Jenny Hartman has been with Liberty Financial for 20 years – she says she joined and never looked back. Currently she is the Team Leader – Settlements, and we spoke with her about the culture and her experiences at Liberty.
Making an impact in settlements
Settlements sometimes has a reputation for being a serious role that attracts serious people, but Jenny is confident, extraverted, and bubbly. Her personality is bright and contagious, which surely helps her in managing her team.
She spends her time leading and coaching the Motor Settlements Team and helping to grow the business through her work.
“Leading and mentoring has always been one of my passions and I have been able to enjoy this throughout my journey within Liberty. The opportunity for my current role was put forward and it had all the aspects I enjoy, plus the ability to learn and develop myself further.”
Beyond the mentoring aspect of her role, Jenny appreciates that during her 20 years at Liberty, the company has continually presented her with opportunities to take on new challenges.
“Continuous learning and success, with a new challenge or opportunity keeps me motivated. Seeing strong women in leadership, along with the support and education Liberty provides to their leaders to break the bias and give them confidence, inspires me.”
A culture that helps women thrive
It’s not just Jenny who has been given ample opportunity to progress her career. Liberty promotes a culture that supports women on their career journeys.
“One of Liberty’s values is Learning, and in the 20 years that I have been at Liberty this has continually shown through. Liberty is very invested in its employees and encourages development and growth. When I reflect on this and the opportunities I have had, after 20 years I still feel fresh in the company!”
Liberty has a culture that supports women progressing into leadership roles and Jenny knows that being able to see women thrive, enables other women to know that they can achieve great things as well.
“Liberty’s inclusive culture has encouraged me to continue to develop, explore, and lead multiple teams successfully. What stands out for me is the support for women in leadership to get through a nurturing network and promotes a healthy work-life balance. At Liberty I know I can thrive confidently, and help others do the same.”
Flexibility that supports a career and parenthood
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys travelling, is a foodie and loves to entertain. She’s also an active mother, and we know that strong parental leave and flexible work options are critical in supporting parents to continue their careers.
Jenny’s biggest personal challenge is maintaining a work-life balance as a parent. Her proudest accomplishment is that she is able to thrive both as a parent and professionally. Liberty’s policies support her in being able to thrive in both areas of her life.
“I reflect on Liberty’s value of being Fair, and this is how Liberty has, and continues to, support me; by being flexible so that I can enjoy parenthood while continuing to pursue opportunities to further my career. I work flexible hours which helps balance life and work. Plus, the professional development that Liberty provides to women in leadership has helped me develop into a strong and resilient person who knows how to enjoy what is most important to me.”
Liberty also supports inclusion and belonging at work through strong parental support policies and flexible work options.
Check out more of their inclusion and diversity efforts here.
Career advice from an experienced woman
With just over 20 years’ experience in financial services under her belt, Jenny has some helpful advice to share.
“One of my favourite quotes is from Maya Angelou. ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style’. I hope I am remembered as being a person like this.”
In the next phase of her career, Jenny wants to help other women develop and grow in their careers and feel confident in themselves. Things aren’t always easy when you like to learn and take on new challenges, but Jenny shares
“Mistakes, frustrations and challenges are part of the learning journey and will prepare you for what is to come.”
