In business landscape, true leadership is defined by vision, adaptability, and the ability to turn strategy into action. For Cheada Lao, President & CEO of Allied Administrators, these qualities have been the driving force behind her career journey. With a keen focus on operational excellence, IT infrastructure, and product strategy, she has leveraged over a decade of experience in Third Party Administration to propel Allied Administrators forward.
Since joining the company in 2017, Lao has been committed to continuous growth, innovation, and client satisfaction—prioritizing technical leadership and strategic team building to foster long-term success. Holding an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California, she has seamlessly blended her expertise in business and technology to lead with purpose.
“I am a person who is always looking ahead, and that has played a large role in my career and where I am today at Allied Administrators,” Lao reflects. Her early experience in product management laid the foundation for understanding how to align strategic vision with day-to-day execution. Completing her MBA further amplified her influence in areas like strategy, finance, and organizational development—ultimately shaping her into the dynamic leader she is today.
A Leader Who Turns Chaos into Clarity
Leadership is not about going it alone—it’s about fostering collaboration, empowering others, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Cheada embodies this philosophy, bringing both confidence and adaptability to every situation. Never one to shy away from stepping up, the ability to take charge comes naturally. However, true leadership, as Cheada has learned, is not about doing it all single-handedly but about recognizing the strength in collective effort.
Early experiences shaped this perspective, reinforcing the importance of turning discord into direction. Every voice holds weight, and the key lies in active listening—understanding not just the words spoken, but the intent behind them. By prioritizing clarity amid complexity, informed decisions emerge, ensuring progress that benefits the entire team.
Operating with this mindset has proven transformational. Creating an environment where contributions are acknowledged and valued fosters a culture of innovation and trust. When individuals feel heard, they are more engaged, and what once seemed insurmountable becomes achievable.
Leading Through Change and Uncertainty
Change is rarely welcomed with open arms. Human nature gravitates toward the familiar, finding comfort in routine. Yet, effective leadership demands guiding organizations through discomfort, ensuring adaptability becomes second nature. For Cheada, this means fostering a culture where resilience is ingrained, and uncertainty is met with confidence rather than hesitation.
Transparency stands at the core of this approach. Open and honest communication—whether delivering good news or addressing difficult realities—builds trust. A commitment to direct, candid dialogue ensures that every team member feels informed and valued. More importantly, this culture of honesty is mutual, strengthening a workplace where collaboration flourishes.
Preparedness is another cornerstone of success. From the outset, Cheada and the leadership team took proactive steps to build a resilient organization. Strategic investments in automation and performance-tracking tools have streamlined operations, while carefully refined processes enhance efficiency. Disaster recovery and business continuity plans were designed, tested, and refined to ensure stability in any scenario. A well-trained workforce, coupled with the ability to scale rapidly, provides the agility needed to navigate shifting conditions.
While uncertainty remains a constant, the organization thrives by relying on a carefully crafted playbook—one that balances structure with flexibility. Challenges may arise unexpectedly, but with a clear strategy and the right resources in place, no obstacle feels insurmountable. Through decisive leadership, forward-thinking preparation, and an unwavering commitment to transparency, Cheada continues to lead teams with confidence, turning unpredictability into opportunity.
Adapting to the Unexpected
Stepping into a leadership role presents challenges under any circumstances, but for Cheada, the transition came with an added layer of complexity—taking the helm at Allied Administrators just three weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown. Practically overnight, the organization was forced to shift to a fully remote work model in a highly regulated industry that had long relied on onsite operations.
Navigating this unprecedented disruption required swift, strategic decision-making. Together with the leadership team, Cheada spearheaded the rapid deployment of essential technology and infrastructure, ensuring business continuity without compromising compliance. Transparent communication became a cornerstone of the response, fostering trust among employees, clients, and partners. Processes and procedures were restructured to support a remote workforce, allowing operations to remain seamless despite the shifting landscape.
The experience reinforced invaluable leadership lessons—chief among them, the power of resilience. By focusing on what could be controlled, rather than dwelling on uncertainty, the team successfully steered the organization through one of its most challenging periods. These principles continue to shape Cheada’s approach today, serving as a reminder that adaptability, clear communication, and decisive action are the foundations of effective leadership in any crisis.
Prioritizing What Matters Most
Striking the right balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being is a continuous challenge, but for Cheada, it comes down to intentional prioritization. Maintaining a sense of equilibrium requires dedicating time to what truly matters—whether that’s exercise, family, or close friends—ensuring a strong foundation outside of work.
Establishing boundaries is equally critical. Disconnecting from work-related communications after hours allows for much-needed rest and rejuvenation, preventing burnout and enhancing long-term productivity. Just as important is the ability to say “no” when necessary, making deliberate choices that align with both personal and professional goals.
Cultivating a Motivated and Engaged Team
A thriving organization is built on a foundation of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous growth. At the core of Cheada’s leadership idea is the commitment to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and aligned with company values.
Open communication is a key driver of engagement. Encouraging the free exchange of ideas across all levels of the organization ensures that every voice is heard, fostering innovation and inclusivity. Beyond communication, autonomy plays a critical role—team members are given the freedom to take ownership of projects and make informed decisions, instilling a strong sense of accountability and pride in their work.
Investment in professional development is another pillar of success. Through mentorship, targeted training, and leadership programs, employees are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to advance both personally and professionally. This commitment to growth not only strengthens the organization but also cultivates a high-performing team driven by purpose and shared success.
Aligning Actions with Vision for Sustainable Success
Success is not just about setting ambitious goals—it’s about ensuring that every action taken today contributes to the broader vision for the future. Cheada emphasizes a balanced approach, where the team focuses on achieving quick, measurable wins—such as improving response times and enhancing customer satisfaction—while she steers long-term strategic initiatives like expanding business lines and integrating emerging technologies.
By breaking down high-level objectives into clear, actionable steps and consistently tracking progress, the organization maintains momentum without losing sight of its larger mission. This method fosters continuous innovation, drives sustainable growth, and ensures that every effort translates into lasting value for clients. Through this approach, Cheada and her team build a future-ready business, where agility and long-term vision work in tandem to shape success.
Embracing AI and Automation
The need for technological advancement in the insurance industry has been evident for some time, and Cheada is encouraged to see broader acknowledgment and support for innovation. As the sector evolves, significant strides are being made to modernize legacy processes that have long hindered efficiency.
Automation has already streamlined day-to-day operations, but the true game-changer lies in the integration of artificial intelligence. When designed and deployed effectively, AI has the potential to amplify these efficiency gains exponentially. Cheada envisions AI as a tool not only to drive business growth but also to enhance the client experience—accelerating data analysis, refining decision-making, and enabling swift, informed action.
By embracing intelligent automation, the industry can unlock new levels of scalability, responsiveness, and precision, positioning itself for a future where innovation and customer-centricity go hand in hand.
Paying It Forward
For Cheada, mentorship is more than a responsibility—it’s a core value. Having benefited from the guidance of mentors throughout her career, she is committed to giving back by helping others find their own path to success.
She dedicates regular time for one-on-one coaching, offering support and strategic insights to help team members navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Beyond direct mentorship, she actively connects employees with experienced leaders within the organization and her broader professional network, ensuring they have access to diverse perspectives and expertise.
However, mentorship goes beyond simply offering advice. Cheada sees it as a means of fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth—one where individuals feel supported, empowered, and equipped to reach their full potential. By prioritizing development at every level, she ensures that success is not just personal but shared across the entire organization.
Strategic Decisions for Growth
For Cheada, risk-taking is not about impulse or individual ambition—it is a calculated and strategic necessity for innovation and progress. In leadership, she believes that playing it safe equates to stagnation; true growth comes from making bold yet informed decisions that push the organization forward.
Her approach to risk is rooted in context and foresight. Every decision is made with a clear understanding of its broader impact, ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term vision. Before taking action, she gathers insights from all levels of the company, valuing every perspective as part of the decision-making process. No voice is too small, and collective intelligence strengthens her ability to take smart, measured risks.
For those looking to take calculated risks in their careers, Cheada’s guidance is clear: Do your homework. Seek out diverse viewpoints, analyze the potential outcomes, and be intentional about when and where to make bold moves. By combining knowledge with courage, leaders can drive meaningful change while maintaining a steady course toward success.
Lifelong Learning, Adaptability, and Leadership
In a world defined by constant change, Cheada sees lifelong learning and adaptability as non-negotiable qualities for any leader. The ability to embrace new ideas and evolve with shifting landscapes is essential not just for professional success, but for making a meaningful impact on those around her.
True leadership, she believes, is about empowerment—fostering an environment where others can grow, innovate, and contribute to a shared vision. Whether navigating uncertainty, driving transformation, or cultivating a culture of collaboration, the lessons she has learned continue to shape her approach to leadership and relationships.
For aspiring female leaders, Cheada’s advice is clear: Stay grounded in your values, view challenges as stepping stones for growth, and surround yourself with mentors and sponsors who can offer guidance along the way. Most importantly, never hesitate to speak up, take risks, and assert your presence—your perspective is not only valuable, but a powerful force for change.
