December 2019 Member Spotlight - Kyle Rodrigue


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Title:  CFO (Direct Division)  
 
Company:  New York Life Insurance Company
 
Length of FEI membership: Less than a year
 
Work email:  [email protected]
 
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your finance career?
 
When planning for career growth, think two steps ahead – always! And find a mentor along the way! 
 
What is your best networking tip?
 
Be consistent! Sometimes it isn’t about how you network, it’s simply about doing it regularly. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there to connect with others formally and informally on a regular basis.
 
What personality traits and intangible qualities do you look for when recruiting new talent?
 
There are a few intangibles that I look for when recruiting new talent.
  1. Cultural fit – Very simply, will the candidate embody our company’s core values?
  2. Desire to learn – Will they be intellectually curious?
  3. Adaptability/team player – Will they be open to new ideas, flexible enough to work through challenging issues, and genuinely committed to the team?
 
At the end of the day, hiring someone new is like making a major investment. You want to get it right the first time!
 
What is your best tip for how to stand out in the finance field?
 
Communication and collaboration are key! In introvert-heavy fields such as finance and accounting, developing and showcasing your soft skills will clearly set you apart from others. Asking insightful questions and developing strong business acumen can also distinguish you from others, while also demonstrating your desire and willingness to learn.
 
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of finance?
 
I have a 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, so they certainly keep me busy outside of work. 
 
I really enjoy traveling. Whether it’s a cruise, weekend getaways to Orlando, or vacations to New Hampshire and Ohio to visit family, I usually have a handful of trips planned at any given time. Let’s just say having something to look forward to motivates me!
 
I’m also a big sports guy. I follow all of the Boston teams (sorry!), but that’s not to say I don’t support the local teams. I have season tickets to the Lightning so you can often find me at Amalie Arena cheering for the Bolts! Hockey is by far my favorite sport. I enjoy playing it too!