Women of influence in positions of power within the industry will not only attract qualified women to insurance, but ensure the success of the industry, says panel.
“Developing female leaders has made a great impact on the success of our business, the leadership within our industry and the workforce,” said Joyce Usher-Mesiano, president of National Brokers Insurance Services. “I must congratulate Economical Insurance for their breakthrough insight on women’s leadership and for helping to re-think how mentorship, leadership and culture effectively impacts job satisfaction, the customer experience and, inevitably, the growth and profitability of the company.”
The fifth annual leadership conference Women’s Leadership Network conference held yesterday in Orangeville, Ont., featured a panel discussion with four brokerage leaders.
Those leaders included Joyce Usher-Mesiano, president of National Brokers Insurance Services Inc. and president of Monarch Intermediaries Inc.; Wendy Dasilva, president & CEO of Cornerstone Insurance Brokers; Danielle Tisi, owner of McLean & Dickey Ltd.; and Jennifer MacLeod, director of marketing and development at MacLeod Lorway.
“Our Women’s Leadership Network continues to be recognized as a key differentiator in attracting highly qualified women to Economical,” said Karen Gavan, president and CEO. “The success of this development program has directly contributed to the depth of leadership capability we have among women throughout the company.”
Encouraging and supporting women in power sends a message that young women can rise through the ranks and find success in insurance, said Wendy Dasilva, president & CEO of Cornerstone Insurance Brokers. “It is important that we openly recognize and develop female leaders in our industry” said Dasilva. “It delivers a powerful message to young women that they have choices and can be anything that they wish to be.”
The 80-member strong Women’s Leadership Network was developed in 2010 and has supported the development and promotion of women into leadership roles across the enterprise. Through an integrated talent strategy, Economical identifies, assesses, acquires and develops female leaders to meet strategic goals.
According to Economical, the network provides a forum where female leaders share best practices and engage in generative dialogue on business challenges unique to women.
