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2006 Women to Watch: Kathleen Angel

Posted On: Oct. 8, 2006 12:00 AM CST

Kathleen Angel

Director of Global Benefits

Dell Inc.

Round Rock, Texas

Age: 58

 

 

Kathleen Angel began her career as a group insurance underwriter at Travelers Insurance Co. Leaving Travelers as chief underwriter, Ms. Angel was assistant vp at The New England Co. in the actuarial, sales and product development departments. From there, she moved into the field of corporate benefits as vp of worldwide benefits and work-life programs at Digital Equipment Corp., before joining Dell Inc. Ms. Angel has served on the Boards of the National Business Group on Health and the National Committee on Quality Assurance. She currently serves by appointment of the governor of Texas as a member of the state's Health and Human Services Council.

 

 

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?

A: "“My father Thomas O’Sullivan and at various stages of my career, three female colleagues and managers, Alice Rosenblatt, Ilene Jacobs and Helen Darling. These three women are my mentors, inspirations and my friends. All of these people have been courageous in their beliefs and shown me that commitment to excellence is always worth the effort."

 

 

Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?

A: "Push yourself out of your comfort zone, take risks, and look for experiences in as many diverse aspects of the field as you can. This is the best way to grow and force yourself to learn and experience new things. For example, if your experience is primarily in the U.S., explore opportunities to learn what’s happening in our field internationally, especially in some of the rapidly emerging countries such as India and China."

 

 

Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?

A: "Traditionally, the insurance industry has been inwardly focused, slow and has lacked sustained innovation. I would like to see the industry become true change agents, fostering innovation and showing leadership in accountability."

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