Episode 37 - Amy

Amy Ponnampalam, CEO of Athora Life Re Ltd ​, took an unconventional path to reach her current position. She shared her intriguing journey from a hotel waitress to leading a major company in the world of insurance on the Hustle Her Podcast.

Amy's early days were spent outdoors, working as a banqueting waitress at a hotel. An unexpected turn in her career trajectory led her to actuarial science, ultimately leading her to become a training actuary and eventually, the CEO of Thorough Life Rea.

Her leadership journey doesn't stop at her impressive list of titles. She's a firm believer in creating high-performance cultures and shifting the archaic perceptions of CEO roles. She shared her experiences leading diverse teams and the challenges associated with it. Embracing introspection and appreciating the individual motivations of team members are key factors in her leadership style.

Amy also opened up about her struggle with 'imposter syndrome', a common phenomenon that affects even the most accomplished professionals. She stressed the importance of identifying it, seeking supportive communities, and realizing that sometimes, all you need is a good listener.

The podcast episode wasn't just about business. They pushed boundaries, challenged societal norms, and asked big questions. How does family culture shape our choices? What pressures do we feel to make an impact? And how can we combat the stigma around choosing not to have children? Amy's personal experiences and insightful reflections provided new perspectives on these topics.

Amy's technical background has been a significant part of her brand, proving that technical training can be a great asset for a leader in a life insurance company. It helps them understand the industry and the needs of their organization.

They also explored the classic gender conditioning issues that women face, and how to break out of those roles. They emphasized the importance of self-awareness and organizational leadership to support women in breaking out of those roles.

Lastly, they explored the power of family culture and societal expectations, and their potential influence on our personal choices. Amy shared her own experience of her parents, both having very different backgrounds, and how that has shaped the way she views the world. They also discussed how to combat imposter syndrome, recognizing it, talking to other people about it, and creating a support system.

Amy Ponnampalam's story is a testament to the audacity of veering off the well-trodden path. Her journey, insights, and reflections are a source of inspiration and motivation for everyone, especially those who are navigating their own path to success.