How a dental hygienist from the Midwest became a Fortune 500 CEO
Briefly

Terry Rasmussen, CEO of Thrivent Financial, transitioned from dental hygienist to General Counsel and finally CEO through diligent problem-solving and a commitment to learning. As she leads the $162 billion company, her approach emphasizes the importance of Thrivent's faith-driven, values-first model in navigating the secular financial industry. Rasmussen's leadership style focused on collaboration and innovation, aiming to reposition her legal department to better support the business. Her journey reflects a commitment to growth and adaptation in a traditionally conservative sector.
"I grew up on a farm in west-central Minnesota, and I was the middle child-kind of clueless about what I wanted to do. But what I discovered early on was that I love to learn. And that gift has carried me every step of the way."
"He said, 'If you don't like it, you can always go back to being General Counsel,' but I knew I had to fully commit."
"My legal team used to joke that we were transforming from the department of 'no' to the department of 'know.' I always wanted to help the business solve its problems, not just police them."
"Leading a values-driven business in a complex, often secular financial landscape requires delicate balancing."
Read at Fortune
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