Trailblazing the Path: Yanela Frias' Journey to Becoming Prudential's First Female CFO

In a world where career paths are often uncharted, Yanela Frias has carved out an extraordinary journey, rising to become the first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the insurance giant Prudential Financial, Inc. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Unlocking the Doors of Opportunity: Yanela Frias' Inspiring Rise to the Top

Embracing Change and Seizing Opportunities

Yanela Frias' path to the C-suite was paved with a keen eye for change and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Born in Cuba and emigrating to the United States at the age of eight, Frias learned early on the value of adaptability. "Coming to this country with my parents and seeing the risks they took for the betterment of our family has helped me embrace change, and welcome it, as opposed to seeing it as a negative," she reflects.This mindset served Frias well as she navigated the evolving landscape at Prudential, a company undergoing significant transformations when she joined in 1996. Frias saw these changes as an opportunity, recognizing the potential in a "culture of really smart people collaborating to get things done." Her ability to thrive in the face of uncertainty laid the foundation for her remarkable career trajectory.

Charting Her Own Course: Frias' Proactive Approach to Career Advancement

Frias' career journey was marked by a proactive and intentional approach. As a 25-year-old working in a large organization, she was determined to take control of her professional development. "After two to three years in a role, I was ready to do something different," she explains. "I've always owned my career and looked for different opportunities."This mindset led Frias to take on a variety of finance roles at Prudential, including assistant treasurer, CFO for Individual Life Insurance, and CFO for Individual Annuities. She then expanded her expertise by leading the Investment & Pension Solutions business within Prudential Retirement, serving as president of Prudential Retirement, and eventually being appointed president of Group Insurance in 2021. This diverse experience, coupled with her deep understanding of the company's financial operations, prepared Frias for her ultimate role as Prudential's first female CFO.

Navigating the Challenges of the Financial Crisis

One of the defining moments in Frias' career was her leadership during the 2008 financial crisis. As the assistant treasurer responsible for capital markets and corporate finance, she found herself at the heart of the organization's response to the collapse of major financial institutions. "I found myself leading a team that was the heartbeat of everything that was going on in the organization," she recalls.The pressure was immense, but Frias and her team rose to the occasion, making critical decisions to ensure Prudential's financial resilience and its ability to meet its promises to customers. "It was a significant learning experience," Frias says. "Working hard and then faring well, I think honestly gave me incredible confidence." This experience not only tested her leadership skills but also propelled her career forward, as she interacted with senior leaders and the board of directors.

Balancing Work and Family: Frias' Pursuit of "Work-Life Harmony"

Frias' journey to the top was not without its personal challenges. As a working mother, she grappled with the elusive concept of "work-life balance." However, Frias' approach evolved into a pursuit of "work-life harmony," where she recognized the need to be present for both her family and her career."Work-life balance is something you are searching for on a daily basis," Frias acknowledges. "But work-life harmony over time meant that when you were needed at home, you made the time. And there were times when you were at work late, balancing multiple projects." Frias believes that being a parent has made her a better leader, instilling in her the qualities of patience and empathy.

The Value of Loyalty and Diverse Experiences

In a world where job-hopping is often seen as a path to career advancement, Frias advocates for the benefits of building a long-term career within a single organization. "The reality is that you can have a very long career and have an extreme diversity of experiences as I have had," she says.Frias' 27-year tenure at Prudential has allowed her to gain a deep understanding of the company's operations, culture, and strategic priorities. This institutional knowledge, combined with her diverse roles and responsibilities, has been instrumental in her rise to the CFO position. Frias' story serves as a powerful reminder that loyalty and a commitment to continuous learning can be powerful drivers of career success.As Yanela Frias steps into her new role as Prudential's first female CFO, her impact extends far beyond the financial realm. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Frias' story inspires others, especially young women, to embrace change, take ownership of their careers, and shatter the glass ceiling, proving that "anything's possible" when one sets their mind to it.