Christa Payne

Financial Representative
COUNTRY Financial
AGE: 31

Best advice you ever received?

When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.

Biggest break?

A manager at COUNTRY Financial believed in me as a recent college graduate to run my own business and give me a shot, with zero experience in this field. I felt this was a great opportunity to prove that a woman can be successful in a male-dominated field, especially at a young age!

What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?

Try not to take everything too personally! And most importantly, get involved in something that you’re passionate about.

How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life?

I always make time for myself, even if it’s something small. I’m fortunate enough to set my own schedule, so I may leave work a little early to hit the gym, or I may take an afternoon off to spend time with my family or friends.

What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?

We are determined. I think we’re always trying to prove that being a “young professional” doesn’t mean we don’t know what we’re talking about.