Rising Interest Rates Could Help Me: Nationwide Annuity Exec

At Nationwide we’re working in a hybrid model — splitting time between working from home and the office. We’re fortunate to have technology that enables us to do both and still provide a great experience for our members and partners.

In fact, Nationwide is on track for one of the strongest years in the history of our company despite a change that would have been hard to imagine a couple of years ago.

The one thing that you have to be conscious of is the importance of connecting in person with colleagues when you have the chance. Sometimes in-person “hallway” interactions can lead to the most productive conversations you have all day, so you have to be intentional about connecting in person over time.

6. What’s your biggest hobby, and what was the last event/activity you did related to it?

A few years ago, I planted 30 fruit trees at my home, including peach, apple and cherry. Recently I had a lot of fun with my family harvesting peaches to make some delicious Southern peach cobbler.

7. How about your latest community/charitable activity/event/cause?

I serve on the board of directors for BalletMet here in Columbus, Ohio, where Nationwide is located. I was attracted to the opportunity when my daughter took an interest in dancing, and have really developed a passion for ensuring we have world-class ballet in Columbus.

Of course, the pandemic has made it hard to fill theaters with people, so we’ve had to get creative in finding ways to keep things going, pivoting to virtual and outdoor performances. I’m very excited that we’ll be able to get folks back into the theater for our production of The Nutcracker this holiday season!

8. What book are you reading now and why?

Recently I earned my master’s degree in divinity — a subject I’ve always had a passion for. When I retire from Nationwide, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in theology and apologetics. To get a jump on that long-term goal, I’m spending a lot of my free time learning to read biblical Greek and Hebrew. It might sound a bit dry — but that’s what’s on my nightstand right now, and I’ve found it to be pretty stimulating.

9. Any special holiday plan, activity or focus you’d like to share as we near year-end? Or a New Year’s resolution that you’ve decided on?

I’m looking forward to getting together with my family for some quality time. It was harder to do that last year, but we hope to have more “normal” holiday interactions this year.

10. Any other update/fact about you or piece of advice/wisdom you’d like to share with our advisor audience?

My mantra in life is “Think beyond the possible.” I believe that you need to set goals that appear to be beyond what you may think are achievable — then try to figure out how to get there. Often you can surprise yourself by doing what you may have initially thought was impossible. Even if you fall short, this type of thinking tends to lead to better outcomes than you would have achieved if you started with a more “realistic” goal.

Eric Henderson (Photo: Nationwide)