The Unstoppable Career of Prudential's First Female CFO: A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Empowerment

Yanela Frias, the first female CFO of Prudential Financial, Inc. , has spent 27 years building a remarkable career at the insurance giant. From her early days as a young professional to her current leadership role, Frias has demonstrated a relentless passion for business, a keen sense of opportunity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. As she took on the CFO role, Frias recognized the significance of being a role model for women, particularly her two daughters, and made it her mission to show them that anything is possible. Born in Cuba, Frias immigrated to the United States at the age of eight and has since developed a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. Her early years in the business world were marked by a keen interest in finance, which led her to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting and an MBA in finance from Rutgers University. When she joined Prudential in 1996, the company was undergoing significant changes, including a shift in its business mix and preparation for going public. Frias saw these changes as an opportunity to grow and learned to be intentional and proactive in her career. Throughout her tenure, Frias has held various finance roles, including assistant treasurer, CFO of Individual Life Insurance, and CFO of Individual Annuities. She has also led the Investment & Pension Solutions business within Prudential Retirement and served as president of Prudential Retirement and Group Insurance. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of how the company makes money and how to be profitable while meeting customer needs. Frias's career has been marked by several pivotal challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, which tested her leadership skills and ability to make tough decisions. She has also navigated the demands of being a working mom, learning to balance her professional and personal life. Frias believes that being a parent teaches patience, which has made her a better leader at work. When asked about the importance of job hopping, Frias emphasized that it's not the only way to advance in one's career. She believes that a person can have a long and diverse career within a large organization, as she has demonstrated. Frias's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a passion for business.