Janet Cruz
Janet brings over two decades of professional experience, beginning with a 20-year tenure in Human Resources where she held roles ranging from manager to director and recruiter. Her career path has been diverse, spanning real estate, life insurance, and Property & Casualty, before she found her niche in Medicare sales. After working with WellCare, Janet embraced self-employment, building a successful independent Medicare business over the past 1.5 years. Her adaptability and drive have allowed her to thrive across industries, leveraging her people-focused expertise and entrepreneurial mindset.
Outside of her professional life, Janet is passionate about animals and enjoys dog sitting as a fulfilling and flexible pursuit. Her love for dogs was deeply personal, having lost her own canine companion in 2022 following a hurricane. While travel currently prevents her from owning another pet, dog sitting allows her to stay connected to animals while maintaining her lifestyle. Janet’s personal interests reflect her nurturing nature, love of exploration, and commitment to creating meaningful connections both personally and professionally.
Janet’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond her work in insurance. She embraces the business aspects of self-employment, comparing running her Medicare practice to managing a small business, and continuously explores opportunities to diversify her skill set. With multiple licenses and a willingness to pivot across careers, she exemplifies flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach to professional growth. Janet thrives on staying busy, learning new skills, and finding fulfillment in every venture she undertakes.
• Human Resources
• Masters in Human Resources
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mom. She came to New York City as an orphan and began working tirelessly, never stopping despite the challenges. She always told me, nothing is hard—you just have to work hard for what you want. Her example of perseverance and dedication has been a guiding force in my own journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up and focus on the task at hand.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to always stay informed and continuously educate yourself. Insurance is constantly evolving, so it’s important to feed your mind with knowledge—read articles, follow trends, and stay up to date on changes in the field. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to anticipate questions and provide value to your clients. Staying ahead of the game comes from being proactive about learning every day.