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Stories of Triumph that ‘Break the Bias’ on International Women’s Day

By Cassie Masone
Vice President, Flood Operations and Steering Committee member of Selective's Women at Work Initiative

The history of International Women's Day (IWD) spans more than 100 years, marking shifts in thought from across the globe about the role of women in society. The march toward gender equality – especially in the workplace – has shown the will and courage of women to impact spaces where they were previously outnumbered and unwelcomed.

Within the insurance industry, women outnumber men yet hold fewer leadership positions, according to this McKinsey study. As women continue to make strides, they are taking unique paths to success. In this blog post, we feature three women leaders who share their journeys as independent agent partners, including how they dealt with bias, built their careers, and pay it forward.

International Women's Day challenges everyone to 'break the bias' of long-held stereotypes and gender-based discrimination to move toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. Differences in thought, background, culture, and gender enrich our experiences and broaden our expectations of where excellence can be found.

Learn more about International Women's Day .

TIFFANY J. THOMAS, MBA

Owner and Principal Agent, Happy Insurance Group

This industry can be very tough for women, and a lot of bias exists. Let's face it, I am also a double minority in this business. I've learned over the years to be firm, no-nonsense, and unapologetic in the way I show up in rooms. I demand the respect I know I deserve. At the same time, I don't take myself too seriously. I allow who I am at heart to shine through because something about a person's authenticity will always win over the barriers put in their way.

I find a way to connect with everyone. I love finding common ground with people because if you can do that, you will always have something to talk about. In that, we have built a relationship-based business. There have been plenty of women who have poured into me, helping to build me into the professional I am today. Mentorship will always be important to me because it is imperative that once we are at the table, we create space for another woman to bring a chair.

For a number of years, I have hired new college graduates who all happened to be young women from a local university to work with us and give them a start post-college. Beyond what they've been able to bring to our Agency, being able to serve in the capacity of connecting them with key people, giving them an opportunity, and being a positive role model for them, far surpasses anything I can put a price tag on. For as long as I am able, I'll look forward to being a valuable resource for our customers, showing up for myself, and also being a light for the women who come behind me.

JACQUELYN ZAMPELLA

Vice President of Business Development, EAB Insurance Group

Being a young, female leader working alongside many men isn't without its challenges. Our Agency specializes in businesses traditionally run by men - construction, plumbing, auto repair shops, etc. Nine out of 10 accounts that I walk into were previously handled by men. I find that the respect afforded to men in our industry isn't automatically shown to women. Simply put: they don't think women are as knowledgeable about insurance in the trade fields. Because of this, I've learned to flex an attribute that women are known for– listening.

By asking the right questions and paying close attention to the answers, I show prospects and clients that I know what I'm talking about and earn their respect. I also answer tough questions and try not to shy away from difficult topics or discussions so I can show my confidence and decision-making skills. Our female leadership team knows the importance of fostering the confidence of our female-dominated office, so they can succeed and ultimately grow our Agency.

The Selective Women's Agency Leadership Initiative has created such a wonderful community for me to have female mentors, especially from the same industry, and it's a great way to build skills and knowledge.

TERRI MLOTEK

Senior Vice President, Heil & Heil Insurance Agency, LLC

Once upon a lifetime ago, I was told by a male supervisor, “don't ask questions; you wouldn't understand." His male ego spoke volumes. I've always felt somewhat overshadowed by the men in our industry. But there is a saying, "put effort into the Queen, for she can make moves a King cannot." Women have a sense of understanding that differs from men. With that, women will always find themselves equally as important as their male counterparts in the workplace.

I visited that same supervisor many years later with the simple words, "You can't afford to hire me now." I have always challenged the status quo and forged my path based on the desire to dispel the stereotypes and leave a lasting impression. Women hold great knowledge and power, and we shouldn't be considered less in any industry.

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