A legacy of hard work and service

Working at their family-owned fast-food restaurant taught Nellie Ann Tan valuable lessons that laid the foundation for her to becoming a decorated financial advisor.

With 45 years of experience under the largest Filipino life insurance company, Insular Life (InLife), she has guided many Filipinos in achieving financial security, helping them prepare for life’s uncertainties.

Now at 72, she is showing no signs of stopping. “I believe that in life, there are no limits to what is possible,” she said. For Nellie Ann, it’s no longer about chasing conventional milestones but creating richer experiences.

“I aspire to cultivate deeper connections, share the wisdom gathered over the years, and leave a legacy of kindness and resilience. Accomplishments, at 72, are about self-care, nurturing relationships, and finding contentment in the simple joys of life,” she explained.

Earning her keep

Hailing from a family of entrepreneurs, Nellie Ann was raised by her parents, Teddy and Sonia Lim, under the principle of earning her keep and learning by helping out in the family business like waiting tables and handling cash.

It demanded round-the-clock attention, leaving no room for days off, even during holidays. Eventually, she became the manager of their catering business after she graduated from high school. It was the foundational training for which she remains grateful.

“I gained hands-on experience that taught me the true value of money and the ins and outs of running a business,” she shared.

Nellie Ann considers her late mother, who was among the top financial advisors of InLife, her biggest influence and mentor. Together, they managed restaurants, fast-food ventures, and catering services. Beyond business, her mother also instilled in her the importance of giving back by organizing fundraisers for the less fortunate.

Her source of pride

More than her career achievements, however, she considers having raised her sons as her biggest source of pride.

Nellie Ann’s eldest son, William, excels as an equities trader, wealth manager, and businessman, while her youngest son, Will, moved to New York City to pursue his MBA and Masters in Artificial Intelligence at the Kellogg School of Management.

“Their diligence, sense of responsibility, and commitment to their careers fill me with tremendous pride as a mother,” she said. “Throughout my life, I dedicated myself to providing them with the finest education and opportunities to pave the way for their success. However, beyond personal achievements, I also wish for them to carry forward a legacy of impact.”

A career built on trust

Nellie Ann began exploring a career in life insurance in 1978. Throughout the years, she received various recognitions from here and abroad like InLife’s Underwriter of the Year. She is also part of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals. Not only did she become a qualifying member, Nellie Ann was recognized among MDRT’s Court of the Table members, which is among the highest awards in the organization.

Still, it is the trust of her clients and her impact on their lives that she considers the most profound achievements. Her list of loyal clients spans three generations.

“Witnessing them becoming financially secure and having peace of mind, aiding them in navigating uncertainties, and enabling their aspirations, define true success. The relationships forged and the positive influence a person had on others mean a deeper accomplishment beyond any award,” she said.

Nellie Ann celebrates her 45 years of service with her InLife family and was honored on Nov. 22 together with 75 awardees.

InLife’s 2023 Agency Service Awards was held in partnership with and as a sponsor to Ayala Museum’s Splendor Exhibit featuring Juan Luna’s long-lost work Hymen, oh Hyménée!

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Insular Life.