The world is becoming riskier, technology is becoming savvier and consumers are becoming smarter and more demanding.
In the midst of these changes, the insurance industry is facing both enormous challenge and enormous opportunity. The right leadership is critical. And, in every corner of the industry, women are stepping up to lead.
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From home office executives to risk management visionaries to inventive educators, women are helping shape an industry that is equipped to take the world by storm.
Here are 15 women in insurance you need to know:
Deborah Aldredge
Chief administrative officer
Farmers Insurance
LifeHealthPro: Why insurance? How did you get your start in the industry?
DA: I joined Farmers Insurance several years ago after spending the majority of my career in the wealth management industry. The insurance industry, in general, and Farmers, in particular, is going through a significant transition driven in large part by changes in the way customers engage with brands and by advances in how brands are incorporating technology into their traditional distribution and operational systems. These changes make it an exciting time to be part of this industry and I couldn't be more thrilled to be in the middle of it.
LHP: Describe what you do.
DA: I am chief administrative officer for Farmers Group, Inc., which means, in part, that no two days are ever alike. Things are always interesting, as I oversee human resources, the University of Farmers (yes, it's a real place), and risk, in addition to administrative oversight for the internal audit team.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge you see for the industry right now?
DA: I think we have a real challenge — and opportunity — when it comes to attracting and keeping millenials in our profession. As an industry, we've often been misunderstood as a business uninterested in technology or of looking backward more than forward. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. We need to work to change the face of the industry so it is more attractive to younger folks looking to enter the workplace. As an industry, we also have to be better at engaging with and understanding how we can make ourselves a more attractive industry — be it by creating paths that attract them better, by demonstrating more clearly our social responsibility efforts or by showing a stronger connection between what we really do and how it impacts the lives of everyone around them.
LHP: What excites you most about the insurance industry today?
DA: I think we are making a lot of exciting changes. I mentioned earlier the changes in consumer engagement with brands and evolving technologies. Additionally, we are working to bring new perspectives and competencies into the industry by developing more leadership opportunities for women and people of color.
Unlike the stereotype of our industry, things really are changing and it's a great time to be part of developing the strategies and work plans that will have a great impact on what our industry looks like in the future.
LHP: What one piece of advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
DA: Just do it. Any change in career is going to come with its ups and downs, but I can't tell you how great it's been to move over to insurance after such a long time in the wealth management industry. Don't be intimidated by the current status of a male dominated industry. We are working to change that, but we can't do it on our own. If there is something that interests you in insurance, go for it. Find a sponsor, put yourself out there and see how far you can go.
Alyssa Bouchard
Assistant executive director
American Association of Managing General Agents
LHP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AB: I was first made aware of careers in insurance when I was a student at Appalachian State University. I was a management major without a great deal of definition to my long-term career goals, until I discovered that one of the largest and highest quality risk management and insurance programs and Gamma Iota Sigma chapters in the country was a few doors down. A friend in the (risk management and insurance) program told me about the 95 percent job placement rate, plentiful scholarships and unique travel opportunities available to (risk management and insurance) majors. It was an easy sell, and I've been passionate about this industry ever since.
LHP: What responsibilities does your job entail?
AB: I work directly with AAMGA's executive director in implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the organization, and improving the benefits and services the organization provides to its members. AAMGA provides specialized learning opportunities and training to its member firms through University East, University West and Underwriting Boot Camp, and I work with the Education Committee to plan and execute those events. I serve as AAMGA liaison for our committees, and provide the support they need to meet their goals. I am responsible for AAMGA student outreach, which includes a strong partnership with Gamma Iota Sigma, regular communication with (risk management and insurance) professors across the country, creating job and internship interview opportunities for students at select AAMGA events, facilitation of the AAMGA Student White Paper Research Contest, and implementation of our new Underwriting Certificate program being designed for insurance students across the country.
LHP: What is an achievement that you are especially proud of?
AB: I am completing the requirements of the Institutes' CPCU designation, and anticipate confirming my successful completion of the program at the 2016 CPCU Society Annual Meeting in Hawaii. This is my proudest professional achievement.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge you see for the industry right now?
AB: Increasing consolidation is a challenging factor in the industry right now. M&A is on the rise in all segments of the industry. Investors are hungry for new opportunities, and the insurance industry is an attractive one. Many of the smaller firms are finding it increasingly difficult to compete, and large firms are getting larger. The industry always has and will continue to adapt, but this issue will be a pressing one as long as the economy improves and the number of eager buyers is high.
LHP: What excites you most about the insurance industry today?
AB: Our industry is addressing the talent gap head-on. Through involvement in Gamma Iota Sigma, revamped training programs, and more intentional student outreach efforts than ever before, companies are filling that talent gap with the best and brightest students in the business. This renewed commitment to young talent will maximize the potential of young entrepreneurs and companies in this industry.
LHP: What one piece of advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
AB: Do the "extras." Get involved in trade associations, speak to students on-campus, earn designations, and volunteer for industry-wide community service days. As you share your passion for your job and this industry with others and use that to build relationships, it will enrich your career immensely.
Lazetta Braxton
CFP and founder
Financial Fountains
LHP: Why did you get started in the financial industry?
LB: I was raised by young parents who always seemed to struggle with money. I always wondered if it was a matter of choices or access to people who could really give them guidance on personal finance.
So I majored in finance in college and became an auditor and eventually began working for Brown Capital management in Baltimore, which is an investment management firm. The owner was an African American investment manager, and at the time, had $5 billion in assets under management. I worked as his personal executive assistant and as a portfolio administrator. He took me under his wing, and as a high-net-worth individual, I also got exposed to some of the planning. Obviously as a portfolio manager, I got more exposure to investments.
LHP: What are you most passionate about, when it comes to how the industry helps people manage their finances?
LB: For me, financial planning is rooted in education. So what I see the industry embracing more is advice and not just investment management. For my practice, it really is a holistic approach to what people's goals are, how they want to live and how many resources they have to help support their lifestyle by factoring in trade-offs. For me it's a no-judgement zone, it's bringing what we didn't get in formal education, taking out the shame and guilt of what you think you should have known and even some of the choices you are proud of and some that you may not be proud of. It's having a partner that can take the mystery out of financial planning and make it really practical so you can enjoy life.
LHP: Do you think there should be more financial education, at least on the basics, in high school?
LB: I think we should be educating even before high school. I have a 10-year-old daughter and for her STEM project, she's looking at if children younger than 13 should be able to have a checking account. When she was younger, she wanted an American Girl doll, so I told her you can get a knock-off at Target for $20 versus paying $100 for an actual American Girl doll. So she's thinking through the basics of budgeting and common expenses.
I think the education should start way before high school and even before her age. In third and fourth grade at her school, they talked about interest rates. Those concepts have to start early. In college, personal finance becomes an elective and if people are trying to cram in what they actually need, they're not going to take personal finance unless they're really passionate about it.
LHP: OK, describe what you do on a day-to-day basis.
LB: At its core, my practice is a holistic planning practice. I call it four-course planning. So we're looking at goal setting, debt management, cash flow, estate planning, investment planning, retirement planning, college planning, etc. We also cover the outliers such as if someone was to get married, we look at how couples can merge finances, how they can buy a home. These are sub-tiers of the main core planning.
We work together for 12 months so we build in different things monthly. It helps the system because you're not overloaded with money upfront, and you're not overloaded with information. Some planners like to do the plan within the first three months. I changed from that because it was just too much data and some people were fatigued by all the information. You're taking on in essence classes because we're walking through these topics, you're looking at data, we're doing analysis, and we're having conversations. So I wanted to make it feel very approachable and not overwhelming.
Then I also have what I call my bite-size planning, which is for people who may have one topic area. This is ideal for folks who are just getting started and people who are maybe want me to help them set up employee benefits, which is the core of your financial planning. It's also for someone who wants to launch a business and want to launch their cash flow. So we don't focus on more than two to three planning areas [for these clients].
Then as a third type of area is investment management, and I do have people who just have it as a standalone. I also do workplace education with the goal of bringing financial planning and education to a mass group of people.
LHP: Share an achievement you're especially proud of.
LB: I think generally being recognized as a person who's been committed to an underrepresented population. My passion is creating room and space for people to showcase their strengths and be part of the conversation. And I think because of that I've been recognized as an FPA diversity scholarship winner; I've also served as a chair on their committee. Now I'm president of the Association of African American Financial Advisors. I'm also on the Grant's committee because I've been active in the community. I get to be a part of things that my other colleagues really can't do because they are working with someone else. I always hope that I'm empowering people to shape conversations in their own offices or workplaces. It is risky putting yourself out there in a space that may or may not have a lot of traction. The topic of women has gained a lot of traction but talking about people of color is still pretty risky. Not a lot of people are tackling it head-on when it comes to how it affects our industry.
LHP: What do you see as the biggest challenge for industry, particularly with diversity within the industry?
LB: So let's talk about the evolution of rights. Women came before people of color in terms of rights and other populations. Women are kind of the hot spot right now because they are seen as the CFOs of the households, and they are often breadwinners of the household now. I think the lag the industry is feeling in terms of people of color having significant wealth is delayed. We are seeing stats from the business bureau that demographics are changing pretty rapidly. With that lag there is less exposure. So ,when you think about succession planning, you usually go where you're comfortable and pick people who are like you. But there aren't a lot of options for minorities.
LHP: What excites you the most about the industry?
LB: That millennials are forcing us to be tech-savvy. Millennials like advice. They want things immediately, which is forcing the industry to be more engaging with our clients, to actively be part of the financial journey. They are also requesting more value out of the relationship.
LHP: What's one piece of advice you'd give to women looking to enter the industry?
LB: I would say have a deep reserve of people who you trust and who understand where you want to go. Because a lot of women come with a lot of energy and competence, which gets defused very quickly if you're not careful because the industry is still trying to embrace us. Those conversation partners have really helped me through my career.
KC: It was really just by chance. In graduate school (MA in economics, MBA) I focused on macroeconomic modeling and statistical analysis, and I loved building statistical models on the computer. As I was finishing up my degrees, I went to just one job interview and it sounded great to me. It was at Commercial Union Insurance Co. (CU), and the position was a research associate in a small internal consulting department. The responsibilities included building models to aid in decision making.
One of my first projects was to help CU decide if they had too much exposure to hurricanes. I started building the first hurricane model there and became passionate about the potential for catastrophe models in the industry. Insurers have the most to gain from this technology.
LHP: Describe what you do.
KC: I've built companies to create catastrophe models and other risk management tools for the insurance industry. What drives me is developing advanced scientific models and software solutions to help companies make better decisions with respect to extreme event losses.
In order to do this, I first have to figure out the most appropriate models for insurers — why and how they will use the tools. That requires extensive and open-minded listening to underwriters, risk officers, portfolio managers, CEOs and other senior management. What are their struggles and what would they like to have?
Then, it's building the right teams that will share the vision for the future and execute the plan. Finally, it takes a lot of client education and training to embed the new tools into key decision-making processes.
It takes a lot, but I love challenges and solving problems — especially when people say it's impossible. I don't believe in that word and it really drives me when I hear it.
LHP: Share an achievement you're especially proud of.
KC: Of course, one of my most important achievements was building the first catastrophe model and the first catastrophe modeling company — AIR. It was challenging to build the models and a company, but it was even more difficult to convince the industry to use these advanced scientific tools for catastrophe risk management. (This was in the late 1980s when the nearly 100 percent male and London-dominated reinsurance industry thought they had everything figured out.) I take some of the credit for that, but credit also goes to Hurricane Andrew — the event that proved our models right and demonstrated how important they are.
I'm even more proud of what my new company, Karen Clark & Co., is doing. We're introducing to the market the first open loss-modeling platform that gives insurers complete transparency on the catastrophe models and control over the model assumptions. These new models have the power to radically transform the industry in more positive ways than the first generation of models.
I never thought I'd build models again, but after once again listening to insurers and the challenges key decision makers have with the first generation models, it became clear to me that the catastrophe models could be improved significantly.
It's turning out to be even more challenging to re-invent the cat modeling industry than it was to create it in the first place. So I'm glad I still have unwavering persistence when I know I have a good idea and the right vision for the future.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge for the industry right now?
KC: Obviously, the industry has to continue innovating, and do so more quickly, to keep up with rapidly changing technology and expanding threats to society.
For example, catastrophe losses continue to rise due to human activities (building in harm's way as well as climate change), and new potential catastrophes are becoming more likely, such as cyber. These losses are gaining an increasingly large share of the total.
Historically, the industry has shied away from exposures that are difficult to understand — earthquakes and floods, for example — and as a result insurers are covering a shrinking portion of exposures. In the U.S., less than 50 percent of potential catastrophe losses are privately insured — outside the U.S. and in many developing economies, the proportion is much lower.
To maintain relevance, the industry needs to offer new solutions and work with regulators and governments to better protect societies from extreme events. These solutions can include new insurance products, mitigation and recovery initiatives.
LHP: What excites you most about the insurance industry today?
KC: The world is becoming riskier. Because the insurance industry helps businesses and individuals deal with this risk, the opportunities for the industry are growing. There will always be interesting challenges to tackle. For example, there are new private initiatives to cover flood exposures — I hope we see more.
LHP: What's one piece of advice you'd give to women looking to enter the industry?
KC: First, know what you want. It's much easier to get there when you know exactly where you want to go. Plan your strategy based on your goals (personal and professional).
Have confidence in communicating what you want. Be your own best advocate, promoter and marketing rep.
Finally, be flexible but persistent. Things may not, probably will not, work out exactly the way you envision, and you may have to make a few zigs and zags. But as long as you're moving in the right direction, keep going.
This industry can be a bit stodgy and slow to change. But on the positive side, it's stable and provides many opportunities along with enormous benefits to society. It's also filled with good, honorable people.
Mary Ann Cook
Senior vice president,
knowledge resources and content development
The Institutes
LHP: How did you get your start in the industry?
MAC: As a child, I had every intention of becoming an archaeologist. It wasn't until I began working for my dad on summer breaks from school that insurance started to gain my attention. I would listen to the way he advised them, always being honest and fair, and hear how much they trusted him in return.
I learned that, in the best of times, insurance and benefits are the things you don't think about at all. But when things go wrong, as they inevitably do — sometimes badly so — it's vitally important to have the right people, the right advice and the right companies there to support you.
After I saw the difference my dad was able to make in other people's lives, one account at a time, King Tut couldn't hold a candle to that! I was hooked.
LHP: Describe what you do.
MAC: I am responsible for the groups that design, revise, and develop the content that goes into The Institutes' solutions — be they a custom-created online course, a technical certification in claims, or a designation program like Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) or Associate in Risk Management (ARM). I also develop and deliver presentations, seminars and webinars, serve on industry panels and write articles, interacting with risk management and insurance professionals across the country.
LHP: Name an achievement you are especially proud of.
MAC: I have done my share of balancing work life with family. I earned my MBA with honors while being responsible for providing elder care to my parents, who were stricken with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. This is one achievement I am really proud of. I could not have done it without the support of my family, as well as the support of the Institutes' "family." It is with the help of others that we can achieve more both personally and professionally.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge you see in the industry right now?
MAC: The accelerating rate of change, particularly in the area of technology, makes it hard for companies to maintain competitive levels of innovation and at the same time manage customers' expectations. But there is a bright side to technology. Data analytics, and the actionable information we derive from it, enable insurers to better target specific markets of opportunity, detect fraud, hone pricing, manage risk, and understand and predict customer behaviors.
LHP: What excites you most about the insurance industry today?
MAC: Disruption and change bring potential. Every time I give a talk to current industry professionals or speak to a group of young people about the many career opportunities available to them in our business, I tell them that I have never seen as much potential in our industry as I see today. In terms of emerging talent, new technologies and an increasingly diverse and inclusive leadership field — I have never been more excited to be a part of who we are, what we do, and who we do it for. The sky is the limit for us and the people we serve!
LHP: What advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
MAC: Watch and listen. Work with a coach who will help guide you on your path. Stay humble and be willing to understand from her or him what ultimately will work best for you.
Learn. Never stop growing and learning as a professional. Don't just do "the minimum" to get by. You are selling yourself — and your clients — short. The enrichment that comes with continual professional development, whether through attending webinars and seminars, joining a professional association (such as, in my case for example, the CPCU Society), or completing professional certifications and designations, will only help you achieve greater credibility with your peers and enable you to provide the best value you can to your customers.
In the last couple of years I decided to test myself even further and, with the support of the Institutes, decided to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership.
And make a difference. Part of the responsibility of leadership is helping others, so as you grow and develop and look ahead, don't forget to look around and see who else can use a helping hand in her or his career. Make that difference.
Diane Dixon
Owner
Faith Focus Follow-Through Coaching
DD: I guess I could say I have two starts. The first was when I was 19 years old. I was in Chattanooga, Tenn., living with my sister, and her insurance agent, Dave Corrie, called and asked if she knew anyone who could answer his phone for a couple of weeks and she volunteered me.
After two weeks and some changes on his team, he offered me a position and I took it. I had been working with him for a couple of months, when I recall him standing here talking to me one day — this was back in the late '70s — and he said, "Diane, if you get in here and bust your fanny and learn all you can learn, you can go anywhere." And I remember thinking, "Gosh, I can work hard, and I like to learn. And going anywhere sounds pretty good." I was green and hungry and needed a path, so I took that one. I had taken a break from college and called my mom and told her I wanted to give the industry a shot, and she in her wisdom said, "OK, I support that, but if it doesn't work out, you need to go back and finish school." I agreed.
From 19 until I was 26, I worked in a variety of roles at different agencies. At 26 I was actually a recruiter, working for the same man who had offered me my first job in the industry. And so I recruited myself to be an advisor. I set up a luncheon at one of his favorite lunch spots, and told him I had an advisor for him to meet that I thought he would love. He showed up and it was me. So they gave me a contract; I don't think they could really say no to that! That was in 1985.
The thing that I remember thinking as I watched Dave Corrie is, "Wow, I love this man's lifestyle, I love the relationships that he has with his clients, I especially like the flexibility because he had great control of his schedule, so if I can work really hard and go anywhere, why wouldn't I take this opportunity?"
LHP: Describe what you do.
DD: Fifteen years ago I launched my coaching practice. I help my clients, financial advisors, get clear about the what and why of what they really want. I help them focus on their strengths and what's important. I give them guidance that is designed to move them closer to their teams. I work to improve commitment and performance.
LHP: Share an achievement you are especially proud of.
DD: I'm very proud of the fact that I recruited myself to the industry back when there were very few women in that role. I had never been in sales, I was in a new community without existing relationships, and I qualified for MDRT my first year. I did that by working a system, putting in the work and keeping the faith. The first nine months it was all about the grind. But by the end of the year I had qualified for Round Table, and it was because I did the grind.
A second thing I'm proud of is that I left my core financial services practice — a successful practice — and I went to our home office to launch and lead what was known as our women's agent initiative. We had very strong success in recruiting and retention. Our net growth of women tripled while I was there.
But what I am most proud of is making those extra phone calls and following up when people told me "no" the first time and challenging clients to do the right thing and refusing to back off of recommendations when I knew they were right. Today, I still receive notes from clients thanking me for the work I've done that has made a huge difference in their lives and in their families' lives. I haven't been in sales for 15 years, and I still receive these notes. I think that is a powerful testament to the impact of the work we do.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge you see for the industry right now?
DD: I don't know if it's the biggest, but I think growing and keeping a strong distribution system is a big challenge for the industry. We need to purposefully and successfully recruit and develop women, Latinos and other markets. The talent pool has changed, but our field force is still very heavily weighted toward white males. It's going to be hard to grow and keep a strong distribution system if we don't go to those other channels. We can't continue to grow and thrive unless we successfully and purposefully grow those talent pools, because the marketplace wants us to as well.
LHP: What excites you most about the insurance industry today?
DD: This career stands the test of time. From the first time I walked in the door of that insurance agency when I was 19 years old to today, at 58 years old, I've watched it stand the test of time. Through various changes in our world, through technology and competitive challenges, it stands the test of time. Robots aren't going to replace us. What we do is still an eyeball-to-eyeball business. That's most exciting. It's an industry you can count on.
LHP: What one piece of advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
DD: Come. Do it. If you do, you will find great support.
I think when women come into this industry, because it's still highly dominated by men, it's really important to find a good mentor. Get connected with Women in Insurance and Financial Services, with Million Dollar Round Table or National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. All of these organizations are interested in helping women come into this industry and have a great experience. On a related note, I would challenge women entering this industry to ask for what they want and need, to teach leadership how to inspire them. This industry cares. We want them to be their best, but we're just not always the best at asking what they need to succeed. I want women to be really supported, and part of that responsibility is feeling empowered to ask for what they want and teaching leadership how to support them.
Paula Downey
President and CEO
CSAA Insurance Group
LHP: Why insurance? How did you get your start in the industry?
PD: I joined AAA as a high school intern in claims and loved the experience of helping people. Starting in a customer-facing role gave real meaning to what the business was about, and I was hooked. And, I was fortunate to join a great brand, AAA, that cared for its members and employees. I was supported in my pursuit of education from earning my bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Michigan, Dearborn, through my MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I stayed with AAA because the organization's values align with my core values and I am proud to lead an organization that exists to support AAA policyholders during their time of need.
LHP: Describe what you do.
PD: Every day, I have the privilege of leading a values-based organization that is committed to serving AAA members and clubs by making insurance simple, proactive and personal. I work to ensure that we have a winning strategy and culture, and the best talent so we're best positioned for continued success in an ever-changing marketplace.
LHP: Share an achievement of which you are especially proud.
PD: I'm really proud of the progress we've made to transform our company to ensure that we have a scalable and agile platform (technology, product and people) to enable growth and innovation. We have new products, policy and claims administration systems, data, digital and CRM capabilities to drive greater value for AAA and our members. We're working to increase our speed to market of innovative products and create the perfect customer experience. These capabilities are essential to compete in a marketplace that is evolving faster than ever.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge you see for the industry right now?
PD: The insurance industry needs to be more adaptable and ready to meet change. For example, we need to:
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Keep pace with digital technology to meet customer expectations, which are increasingly defined by companies outside the insurance industry.
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Leverage data to create products and services targeted to more refined customer segments.
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Ensure customer data is safe from increasingly sophisticated hackers.
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Build an innovative culture that enables a company to quickly respond to — or even create — changes in the marketplace.
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Attract diverse talent to the insurance industry, including millennials.
Within each challenge lies an opportunity if we are adaptable and forward-thinking as an industry.
LHP: What excites you most about the insurance industry today?
PD: We have the chance to showcase our industry's expertise and resiliency in how we respond and adapt to emerging innovations and technologies that are impacting our business. As we have in the past, the industry must adapt to the needs of our customers and the market, and it's an exciting challenge.
LHP: What one piece of advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
PD: I'd really encourage everyone, including women, to consider a career in the insurance industry because it's an exciting and fast-paced industry that provides a wide variety of career opportunities.
Lives and livelihoods get rebuilt following loss thanks to the insurance industry, and it's important to note that our industry supplies the products and services that enable businesses to function and innovate, companies to grow, and individuals to thrive.
It's critical that the industry better reflects the communities we serve and that's why we need to continue to engage, educate and enlist the next generation to join the insurance industry. It's a place where individuals can work together to make a collective impact.
