Meet Monica Foster

In the beginning…

My career started in the brokerage industry. I specialized in stock option administration & management and completed Levels 1 & 2 of the Certified Equity Professional (CEP) exam before moving into the next phase of my career.

The next 14 years…

I started out in the Finance Department at Cardinal Health, a Fortune 25 global health care services and products company where I continued to manage stock option administration and the long term incentive plans. I made my way to the Total Rewards area where I managed the health and welfare plans and eventually led benefits (health & welfare, retirement, and well-being).

I was most proud of…

The on-site health center with a clinic, pharmacy, and fitness center. I advocated for the health center, built a business case, gained alignment and funding, and led the charge to implement it along with the help of many business partners from across the company. 

We received recognition as a Best Place to Work…

And the highest honor, the platinum award, from the National Business Group on Health as one of the nation's leading corporations for innovative programs promoting a healthy workplace. We were recognized by Human Resource Executive, for Best HR Ideas for two programs I initiated, Yoga at Your Desk and the Baby Expo. 

I then moved to a specialty retailer…

LBrands (Victoria's Secret, PINK and Bath & Body Works) where I spent 11 years leading global benefits and the HR call center and operations group in U.S. and Canada. The call center supported all employee inquiries including benefits, payroll, tax, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, recognition, disability, and leave management.

During my time at LBrands…

I was thrilled to implement an on-site clinic and pharmacy. We also established a total rewards philosophy and guidelines globally. I was fortunate enough to travel to the Far East to harmonize and standardize benefits. I led countless RFP's to align with best-in-class vendors to provide better user experiences and support for our employees resulting in cost savings for the company & employees. We managed very challenging work, uncharted territory, as we worked through COVID enabling relief during this difficult time.

LBrands spun off Victoria's Secret…

I was part of a small group selected to work on the separation.  From a Benefits perspective, I established strong benefit teams for both organizations, and set up separate plans, policies, processes, and contracts so Victoria's Secret could stand alone. I helped create the company culture, introducing flex work, listening and advocating for my workforce, adding inclusive family-building benefits, aligning with DE & I efforts to support women and our workforce, and contributing to the company's first Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance report. 

A time of transition and reflection…

My position at Victoria’s Secret was eliminated as part of a cost savings initiative. I looked at it as divine intervention, an opportunity to take a breather, rest and reflect, do some soul searching, and really hone in on what’s important to me.  It turned out to be a very emotional journey. I realized that my identity was all about my job. I needed to find myself again. I really took the time to catch up with friends, spend more time with the people I love and not feel rushed for the first time in my life. I’d meet a friend for coffee and find myself lost in conversation two hours later without looking at my watch… it was a gift! I established my LLC, worked on my website and blogs, networked with hundreds of people. I realized I need people, purpose and a challenge! I need to work for companies where I’m aligned with their mission and vision and where I can make a difference. I’ve been advising for Sempervirens in a Total Rewards capacity, participated in some Shark Tank like panels giving feedback on Benefits related services, and volunteering as a mentor to high potential business women in El Salvador.  

I worked on many exciting projects…

Over the course of my career and am an expert in benefits and well-being. I've learned so much! This led to the establishment of foster well-being and my passion for helping people thrive!

I foster well-being!