National Western Life Insurance Company 2020 Carrier Forecast

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]

Jim Ryan joined the NWL team in August of 2019.Jim brings over 25 years of success and expertise in building and leading high-performance organizations in financial services, wealth management, insurance, and investments. Jim has held senior sales leadership and relationship management roles with Lincoln Financial, Prudential Financial, and Sun Life of Canada, and most recently with Voya Financial where he served as Head of Sales for Life Insurance. Jim holds his Series 7 and 26 licenses.

Jim and his wife, Leslie currently reside in Bryn Mawr, PA and have four grown children.