Eugene Munley
What’s your current position?
I am a Business Initiatives Manager with Empower – a financial solutions company and the 2nd largest retirement plan record keeper by total participants in the country based out of Denver, CO. In this role, I lead a talented team responsible for managing projects, procedure governance, performing quality review, developing & delivering training, and a whole host of other functions for our retirement plan implementation organization. I’ve been in this leader of people role for a little over 5 years but have been with Empower/Prudential Retirement (Empower acquired Prudential’s Full-Service Retirement Business in April 2022) for over 15 years.
What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do?
Simply put, I feel the work I do is important. Supporting Empower’s mission of helping Americans achieve the future they imagine is a huge motivator. Past that, I am passionate about continuous learning. In a field as complex as retirement – and Financial Wellness as a whole – you need to be plugged into industry trends and understand what topics are important to plan sponsors, intermediaries, and plan participants. I recently obtained my Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC) credential through the American Retirement Association which has really helped me understand the magnitude of Secure Act 2.0 which was just recently enacted into law.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?
Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you. I’m lucky enough to have a supportive network of colleagues, family, and friends who I lean on regularly for professional advice. My current and past mentors have typically been quite different from me, exhibited qualities that I found aspirational, and cared enough about me personally and professionally to give me honest feedback – both when I succeeded and when I could have approached a situation differently. Leaders and mentors who have left the most lasting impressions on me were credible, supportive, and not afraid to challenge me to help me grow. These qualities have greatly informed the leadership style that I bring to work – and the Leadership Lackawanna Board of Directors – every day.
When did you graduate from LL?
What was your favorite thing while being in the project? Anything to mention about your class project? I am a proud graduate of the 2018 Core Class where we renovated the oldest pavilion at Nay Aug Park in Scranton (Shout out Team Marm!). A “Food Truck Friday” fundraiser we organized as part of our project also grew into a recurring event which was also a lot of fun to see. What I enjoyed most about the Core program was the connections I made – many of whom I still stay in touch with - and how it reinvigorated my passion for volunteerism and community stewardship. After completing the Core program, I stayed on as a Core team advisor and, subsequently, a board member. I now serve as the Chairman of the Board where I have the privilege to work side-by-side with passionate staff and board to ensure all 5 of the Leadership Lackawanna programs continue to succeed.
What is your favorite quote and why?
Many of my favorite quotes are both paraphrased and not suitable for print – but here a few that I do like!:
“Leave it better than you found it”. Reminds me to strive to make a positive impact on everything I do and everyone I meet.
“Don’t talk about it, be about it”. Reminds me to lead with credibility and not to ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.
“Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere” – Van Wilder (by way of Glenn Turner). Reminds me to keep things in perspective and not to focus too much on things that are out of my control
What is a fun fact that you’d like to share?
Outside of work and Leadership Lackawanna, my wife Korie and I love to travel. We’ve been to 18 different countries since getting married 10 years ago. I try to stay healthy and I’m part of a great community at NEPA Fit Club. I’m lucky to have a twin brother, Eric, who is fond of making jokes about “Leadership Montdale” and “Leadership Scott Township”. Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about Leadership Lackawanna, our 5 programs, or how we make an impact on our community, drop me a line on social media and I’d love to chat!