Mike Beals
Associate vice president, finance, Principal Financial Group
Age: 37
Education: University of Iowa, Master of Business Administration, finance certificate; Iowa State University, Bachelor of Science, accounting
Wife: Erica Beals
Children: Brooks Beals and Kaylee Beals
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
Worked closely with CEO, CFO and CRO in execution of consequential enterprise transactions, most notably Principal’s $25 billion reinsurance transaction with Talcott Financial Group.
Passionate for recruiting and developing talent, having led Principal’s firmwide financial analyst recruiting and internship program.
Serve as finance committee chair for the Principal Charity Classic, raising $73 million for Iowa’s children including a record $10.6 million raised in 2025.
Board member of Meals from the Heartland, delivering over 20 million meals annually to combat childhood hunger.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Growing up as the son of two public school teachers, I once planned to follow their path. Though my career evolved differently, I discovered that even outside a classroom learning never stops, and that teaching, mentoring and developing others is where I find my greatest purpose.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
I decided early to try new things, give my best effort and seek mentors willing to invest in me and ensure I was worth that investment through grit and follow-through. That mindset helped me learn faster, build trust and opened the door to opportunities that matched my growth.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Professionally, to continue tackling meaningful problems alongside great people while coaching and developing others. Personally, I hope to do the same at home for my wife and two kids, helping them discover and embrace their passions and being their biggest cheerleader in everything they do.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I am continuing to refine how I balance high standards with trust, providing guidance and mentorship while empowering my team to take ownership, grow their skills and deliver results. My goal is to inspire excellence without over-managing, creating space for initiative, learning and meaningful impact.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Find mentors who challenge and support you. Work hard, take risks, ask questions and trust that curiosity, grit and consistent effort will accelerate your growth and open opportunities.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Some might see it as a development habit, but I intentionally de-prioritize email as an urgent form of communication. My team knows there are other ways to reach me, which frees time for focused work and dedicated conversations, allowing me to be present, responsive and effective where it matters most.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
I reject the view that excellence is measured by polished outputs. Instead measured by the quality of dialogue between decision-makers and those responsible for execution, and the timely, confident decisions that follow.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Continue advancing initiatives like the Career Ready Workforce by the Iowa Business Council and the Legacy Project sponsored by the Principal Charity Classic, which prepare Iowa youth for future employment. At the same time, it’s critical to invest in vibrant office experiences that encourage experienced professionals and newer employees to work alongside one another, fostering learning by observation and professional growth. While flexible and hybrid work models offer important benefits, balancing them with engaging in-person environments will help ensure Des Moines continues to attract and retain strong talent.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’ve played 15 top 100 U.S. golf courses, but my two holes-in-one came at Des Moines’ own Willow Creek and Bright Grandview — luck clearly prefers the local tracks.
Hobbies: Golfing, watching our favorite sports teams, youth activities and family time.
What is one word that best describes you?
Intentional.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
The red velvet cake at Simon’s, regardless of what you ordered for your main course.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Discovering the unintended influence of “Home Alone” when my almost 4-year-old started greeting strangers with one of its most memorable lines.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Opening day of the Iowa State Fair with my family (yes – we’re those people).
What is your go-to snack?
Dot’s Pretzels.