Jim Ryan

Embracing Opportunity For Growth

Much like the rest of the world, National Western Life is excited to welcome a new year.

As we look back, it’s clear that 2020, despite its many surprises, provided us an ideal opportunity to draw on our strengths to accomplish the goals we set early on.

As a company, we forged ahead and put in the work to deliver on promises and commitments made in the previous year. Our 60+ years of experience provided us the foundation necessary to respond quickly and proactively to the challenges presented by the global pandemic.

Driving Success
In 2021, we are excited to embrace opportunities for growth and development throughout the company. We are well-positioned to ensure our clients’ needs are met, financially and through superior customer service.

Last year we announced our plan to expand our distribution footprint and explore new market opportunities. We’ve already made significant progress in setting a precedent for success for 2021, implementing a growth strategy that embraces our foundational strengths and enables us to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Expanding Key Distribution Channels
As we enter new distribution channels, our commitment to providing reliable products, high performing indexes, dependable income solutions, and quality partnerships, remains the same.

NWL^® kicked off 2020 by introducing The Sterling Group, an exclusive distribution relationship with select National Marketing Organizations (NMOs), for the purpose of strengthening the connection between the manufacturer and the distributor.

We are now expanding upon that strategy by entering into the Financial Institutions distribution channel with the launch of a turnkey relationship between NWL^® and a select group of national broker-dealer and bank distribution firms. This group will assist in the management of financial institution relationships, and advise in the strategic direction of future NWL^® product offerings for these channels.

This alliance will be given exclusive access to select products, including our newest offering, the NWL^® BlueChip, a deferred fixed indexed annuity.

Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords at NWL^®. To address the needs of a growing multicultural market, we’ve further expanded to include a Culturally Diverse Markets (CDM) team that continues to place value on the unique demands and perspectives of our clientele.

We understand that as the world becomes more connected, people from diverse communities near and far also want a dependable way to secure their future. NWL^® is firmly committed to being accessible to those communities and responsive to their specific needs. Our knowledgeable, multilingual team has the necessary tools to assist these clients in their preferred language.

Enhancing Company Technology
NWL^® has implemented several new systems and technological enhancements allowing for a more efficient and streamlined business process for all involved.

Using ForeSight^® illustration technology, our producers have ready access to valuable annuity illustrations with just a few clicks. Additionally, we persist in adding to the growing list of life and annuity products available on the FireLight® platform so producers can submit more applications electronically for faster and easier business.

NWL^® remains committed to growing the organization by expanding our product line, diversifying distribution channels, and introducing new services and technology.

As we welcome the new year, NWL^® is poised to remain a financially strong, well-capitalized organization with a steadfast focus on protecting the legacies of countless families and we are excited to see what 2021 has in store! [JR]

Here Today, Here Tomorrow

In 2020 and beyond, NWL aims to uphold the power, financial strength, and dedication necessary to continue providing high-quality insurance products with the reliable protection and product performance our clients and agents have grown to expect. As a company, it’s our goal to provide peace of mind for every person who seeks security through a financial product. As we enter the 2020s, we’re excited and looking forward to a year and decade bound to be full of opportunity.

We’re here today and we’ll certainly be here tomorrow.

2019: A Year for Mapping the Blueprint
Without properly reflecting on the work that got us to where we are today, our goals and objectives for 2020 and beyond wouldn’t carry the same weight. Last year presented NWL the opportunity to examine where we are today and where we’re headed as a company—two important elements that helped us identify strengths and areas of opportunity.

Throughout 2019, we diligently mapped out the blueprint for our future. We redefined and validated the organizational strategic planning process. We also took time to reassess our product portfolio, identifying areas for enhancement and refinement. Essentially, we carved out the next decade at NWL—one that is full of success and positions us for steady, secure growth.

Moving Forward into 2020
At NWL, 2020 is all about strengthening our already firm foundation.

Equipped with new colleagues possessing skillsets new to NWL, advanced tools and a reinforced business outlook, NWL is set for success in 2020 and beyond. Supported with our 60-plus years of experience, and our commitment to build for the future, we continue to stay true to proven products and business processes, and at the same time, we’re excited to implement new and unique strategies that support our core values.

Creating a Culture of Transparency
As we prepare for continued growth, we will also continue embracing a culture of transparency that all company stakeholders can support. We understand that annuity and life insurance products are a significant component of one’s retirement portfolio, so we’re providing agents and clients clear, easy-to-understand information that empowers them to make effective decisions that fit their individual needs.

Investing in Innovation
In this ever-changing landscape, it’s critical to continue evolving as an organization. Much like our policyholders are investing in their futures, we’re doing the same. NWL is making strides to stay attuned to industry trends and adapt to the changing needs of our clients.

As the industry continues to digitize, NWL is doing the same. We’re leveraging technology and using data analytics and metrics to be more efficient and effective in helping our NMOs and agents better meet the needs of their clients. An enhanced agent portal experience means faster access to the forms, information and answers agents need to be successful. New distribution channels will help us get the right products to the right people at the right time.

Reaffirming Our Commitment
Among the many updates and newly-identified objectives, there is one characteristic about NWL that isn’t changing anytime soon: Our drive to provide high quality insurance products on a global basis through professional and friendly service. In the last two years, NWL brought on board several industry-leading executives highly skilled in their unique areas of expertise to further refine the blueprint and begin digging the foundation for future growth. Their commitment and leadership will continue to play a key role in revitalizing our product line, opening up new distribution opportunities and making business with NWL easier and more efficient.

With a leadership team with proven experience growing organizations, new investment in our technology stack, and the reinvigoration of our product line and distribution channel, NWL is poised for growth and ready for success in 2020 and beyond. [JR]