Mara Dorne’s journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and unshakable authenticity. Rising from a childhood shaped by loss and hardship, she defied every obstacle to become a self-made millionaire and influential leadership coach. When the 2008 economic collapse wiped out the businesses she’d painstakingly built with her first husband, Mara had to rebuild her life from the ground up. Undeterred, she forged a path in the male-dominated health insurance industry, finding her stride with United Healthcare and proving that with relentless effort, we truly shape our own destiny.
With determination and grit, Mara rose through the ranks to become a Senior Regional Sales Leader at United Healthcare, transforming her past struggles into strengths. Her book Perfect Imperfections, the upcoming course Mara Makes Millionaires, and her 21-day challenge all emphasize intentional living rooted in purpose and authenticity. In the same spirit, her inspiring leadership encourages her team to embrace growth and continual self-improvement, empowering them to live with purpose and resilience.
What is your truth?
The truth is, I lost my father when I was quite young, and my strong Jewish mother instilled core values in me early on. When the 2008 crisis hit, my first husband and I lost everything, but I had the mindset to persevere and rebuild. Unexpectedly, I found success in healthcare. I hadn’t planned on a career in the field; I was simply calling to lower our healthcare payments when the representative on the other end suggested I consider working in the industry.
What is your passion?
My passion has always been helping people. Since I was young, I wanted to help the underdog succeed in some capacity. This passion for people carried over into my career in health insurance. Not only for my clients but for my team – gradually showing them how to physically make money and better their own lives.
I don’t know if this is a talent or blessing, but I have been placed in a position where I can become instrumental in helping people become successful. For example, one of my employees I recruited at the gym. I thought she was so dynamic. I had to bring her aboard. However, what I did not know was that she was destitute and had to borrow money to commute.
Once I became aware, I gave her gas money to get to the office. I would give her appointments so she could stay afloat in the business. Today, she owns her own home, she’s married, has a baby, savings, etc. My support and passion to help her win, completely changed her life.
When do you feel you are most authentic?
I think people are always searching to find themselves. For the first time in my life, at age 40, I feel authentically myself. I am upfront and honest about choices that are personal to me, including cosmetic surgeries. Yes, I am 100% okay, with my Botox, extensions, breast enhancements, etc. I am wholeheartedly open about it, because that’s what makes me feel good. I do not hide the work that I have done. I embrace my choices with zero qualms or apology.
In my opinion, people should love themselves more, and focus on their well-being and happiness. I am dedicated to a service-oriented mentality and focusing on lifting up my team, not some archaic “boss” mentality. I am real, and I hope that translates into an inspiring example of how real leadership can be both effective and fulfilling. Yeah, do I have my insecurities? Of course, I do, I am human. But I would say 99.9% of me is totally and utterly comfortable with who I am.
