How a Midwestern dental hygienist became a Fortune 500 CEO

“I grew up on a farm in the west luck. “But what I discovered early is that I love to learn. This gift carried me every step on the road.”

Its way to the corner office is only a traditional. After the Faculty of Law and spending a period of work in financial services, Rasmussen joined the legal team Thrivent. Over time, it accumulated quietly more responsibilities, including communications, marketing, government affairs and business risk management.

This practical curiosity led to a pivotal moment in 2015 when CEO Bradford Hewitt asked the company’s basic business management. “He said,” If you don’t like it, you can always return to a public lawyer. “But I knew he had to adhere completely.”

By 2018, she won the title of CEO. She says that the ascension was built not to move in the title or operate the calculated force, but on intellectual curiosity and a reputation to solve problems.

“My legal team used to joking that we were turning from the” La “section to the” Knowledge “section, she says.” I always wanted to help work to solve its problems, and not only its police. ”

Thrivent assets as a Christian brotherly benefit are still directing its mission after more than a century. But the leadership of the values ​​depends on a complex financial scene, often requires a sensitive budget. The Rasmussen strategy is to rely on the company’s distinctive spirit – religions, service and financial supervision – as a competitive advantage rather than responsibility.

“Our customers believe that money is a tool, not a target,” she says. “They want to support their societies, care for their families, and their living life from the purpose. This alignment gives us a kind of confidence – and staying on power – is difficult to repeat.”

Thrivent now runs more than $ 160 billion of assets and classifications in the Fortune 500 menu in No. 388. However, Rasmussen says the company is still “under the radar”, and wants to change that.

“When we share our story with people, the reaction is often:” Wait, this company is really present? And we say, “Yes, we are the real deal.”

Its leadership style is rooted in human connection. Deepening Thrive from customer relationships, building digital banking services, and investing in a new generation of financial advisors-many professional variables.

“We are investing in professionals in the field of professionals-teachers and community leaders-with strong values ​​and the desire to serve,” says Rasmussen. “We are training them. We intend them. They are flourishing.”

One of the biggest obstacles I faced is to persuade a health company to develop. She says Thrive is strongly strong, making urge to sell more difficult. “But we turn into a various financial services company – which requires vision, patience and perseverance.”

This shift includes the launch of a bank charter and a digital platform, the expansion of its access to young generations, and the employment of first -class talents. “In 2008 and 2009, we captured an amazing investment talent because we were one of the remaining few stable places,” Rasmussen notes.

As you look forward, Rasmussen focuses on strengthening Thrivent as a financial and high -performance financial company.

“When I became the CEO, I realized that people did not know that we were a financial services company. Some believed that we were a charity,” she says. “But now, we change that. We prove that you can be excellent in what you do – and do so with generosity, faith and service in your essence.”

She attributes to guides like the former CEO of Best Buy Hubert Joly to help build early confidence in this role. “Tell me, just get the bike and start overcoming. It is easier to direct as soon as you move.”

After seven years of work, Rasmussen says that she is still learning and still driven by the same motivation that brought her to the Law College of Dentistry Chair. “I have told our workforce,” she says.

In an industry, ego and short -term performance are often dominated, this mentality may be more than Thrive’s origin.

Ruth Omoh
Rnt.umoh@fortune.com

Under the auspices of the newsletter today by Layla May Lazaros.

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