Overcomeandinspire.com, Career path, Relationships & More
Introduction to Overcomeandinspire.com
Tracie Wynn, the vivacious CEO and founder of Women of Insurance (WOI), embodies enthusiasm, fervour, and determination. WOI is dedicated to strengthening women in the insurance industry. The association has over 15,000 members from a variety of insurance lines.
The group is dedicated to giving women access to networking, support, and training programs so they may advance into leadership positions.
Wynn began her journey in life insurance about a decade ago after more than 20 years in sales. However, transitioning into insurance was more challenging than any sales role she had previously experienced.According to Wynn, “navigating the insurance industry was a difficult space to navigate.”“It wasn’t easy to find trustworthy guidance or decide which career direction to pursue. Those first few years were tough, and I struggled to find the training and support I needed.”
This struggle inspired the creation of Women of Insurance. What began as Wynn’s personal quest for support evolved into a thriving organization dedicated to guiding women in their insurance careers. Based in the U.S., WOI has grown significantly and is set to expand into Canada in 2024. Its membership spans a diverse array of insurance sectors, from commercial property and casualty to life and health. As Wynn emphasizes, WOI welcomes all women working in the insurance industry.
One of the key objectives of WOI is to help women identify the right niche for their skill sets within the insurance field. “Each line of insurance demands a unique set of skills to excel,” Wynn explains. She notes that some women may struggle in one insurance area, such as life insurance, only to thrive once they switch to a different sector, like commercial P&C.
WOI strives to provide everything women need to succeed—whether it’s through guidance, training, or connecting them to valuable opportunities. “We aim to reduce the high turnover rate in the insurance industry,” Wynn states. She attributes much of the turnover to a lack of support, poor fit with job roles, and insufficient career direction. By tackling these issues, WOI helps women manage the responsibilities of their personal and professional lives while also promoting professional advancement.
Women of Insurance is influencing the future of women in the insurance sector by providing them with the resources and direction they need to succeed, including a wide-ranging network and educational materials.
Career path
Tracie Wynn’s decision to transition into the insurance industry was deeply personal. The tragic loss of her older sister, who passed away at 40, revealed a significant gap in her family’s expectations and the actual benefits received from her sister’s group insurance policy. Wynn was greatly affected by this event, which made her decide to seek a profession in insurance instead of continuing with her work in pharmaceutical sales in order to solve the disparities she saw.
The fact that males predominated the insurance sector when Wynn started her career presented several difficulties.”The insurance sector has long been male-centric, and succeeding in this field requires specialized training and education,” Wynn observes. She highlights that simply working harder, while managing family responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly relatives, is not a solution for women facing difficulties. Instead, she advocates for creating a personalized work schedule that aligns with individual needs. “Women don’t need to compromise their personal lives to succeed; they should focus on working smarter and strategically,” she emphasizes.
Reflecting on the progress of gender dynamics in the insurance industry, Wynn notes that substantial changes have been slow. Despite her efforts to foster meaningful partnerships and her influential platform, she still encounters challenges. “Even with my established platform, some men will attempt to dominate conversations during meetings,” Wynn explains. She is unafraid to assert her boundaries, trusting her instincts when evaluating professional relationships. “If a partnership doesn’t feel right, I’m prepared to say no,” she asserts.
Wynn acknowledges that while there are supportive male partners, their involvement needs to be balanced and respectful of WOI’s mission. “We value our male partners who support our initiatives, but they must be willing to participate in ways that align with our focus on women,” she says. The organization’s commitment to women-centric events is clear; for instance, their biennial conference, tailored specifically for women, serves as an educational opportunity for both women and men. “Our conferences provide valuable insights into how women operate in business, how we communicate, and the reasons behind certain professional decisions,” Wynn explains.
June proved to be a successful month for the most recent conference, and plans are already in motion for June 2025, when the next one is expected to take place. This continuous effort demonstrates Women of Insurance’s commitment to closing gaps in male viewpoints and creating a welcoming and understanding atmosphere for women in the business.
Talk to your mentors
Mentors are invaluable in helping people develop their confidence; they provide more than just networking opportunities and expert advice. Their advice can be very helpful in overcoming self-doubt, offering doable solutions to problems, and enhancing confidence.
In my experience as a commanding officer, dealing with imposter syndrome was a significant challenge. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty, I reached out to my mentors. Their reassurance was invaluable. They would often say, “If you’re not feeling some fear, then you’re probably not the right person for the role.” They helped me reconnect with the reasons I was chosen for the position and reminded me of my capabilities.
Nearly all leaders have profited from having a mentor who has guided and shaped their professional path. Mentors provide an essential network of support, enhancing your potential and accomplishments. They act as a reminder that achievement is still feasible in spite of the challenges. Even though the journey may be difficult, having support and validation from others may go a long way towards helping you reach your objectives.
Leaders Need to Be Mindful of Their Own Self-Doubt.
A leader’s attitude and confidence significantly influence their team. When leaders experience self-doubt, it can inadvertently affect their team’s morale and confidence. Team members may interpret a leader’s uncertainty as a lack of faith in their abilities, which can erode their own self-belief and hinder progress.
Navigating through self-doubt can be particularly challenging. Without proper management, it can lead to self-sabotage and have serious repercussions for both personal and team performance. It’s essential to address these feelings constructively to prevent them from undermining your effectiveness.
In dealing with my own self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I find it helpful to acknowledge these feelings as part of being human. Recognizing that it’s normal to experience doubt allows me to address it openly and take necessary actions to support both myself and my team. While many leaders experience self-doubt, not all choose to share their struggles with their teams. Some may view vulnerability as a weakness, but in reality, it fosters connection, growth, and trust within the team. Being open about challenges can enhance leadership and strengthen team dynamics
Relationships OverComeandinspire.Com
Influence within an organization is a two-way street. To earn respect from both senior leadership and direct reports, it’s essential to reciprocate respect by understanding their challenges and perspectives. Building strong relationships across all levels of the hierarchy is key to this mutual understanding and effective influence.
Consider a client of mine, whom I’ll refer to as Sari. An introvert by nature, Sari sought to increase her visibility within her organization. I advised her to seek insights from her manager about the company’s culture. Her manager suggested that she focus on building relationships, including with individuals higher up the organizational ladder. To facilitate this, he arranged meetings with senior managers on her behalf.
In our coaching sessions, I encouraged Sari to be mindful of their time and to prepare a concise presentation showcasing three key accomplishments. She delivered a well-received 15-minute PowerPoint presentation that highlighted her achievements. This strategic approach not only helped her make a positive impression but also led to a significant opportunity. Several months later, a senior manager who had seen her presentation created a new department and invited Sari to join it.
Recently, Sari shared that she is now in her ideal position, reflecting her successful career progression. Even though her previous manager misses her presence, he expressed genuine happiness for her new role. This scenario exemplifies how a supportive manager can foster growth by recognizing and nurturing their staff’s potential. By understanding and motivating Sari to reach her goals, he established a strong, enduring relationship that benefits both Sari and the organization, demonstrating the power of respect and effective influence in the workplace.
Communicate OverComeandinspire.Com
Enhancing your relationship-building skills can significantly impact your organization. By promoting these skills within your team, you can foster a culture of inspiration and trust. When everyone in the organization is aligned, mutual trust increases, which is essential for cultivating a strong, successful culture.
Here are three strategies to navigate leadership challenges effectively:
Focus on Problem-Solving: To address obstacles efficiently, follow these four steps:
Gather Facts: Understand all relevant details about the issue.
See the Big Picture: Assess how the problem fits into the broader organizational context.
Evaluate Impact: Determine how the problem influences business goals.
Consider People: Reflect on how the issue affects team members. By thoroughly analyzing these aspects, you can develop a more strategic and informed solution.
Embrace Healthy Conflict
Healthy conflict is a natural and necessary part of leadership. For instance, one of my clients had a new supervisor and initially felt the need to agree with every directive. While alignment with leadership is crucial, it’s also important to leverage your own experience and insights. Constructive disagreement, when approached with professionalism and respect, can lead to better problem-solving and innovative solutions.
Adopt a CEO Mindset: When faced with tough decisions, consider what approach a CEO might take. Adopting a big-picture perspective can provide clarity and help you make well-rounded decisions. Thinking from a leadership standpoint can also offer fresh insights into complex issues and guide you toward effective resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Women of Insurance (WOI)?
Women of Insurance (WOI) is an organization founded by Tracie Wynn to support and empower women in the insurance industry. With over 15,000 members, WOI provides networking opportunities, training programs, and resources to help women advance into leadership roles across various insurance sectors.
2. What inspired Tracie Wynn to start WOI?
Tracie Wynn’s inspiration to start WOI came from her personal struggles and observations in the insurance industry. After a decade in life insurance and experiencing difficulties finding reliable guidance, she wanted to create a supportive network for women navigating similar challenges.
3. How does WOI support women in the insurance industry?
WOI supports women by offering access to networking opportunities, training programs, and career guidance. The organization helps members find the right niche within the insurance field, manage work-life balance, and advance professionally.
4. What are some of the key objectives of WOI?
WOI aims to help women identify the best career paths within the insurance industry, reduce turnover by providing support and career direction, and foster a strong network of women in insurance to promote professional growth.
5. How does WOI help with overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome?
WOI’s mentorship programs provide valuable guidance and support to help women overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Mentors offer advice, reassurance, and practical steps to build confidence and navigate career challenges effectively.
6. What are some strategies for overcoming leadership obstacles?
To overcome leadership obstacles, focus on solving problems by gathering facts, understanding the big picture, and assessing the impact on business and people. Embrace healthy conflict by approaching disagreements professionally, and adopt a CEO mindset to make well-rounded decisions.
7. Why is building relationships important in leadership?
Building strong relationships within an organization is crucial for effective leadership. Understanding the challenges and perspectives of both senior leadership and direct reports fosters mutual respect and enhances influence, contributing to a supportive and successful work environment.
8. How can introverted individuals increase their visibility within an organization? Introverted individuals can increase their visibility by preparing and delivering concise presentations showcasing their accomplishments, seeking insights from managers about the company’s culture, and building relationships with colleagues and senior managers.
9. How does WOI address gender dynamics in the insurance industry?
WOI actively works to address gender dynamics by creating a supportive environment for women, hosting events tailored to their needs, and fostering meaningful partnerships while ensuring that male involvement aligns with the organization’s focus on women’s advancement.
10. What is the significance of WOI’s biennial conference?
WOI’s biennial conference serves as a key educational and networking event. It provides insights into women’s roles in business, fosters connections, and offers valuable learning opportunities for both women and men, supporting the organization’s mission to empower women in insurance.
Final Thoughts
Tracie Wynn’s journey from sales to founding Women of Insurance (WOI) showcases the power of turning personal challenges into impactful change. Her story is a testament to the importance of having a supportive network, continuous learning, and embracing one’s unique strengths in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
WOI stands as a beacon for women in insurance, offering guidance, networking, and career development opportunities. Through Wynn’s leadership, the organization not only addresses the struggles women face but also paves the way for their advancement and success.
Embracing healthy conflict, building strong relationships, and adopting a CEO mindset are key strategies for navigating leadership challenges. By fostering a supportive environment and focusing on personal growth and strategic problem-solving, leaders can inspire their teams and drive meaningful progress.
In a world where confidence and support are crucial for success, WOI and Tracie Wynn demonstrate how dedication, resilience, and community can make a significant difference.
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