First and Last Name: Elise Zielicke
Hometown: Fond du Lac, WI
What Brought you to Fond du Lac: I made a career switch which allows me to work in Fond du Lac and the surrounding areas
Place of Employment and Position: Hausmann Group, Employee Benefits Consultant
What do you enjoy the most about your career?
As an Employee Benefits Consultant, I help my clients navigate the (crazy and frustrating!) benefits insurance industry. I am motivated by building meaningful, transparent relationships with clients and leaders and enjoy listening to the perspective of others – hearing both their challenges and opportunities to develop creative solutions to problems. I have seen first-hand how the lack of access to insurance can be detrimental to families and this inspires me to provide best-in-class, innovative benefit packages while also helping companies maximize their bottom line.
I am passionate about advocating for and enhancing culture among organizations, which is what I love most about my career. It is very rewarding to be able to walk alongside clients and their employees to bring the best solutions to life.
What words of wisdom would you share with other YP’s in relation to career building?
Never stop learning, growing and challenging yourself. You are only ever as good as your willingness to be curious about others and to serve the community.
Who or what inspires and motivates you to be your best?
My husband and family motivates me to achieve goals and put my best foot forward. I have specific mentors who I trust and they inspire me to continue being the best version of myself and to grow in different seasons of my career.
What are 3 Characteristics and/or Strengths that make you who you are?
Three strengths I believe make me who I am include :
- Empathy – I love learning about and from other people. I am very in tune with others’ emotions and feel this strength has served me in building trusting relationships in both my personal and professional life.
- Creativity – I love to solve complex problems and find solutions that challenge the status quo. I originally went to school for Art (Graphic Design) and believe that education also gives me a unique way of thinking in business.
- Perseverance – I like to set challenging goals for myself and strive to achieve them. When facing obstacles I find myself thinking about various routes I can take to achieve the same goal. Growing up in competitive sports really helped me gain this skill and for that I am grateful.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time/a hobby you enjoy?
I love to do anything active – hiking, skiing, working out and walking my dogs. I also enjoy cooking and reading a good book.
What is your favorite part about being in YPF and how has it benefited you?
Although I have recently joined YPF, I have really enjoyed getting to know the other YP’s who volunteer their time, energy and talents into building and nurturing the future of Fond du Lac leaders. I continue to be impressed by the dedication and strategic thinking that goes into making this group great, and have loved the friendly faces I have gotten to meet along the way.
What does community engagement look like for you?
To me, community engagement means serving your community and advocating on behalf of organizations you believe in. I am involved on the Advisory Board with FDL Area SHRM, YPF’s Programming and Events Committee and also participate in many of the programs Envision Greater FDL puts on. I also personally volunteer with a couple organizations, including my church.
Share a lesson you have learned or a nugget of advice with other YP’s:
One thing I have learned over my career is that building a network of professionals is vitally important. Not only does it provide connection and belonging, but it also provides you with different perspectives and ways of thinking to consistently challenge your own thoughts and ideas. This is one of the reasons I was encouraged to join and participate as a YPF.
What do you love about the Fond du Lac area today and what is your hope for it’s tomorrow?
I love Fond du Lac’s tight knit community today, which is building the future leaders of tomorrow to continue bringing excitement and innovation to the area.
