In celebration of WTW’s recognition as a Forbes Best Employer for Women in the United States, we sat down with two inspiring women leaders.
Kezia Charles, FSA, EA - Senior Director, Retirement - and Michelle Acciavatti, FSA, EA - Managing Director, Midwest Region Leader - discuss their leadership journeys, breaking boundaries, and empowering other colleagues at WTW.
With 50+ years of combined experience, they share their insights on navigating career challenges, building impactful networks, and the importance of authentic leadership. See what they have to say!
Can you share a bit about your career journey at WTW?
Michelle Acciavatti: I’ve been with WTW for over 30 years, starting in the Retirement Practice before transitioning to client management, market leadership, and eventually regional leadership. Currently, I serve as the Midwest Region Leader and co-leader of the North America I&D Council.
Throughout my journey, I’ve valued WTW’s flexibility and support, allowing me to give my extra focus to my career, family, and personal interests at different times.
WTW gave me the ability to flex my focus across different areas of my life. At any point, I could dedicate additional energy to my career, my family, or my personal interests without feeling penalized.
This flexibility and understanding allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
Kezia Charles: I’ve been at WTW for over 20 years, in the Retirement Actuarial space with a focus on financial inclusion.
I’ve also co-led the Multicultural Inclusion Network for North America, which has been a pivotal experience in my leadership journey. What has helped me the most is the power of networking and mentorship at WTW.
I realized early on that building a strong network is essential for career growth. It wasn’t just about asking someone to mentor me but working with people who naturally offered guidance and support.
Those organic connections played a huge role in my development as a leader.
How have you navigated challenges in your career, and what role did WTW play in supporting you?
Michelle Acciavatti: One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my career with personal responsibilities, particularly when I became a mother. When I transitioned to client management, I found out I was pregnant two months later. I wanted to come back to work part-time, and WTW was incredibly supportive.
WTW accommodated my needs without hesitation. I never felt penalized for wanting flexibility. When my daughter needed heart surgery, I was met with support and encouragement. This culture of understanding and kindness is one of the reasons I’ve been here for 30 years.
Kezia Charles: For me, the challenge was navigating career advancement in a traditional actuarial path. There were many opportunities but not always clarity on how to get to the next level. Mentorship and building a network played a crucial role in overcoming this challenge.
I had people in my network who were willing to read my business cases, give feedback, and guide me through promotions. They helped me understand the strategic moves I needed to make. I also learned the importance of being proactive and asking for what I wanted instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me.
What boundaries have you broken in your leadership journey, and how did you do it?
Kezia Charles: One of the boundaries I had to break was the expectation to always keep working simply because I didn’t have children. There’s often an unspoken assumption that women without kids should always be available, and that’s something I challenged.
I realized that everyone deserves to take time off, regardless of their personal situation. I spoke to my manager and took a month off to focus on me and fulfilling something I always wanted to do – I joined a steelpan orchestra for Carnival. This experience taught me the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for self-care.
Michelle Acciavatti: For me, it was about having the courage to ask for what I wanted. When a leadership role opened that I wanted, the timing was not right for me personally. I was able to express my career ambitions while also being honest about my personal responsibilities.
Leadership understood and allowed me to take on parts of the role so I could continue to grow and still take care of issues with my daughter. When the opportunity came again, I was in a better place with my family, I had developed additional skills, and I was ready. This approach taught me that it’s okay to grow into a role on your own terms.
How do you empower other women at WTW?
Michelle Acciavatti: I focus on helping women make the transition from being doers to being leaders.
Many women feel they need to do it all themselves to prove their worth, but leadership is about guiding and supporting others.
I encourage women to build a ‘personal board of directors’ - a network of trusted advisors who provide honest feedback and support.
I also help them take credit for their work and see they are ready for their next opportunities.
It’s about teaching them to lead without feeling like they have to do everything on their own.
Kezia Charles: I emphasize the importance of authentic leadership.
Many women hesitate to pursue leadership roles because they don’t want to lead the way their predecessors did.
I remind them that they can lead in their own way.
I’ve seen women hold back because they think they need to fit a certain mold to be successful.
I encourage them to embrace their unique leadership style and to lead authentically.
Our company values diversity in leadership, and that means bringing your true self to the role.
What advice would you give to women looking to grow in their careers?
Michelle Acciavatti: You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out. Just add one new skill, one new experience, or one new achievement to your resume each year. Don’t overthink the end game—focus on consistent growth.
Kezia Charles: Build your network and be open to receiving help. I’ve learned that people are willing to support you, but you have to be in a place to receive it. Also, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—ask for what you want and be proactive about your career journey.
💡See more stories of women empowered through work-life balance at WTW.
Join WTW – An Inclusive Employer That Values Women Leaders
At WTW, we believe in empowering women and all colleagues to lead authentically and grow professionally.
Our commitment to inclusion creates a supportive environment where every woman and every colleague can break boundaries and achieve their full potential.
If you’re looking for a workplace where you can grow, lead, and inspire, explore jobs open at WTW today.
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