March is Women’s History Month and we’re celebrating the amazing women in our community in departments throughout this issue! In writing this column, I reflected on my own journey and the landscape for women in our industry today. Although so much has changed in the past three decades, we still have a ways to go. Women make up just 7% of insurance sector CEOs. On the flip side, we hold 40% of board seats in insurance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And 30 years ago, I never believed I would see the day where 104 women in the insurance industry are promoted to manager for every 100 men—which is higher on average than other industries. Now that’s worth celebrating!
My career path has followed a long twisting road paved with hard work, fascinating learning opportunities, and, most importantly, fun—from arguing before the Ohio Supreme Court one month after passing the bar to stepping into my role as CEO of CLM. I am so grateful that, along the way, I benefittedfrom the encouragement, support, and guidance of so many people, including my family, friends, and professional colleagues. While the proverb, “It takes a village” is usually applied to child rearing, I believe it really applies to how we as a world community come together to support and lift one another. In hopes that my experience can be of value, I would like to pass on my top five things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Ensure you have subject matter competence and substantive expertise.
2. Be yourself. Lead with emotional intelligence.
3. Develop and maintain relationships. Be the person that others talk about positively when you’re not in the room.
4. Have a good work-life balance, so you bring a whole person to the table.
5. And most importantly, be kind.
These learnings apply to everyone, not just women. And the “it takes a village” approach means women showing up for themselves, supporting each other, and men creating space for women and the unique perspectives we bring. As you flip through this issue and read about the wonderful women in our industry, I encourage you to pause and reflect on what we can all do to celebrate and support women, no matter where we are in our journey.