The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 3 - 43

How did your career path begin and what
advice has helped you along the way?
You hear how people fell into insurance-well, in my case, I
decided to come to Toronto for a summer job to try it out. I fell
in love with Toronto and was excited with the decision to make
insurance my career.
I am so thankful that I received great advice along the way and
had incredible mentors who helped develop and strengthen
my skills. One advisor in particular really impressed me-I had
just finished my formal schooling and they said to get ahead, I
should define my expectations, absorb as much as possible by
continuing my education and pursue personal development.
That was it! I enrolled in insurance courses, attended seminars
and conferences, obtained my Canadian Risk Management
designation, obtained interprovincial licences and executive
education at Tuck Business School and Ivey. I joined specific
groups and associations for entrepreneurs and women in
business, sat on executive advisory groups and on board of
directors. All of this strengthened my voice, furthered my
education and gave me access to more opportunities.
What are three pieces of advice you would give
to women in the workplace?
Follow the simple ABCs:
Ask for help. Ask questions, use your voice, and listen!
Find a mentor and become a mentor. I enjoy being
a mentor for young businesswomen-sharing their
experiences while learning and embracing the mentees'
core values and personal direction, then helping to align
and empower their personal brand.
Be bold and brave. Speak up, ignite passion in what you
do and inspire others. Support one another, advocate
and share experiences along with successes. Equality
helps everyone by making a balanced society. Develop
your personal brand and stand out in a crowd by creating
a positive and lasting impression.
Challenges will come your way. Have the courage to
accept them. We learn from mistakes and change helps us
to succeed. Challenges bring clarity to what we really want
and how our path will lead. At a time of challenge always
revert to A and B, ask for help and be bold and brave.
Looking back, what has been the most
rewarding part of your career?
I would say when we opened the doors to our brokerage-
National Brokers Insurance was 100% women owned and we really
started from scratch. Starting any business comes with challenges,
including regulatory requirements, dealing with bureaucracy, and
finding the balance of working long hours while being mothers to
young children. Yet, there was a great deal of rewards during that
founding-from construction, to setting up the office's programs
and protocols, to obtaining insurer contracts, to hiring employees
and welcoming clients. We built it, we grew, and we are immensely
proud of our achievements. Our standards were clearly defined.
When employees succeed, we succeed. Our employees were
and continue to be of utmost importance to us. Our culture
fully engaged and empowered co-workers to pursue personal
development to better serve clients and achieve our company's full
potential. This all brings a smile to my face.
What keeps you excited about going to work
every day?
I enjoy the WIN! I like working on new business, programs and
projects. I enjoy putting everything I have learned and worked
for over the years to effective use. My network is inclusive, and
I am proud to have those contacts to work with. Trust is earned
and you must always treat your network with respect. It's a great
responsibility that is even more rewarding.
How do you stay on top of the ever‑changing
world of insurance?
I am a bit of a news junkie and that includes what is happening
in our industry. I rely on newsletters, magazines, news feeds,
e-blasts, conferences, podcasts and meetings. Keeping informed
keeps my mind open to new opportunities and developments.
What habit did you develop that was most
helpful to you throughout your career?
Reaching out to say thank you. Perhaps not a habit, but it is
something that I have been mindful to do each time I receive a
referral, assistance, an invitation or helping hand. Reputation is
extremely important and I believe it should include expressing
gratitude. Do not take a relationship for granted-a simple
gesture can go a long way.
" Be bold and brave.
Speak up, ignite passion
in what you do and
inspire others. Support
one another, advocate
and share experiences
along with successes. "
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 3
43
The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 3
