#PRUStories #Pride2022 #WeDoFamLove For Pru Life UK agent Mark Nino Ong, what started as a happy crush in grade school turned out to be the beginning of his way to self-discovery. To help understand his feelings at that time, he turned to his strong group of core friends. When he finally had the courage to tell others of his true identity, his mom cried, not because she was against it, but because she was happy that Mark finally accepted his real self. Although his friends and family were supportive when he came out, he admits that fighting his self-doubts and thinking about what other people will say were the most difficult parts of the process. Since then, Mark learned to be more courageous. As a financial advisor and now branch manager, he brings this Prudential value with him. “My clients appreciate it more that I’m honest and courageous. I offer them my good service, and gender shouldn’t be a problem. Coming out helped me strive for more in life, become more successful, and become the best version of myself,” he said. Mark’s driving force in fulfilling his mission as a financial advisor is to travel around the world. He also appreciates working for a company that supports him and his fellow members. “I’m happy that I belong to a company that does not stop us from expressing our thoughts and beliefs. Pru Life UK has always supported us with our branch projects. They encourage us to have a fun and happy working environment. As a branch manager, I believe Pru Life UK is open to colorful and exciting ideas that can also connect to the members of LGBTQ.”