"Her Strength" | Dehua An Gu Life General Manager Assistant Xiao Ping: Maintain Self-Recognition, No Need to Limit Yourself

From department head to core executive holding multiple roles including Assistant General Manager, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, Xiao Ping has been with Dehua Anju Life Insurance for twelve years as of 2026.

Over these twelve years, Xiao Ping has experienced and contributed to the localization and deep roots of this joint-venture life insurance company in China, witnessing changes in the national insurance awareness, participating in the industry’s profound transformation, and honing sharp market foresight and deep industry insights. Whether in product transformation, marketing expansion, strategic planning, digitalization, or practicing the “full lifecycle customer management” concept, Xiao Ping has always been at the forefront of industry change, driving breakthroughs in product systems and service content through pragmatic actions.

As a seasoned professional in the financial and insurance industry, Xiao Ping believes that under current policy guidance, the insurance market environment is improving, providing a window of opportunity for steady development and scale expansion of insurance institutions including Dehua Anju Life. She summarizes the future development path of the insurance market into three main directions: retirement, asset inheritance, and health protection, emphasizing the need for insurance companies to deepen risk-specific products, incorporate “warmth” into customer touchpoints, and build a full lifecycle service system.

From an individual perspective, Xiao Ping positions herself as a “multitalented” professional constantly adapting to environmental changes. Maintaining curiosity is her secret to staying passionate and recharging. Finding “personal space” and cultivating a positive team atmosphere are also key ways she alleviates pressure. The open and inclusive environment at Dehua Anju Life has supported her career, and as a female executive in finance, she also reflects deeply on the growth of women in the workplace and actively promotes related practices within the company.

In Xiao Ping’s view, today, women in the financial industry are no longer content with roles as executors or assistants but are pursuing greater influence in the workplace. In response to this trend, Dehua Anju Life is gradually building a diverse talent philosophy, providing more platforms for ambitious female employees to showcase their abilities.

“There’s no need to stick to your original expertise or past experiences, and even re-examine the beliefs shaped since childhood.” This is not only a sincere suggestion from Xiao Ping to women broadly but also reflects her internal drive to break through and keep moving forward in her insurance career.

Dehua Anju Life General Manager Assistant, CIO, COO Xiao Ping

Selected Excerpts from the Dialogue:

On Insurance Positioning and Industry Development: Three Main Directions Guide Future Insurance Growth; Digital Technology’s Increasing Role

Q: Having joined Dehua Anju Life in 2014 and participated firsthand in the company’s growth, you now shoulder three key roles: strategic coordination (Assistant GM), technology-driven (CIO), and operational implementation (COO). How does this unique “three-role” perspective help you understand the “customer-centric” strategy more systematically?

Xiao Ping: Although Dehua Anju Life is a relatively young joint-venture insurer, as early as 2020, we proactively proposed the concept of “full lifecycle customer management.” Before that, most industry players built customer management systems centered on effective policies; we broke this limitation by expanding beyond traditional policyholders to include a broader user base—potential customers who have engaged with our services, as well as existing policyholders after policy expiry or claims. We focus on providing “warm” service experiences for every user.

Centered on the full lifecycle, we built a systematic customer operation framework, establishing a unified customer ID system and complete customer journey. This significantly enhanced our capabilities in customer insights, service delivery, and feedback collection, integrating technology, operations, and strategy organically.

We also launched the “Love + Digital Health Asset Management Expert” platform, which consolidates various health and wellness services. All users can apply for services via this platform in real-time, deeply integrating insurance coverage with service delivery. This allows us to continuously monitor end-to-end user experience, respond promptly to feedback, and optimize services, representing another key practice in implementing our full lifecycle strategy, operational system construction, and technological empowerment.

Q: The insurance industry is shifting from “policy seller” to “full lifecycle companion.” When leading product design or customer solutions, how does Dehua Anju Life demonstrate professionalism and protection? How do you incorporate “temperature”—product understandability, ease of application, and social responsibility—into your offerings?

Xiao Ping: We build a comprehensive product and service system through a “protection + savings” strategy, long-term stable asset-liability management, and a “digital + ecological” modern service model, aiming to ensure protection reaches those most in need.

In product design, true professionalism is not just stacking features but deeply understanding specific risks and continuously refining solutions. Since 2015, we have proactively targeted the silver-haired insurance market, aligning with aging trends, and accurately identifying needs among seniors, non-standard health risks, and disability risks, offering diverse health and retirement protections. Our disability insurance business leads the industry with an 80% market share, and we co-published the industry’s first “Disability Income Loss Insurance White Paper” with Shandong University of Finance and Economics to promote high-quality development. To date, we have provided insurance coverage valued at 227 billion yuan for 828,000 middle-aged and elderly clients.

In customer service, we adhere to a full lifecycle service system that emphasizes “warmth.” This is not just a slogan but must be integrated into every customer touchpoint.

We launched three major elderly care brands—“Safe Travel, Safe Home, Safe Care”—covering travel, home, and institutional care, with services across over 200 cities in 30 provinces, signing with more than 1,000 elderly care institutions to meet diverse needs. Using VR experiences and planning tools like eldercare bills, we visually present future plans; implement “Eight Major Benefits” underwriting policies for transparent, predictable processes; digital self-service exceeds 96%; and we have launched “Air Customer Service” to maintain a warm, elderly-friendly touch.

In social responsibility, we focus on school-enterprise cooperation, public welfare, and industry promotion—co-building training bases with Shandong University of Finance and Economics, releasing the “Disability Income Loss Insurance White Paper,” and engaging in activities supporting the elderly, aiding children with autism, and scholarship donations. We participate annually in Insurance Publicity Day and organize eco-friendly activities like Net Mountain and glow-in-the-dark runs.

Q: Under current macro conditions, what new opportunities do you see for the insurance industry, especially for companies like Dehua Anju Life that emphasize long-term value and professional service?

Xiao Ping: Over the past decade, the Chinese insurance industry has experienced rapid growth and sharp downturns. Recently, under correct national policies and regulatory guidance, the market environment has continued to improve, creating a favorable development window for companies committed to prudent management and risk control like ours. We have adopted strategic measures such as optimizing individual insurance channels and relaunching bancassurance.

Additionally, China’s economic transformation has led to structural changes in residents’ insurance needs: first, retirement security is a top concern, with rising demand for related products and services; second, demand for protection-type products is increasing, as people recognize the importance of sufficient coverage beyond basic retirement planning; third, high-net-worth individuals are becoming the main customer base, with stronger purchasing power and planning awareness, supporting the high-end insurance market. This requires us to focus on product and service offerings for mid-to-high-end markets.

Furthermore, data and technology have shifted from “enabling tools” to “core assets” and productivity. From inception, we positioned digitalization as a strategic priority alongside individual channels, always centered on customer needs, leveraging digital empowerment to provide warm, human-centered products and services.

Big data and AI will fundamentally reshape the insurance value chain, enabling personalized, dynamic pricing; blockchain could revolutionize policy certification, health data sharing, and fraud prevention; AI will participate deeply in underwriting, claims, customer service, and even investment decisions. We have elevated AI to a strategic level, actively promoting its application in front-end scenarios, aiming to make AI a “useful” technology that enhances efficiency, fosters business innovation, and improves customer experience.

While innovating, we remain vigilant about risks such as data security, privacy, technological strategy, and system reliability. We evaluate and manage risks comprehensively to ensure safe, reliable, and controllable innovation.

In summary, the future core directions of the insurance market include retirement planning, asset inheritance for high-net-worth families, and health protection. Technological capability will become as vital as capital and talent, forming a core strategic asset. We will continue to deepen these areas, seize cyclical opportunities, and pursue high-quality development.

On Women’s Development and Self-Improvement: Increasingly Recognized Core Values; Stay Curious, Not Self-Limiting

Q: Based on your experience, what are the core aspects of women’s leadership? Have the values and career aspirations of women in the workplace changed in recent years?

Xiao Ping: In recent years, women’s leadership has gained widespread attention. Traditionally, we emphasized traits like meticulousness, empathy, pragmatism, and strong communication—these are indeed unique advantages.

However, now we increasingly see that gender differences in the workplace are narrowing—whether in workload, responsibilities, or industry involvement, gender no longer defines boundaries.

In the insurance and finance sectors, women’s self-awareness and career pursuits have undergone profound changes. Their contributions are no longer confined to traditional roles like finance, customer service, or compliance support. Many actively seek influence and impact, balancing career and family more stably. Historically, women in senior roles were mostly in back-office functions; now, more women are leading in IT, actuarial, and key business channels. The proportion of women CEOs and chairpersons has also risen significantly.

As markets mature, women’s talents in operations, team cohesion, and resilience are increasingly recognized. They can understand team needs delicately, resolve resistance, and drive execution. The core value of women leaders is becoming clearer and more powerful.

Q: In response to these changes, has Dehua Anju Life made adaptive adjustments in the selection, motivation, and development of female talent?

Xiao Ping: Dehua Anju Life adheres to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in talent development, treating all employees equally, respecting and supporting women’s growth, and creating fair career development opportunities. Currently, women make up 49% of our staff, with a reasonable proportion in middle and senior management; women in executive roles account for 44%, reflecting fairness and openness in our talent practices.

Going forward, we will continue to promote diversity, empower women further, and support more talented women to join management ranks, enabling them to leverage their strengths and contribute to the company’s high-quality growth.

Q: The high-pressure environment of the financial industry is the norm. Do you have unique methods for managing stress or recharging energy, to maintain long-term passion, self-motivation, and progress amid societal and industry changes?

Xiao Ping: High pressure is inherent in the financial sector. It comes from company growth needs, societal expectations, regulatory requirements, market fluctuations, and technological disruptions. As I age, managing stress and maintaining enthusiasm become even more important.

My personal insights include: first, always stay curious. Pursuing higher goals and trying new things keep me in a state of “on the move,” avoiding complacency. second, separate work from life. Build a “secret garden”—not necessarily with lots of time, but with activities that truly relax and inspire, like reading, exercising, cooking, or spending time with pets. This space helps calm the mind and broaden horizons, vital for energy recovery. third, foster strong emotional bonds with colleagues and teams. Trust and a collaborative atmosphere turn work into a shared journey rather than a source of stress, providing a significant energy boost.

Q: On Women’s Day, if you could share a gentle yet firm growth advice based on your experience with working women, what would it be?

Xiao Ping: For personal growth, especially for women: first, love and accept yourself. This not only brings inner harmony but also makes you stronger, enriching your abilities and character.

Second, based on self-love and acceptance, don’t limit yourself. Avoid self-imposed boundaries in thinking or actions. Re-examine beliefs shaped since childhood. We live in an era where many things are being broken and reshaped; not setting limits might be the best attitude toward the future. Embracing change and exploring outward, it’s equally important to be at peace with oneself. Don’t lose yourself or make things difficult; always hold love and affirmation for yourself. Only then can you maintain a gentle yet firm heart amid a changing world.

Text by Wang Xinyu

Edited by Xu Nan