day. My team is comprised of talented, creative and caring individuals. My colleagues are smart and supportive. When you have that in the workplace, you can’t help but feel very lucky.”


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This “very special culture, like no other,” she adds, is complemented by the opportunities for professional development The Hanover has afforded her over the past two decades. Despite being one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the United States — it was founded in 1852 — the firm still feels dynamic, and Luisa says she’s “energized” by the day-to-day of her role.

Luisa also shared with us one of her most critical pieces of career advice: the importance of hanging onto your sense of humor. Today, that advice is more relevant than ever. 

How long have you been with The Hanover? What about it made you first want to join?                    

I have been a proud employee of The Hanover for 25 years. I was looking for professional stability and discovered the insurance industry. The Hanover had a rich history and offered a variety of unique job opportunities. I never looked back!

Tell me about the roles that you’ve held at The Hanover, as well as your current one. What about this role most excites you? 

I have enjoyed a variety of roles at the company in the areas of marketing, sales, operations and our charitable foundation. In my current role, I’m energized by the changing marketing landscape that includes brand management, digital transformation and agent/customer experience. 

What programs or aspects of the culture at The Hanover helped you advance your career? 

The Hanover has a very special culture, one like no other. We are a values-based organization and our CARE values guide our actions. By living these values, I am better equipped to advance professionally, understand what is expected of me and inspire others to do the same.  

A lot of people believe that developing your career means changing companies, and not infrequently. What has enabled you to develop/advance your career without job hopping? 

To thrive at any company, I think it’s important to be a lifelong learner and remain intellectually curious. I try to make every role my own, take thoughtful risks and learn as much as I can every step of the way. 

How do you use your role as a female leader to bring up other women behind you? 

I love serving as a mentor to other women — we can learn so much from one another! I think creating connections for women is very important and I focus on ways to make introductions and foster partnerships across the organization. 

What programs or networks are you a part of at The Hanover? How are these groups reflective of the culture at your organization? 

I participate in a variety of programs and networks offered at The Hanover, including Women@Hanover, Veterans Connection, our Hanover Digital Council, our Hanover Innovation Council and our United Way volunteer program. These programs reflect our inclusive culture and allow me to form partnerships, stay connected and foster my own professional growth.

Ultimately, what has led you to stay at your company?   

The ability to work with great people makes all the difference. My manager inspires me to do the best I can each day. My team is comprised of talented, creative and caring individuals. My colleagues are smart and supportive. When you have that in the workplace, you can’t help but feel very lucky.

What was the best quality of the best boss you’ve ever had? 

I’ve had the pleasure of working for some terrific leaders. The quality I value most is emotional intelligence. Leaders who have innate instincts as to how best to work with others, build productive partnerships and embrace diverse perspectives are the ones that have taught me the most and are the ones I want to emulate.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? 

Keep your sense of humor. Life and work are often a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Don’t take yourself too seriously and do your best to bring joy to those around you. As a marketing professional, a healthy sense of humor breeds greater creativity, idea generation and followership. When you can appreciate a dose of laughter each day, it makes your relationships and your work much more enjoyable.  

What is your no. 1 piece of advice for women who are looking to either begin or advance a career at The Hanover?  

Be yourself. Never be afraid to be authentic. Ask questions. Share your voice. Great companies know and appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion. By being genuine, you will enjoy both personal and professional satisfaction. Keep being you!    

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