Inspiring leadership stories go beyond results and metrics. One of those testimonials belongs to Monica DeGraff, Senior Director and Market Leader for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, in North America. With 32 years of experience, nearly a decade of which has been at WTW, Monica has spent her career transforming the workplace through meaningful human connection.
Bridging generations and empowering talent
Since stepping into the Market Leader role in 2018, Monica has focused on building bridges between seasoned professionals and early-career talent. With a team of over 36 people spread across the United States, she has implemented initiatives that foster synergy and a sense of belonging regardless of location.
One of her standout initiatives is a program that pairs colleagues from different levels of seniority for quarterly conversations. The goal is to create space for genuine dialogue, knowledge sharing and relationship-building.
Monica designed the program specifically to give early-career colleagues more opportunities to grow and to harness their natural curiosity and spontaneity through spending focused time with more senior colleagues.
“The idea was to make sure our younger colleagues had access to more experienced professionals so they could learn, grow and feel part of the team”.
Strengthening team culture through purposeful action
Monica believes that connection among colleagues shouldn’t be limited to work tasks. That’s why she launched a team entertainment committee that organizes activities like hiking, arts and crafts, trivia games, volunteer events and even monthly music-sharing sessions. These experiences, that literally show colleagues that a career at WTW can move them, are designed to include both in-office and remote team members.
“A large portion of our team doesn’t live in Colorado. So, we do a lot of virtual activities and you have to be intentional about it. Connecting with people is like any other muscle, you must work at it to make it stronger.”
Fostering autonomy through practical leadership
To Monica, leadership isn’t about control, it’s about enabling the team to thrive independently. Her leadership philosophy, known as the “3D” approach (Delegate it, Drop it or Deal with it) helps her prioritize, empower others and stay focused on what truly matters.
“Everything that comes up, I ask: Can I delegate it? Do I need to deal with it now? Or can I drop it and move on to a higher priority? That mindset helps me manage a lot at once”.
More importantly, Monica sees success in leadership when her team can operate confidently without her constant involvement: “My goal is for the team to function well without me because I don’t want to be an obstacle for people or processes to move forward. That, to me, is the mark of a good leader: when people feel empowered to make decisions and do their best work”.
Finding purpose inside and outside the workplace
With a real impact that can make her proud, Monica’s influence doesn’t stop at WTW. She also volunteers at the Jefferson Center of Mental Health, where she applies her consulting experience to support an important community organization that takes care of individuals facing mental health challenges and substance abuse.
“I found purpose in volunteering outside of work. I use what I’ve learned in my career to help my community in a meaningful way”.
Despite her busy schedule, Monica makes it a priority to stay energized and healthy. She’s passionate about the outdoors and regularly hikes, bikes, swims and plays pickleball, sometimes up to 8 hours a week!
“Being outdoors gives me energy. I love to cook, eat good food, and stay active. But above all else, sleep is essential for me”.
Start a career that moves connections to collaboration
Monica’s story shows that growth is possible when you lead with empathy, empowerment and purpose. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, here are a few of her tips for success here at WTW:
- Be curious: look beyond your immediate role and connect with colleagues across business lines and geographies.
- Seek out opportunities: not everything will be handed to you on a silver platter, go after what challenges and excites you.
- Embrace discomfort as growth: stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to the biggest breakthroughs.
- Build relationships: success is rooted in strong, authentic human connections.
Ready to join a place with a culture that brings out your best? Explore open roles at WTW and apply today.
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