Entrepreneur to Watch: Karen Di Venanzo of Sunlife Financial

Karen Di Venanzo, an Advisor with Sunlife Financial, helps families and business owners put plans in place to protect what really matters.

What inspired you to start your company?

Personal experience lead me to this business. I want to make sure that no one has to go through what I did.

What is your company all about?

Helping people reach lifetime financial security.

What’s your vision for your company?

That everyone work with a professional to keep focused on tomorrow while still managing to get through today. That everyone find the value in working with someone who understands their family and will help them stay on track with a plan that is geared to what really matters to them.

What excites you about what you’re doing?

I have changed people’s lives when they have needed it the most. I am making a huge difference in their lives and their families today and in the future. When a devastating incident hits close to home, I am there to deliver some good news.

What are some early examples of success?

Delivering a health insurance cheque to a mom with a young child. Making sure that during this rough time in her life, she only had to focus on recovery. That is what it is all about.

What about challenges?

Many people find it difficult to discuss illness and death with their family. Time is also another challenge. We are all so busy with the day to day routines that we sometimes put these crucial tasks off. My job is to make sure they get crossed off sooner than later.