New York Life’s Ridhika Nayar and Christopher Mulch honored by Profiles in Leadership Journal.

New York Life | October 21, 2025

Celebrating leadership, resilience and the power of people.

New York Life’s Ridhika Nayar, Chief Financial Officer of Technology, Data, AI, Ventures, and Christopher Mulch, partner in our Tampa General Office, were recently recognized by Profiles in Leadership’s (PLJ) 2025 Women Worth Watching and Veteran Leadership lists, respectively. PLJ has honored individuals who have modeled outstanding leadership, mentored others and made meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

For Nayar, her leadership journey was built on three pillars — grit, courage and empathy. She noted in her profile, “Leadership, for me, has never been about titles, authority or accolades. It’s about showing up — especially when it’s hard. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the most authentic leadership grows not in moments of ease but in moments of challenge.”

Mulch credits his time in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger and in Special Operations for shaping his approach as a New York Life agent and partner, noting that decisions there needed to be made in seconds, often with incomplete information. “This environment sharpened my ability to assess risk quickly, make sound choices under pressure and lead with clarity,” he said in his profile. Although the stakes are different, Mulch said these qualities are just as important “when guiding clients through volatile markets or life-changing financial events.”

You can read the entire leadership award issue by visiting Profiles in Leadership or by visiting here for Nayar’s profile and here for Mulch’s profile.

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