Hi, I'm Rubie Ann Lesano

I had often referred to myself as a fingerling in a big pond - an excuse I made as I was new to this industry.

Before joining Manulife, I was with a company where I worked as a business analyst. Back then, I had no clue about life insurance plans. I wasn't sure if I had the ability and the set of skills required to convince people to secure their plans. I was filled with doubt, especially when it came to winning clients.

But I had to survive, one way or the other. So I rose to the challenge and learned how insurance policies work and how they can be tailored to a prospective client's needs. I  attended a handful of trainings and focused on my prime goal, which was to continue to inspire clients. I stretched myself to various extents, to prepare for my role as a financial advisor and an agency leader.

Yet, despite all attempts, I was turned down several times. There were a few people whom I had spoken to for hours, but they still ended up saying no to my offer. Worse, some people didn’t show up, when they said they would. Those were frustrating times. But when those moments came and dampened my spirits, I paused and asked myself, "Why am I doing this?" That's when I remembered my purposes - I had a career to build, lives to inspire, and two little boys to raise. They were who mattered to me the most.

• 2016 - 2017: Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)