Page 49 - Shaw Wall of Honor
P. 49

ever, it is an industry ripe with potential for a fulfilling career.
While there remains a presence of men in leadership roles, I don't view it as a barrier as much as it may have been in the past. Personally, I have been fortunate to have several key male mentors in their 60s and 70s who have been instrumental in supporting my advancement. Their guidance and wisdom, garnered from years of expertise, have helped me navigate the industry effectively. Additionally, I recently had the honor of being elected as an officer for the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey by our Board of Directors. Much of the board is comprised of men, yet I have never felt any hesitation in their support or their eagerness to seek my professional input. Moreover, in building my agency by acquiring other agencies when their principal retired, I have purchased agencies previously owned by both men and women, as well as husband- wife partnerships. In these acquisitions, I found that both men and women chose to sell their agencies to me based on my skill set and shared values, without any hesitation due to my gender.
The insurance industry has indeed evolved significantly, providing opportunities for both men and women to develop authentic relationships, work hard, and seize the countless opportunities available for learning and growth.
When you're not working, what is your favorite thing to do?
Honestly, I don't consider my career as "work." I am genuinely passionate about cultivating and expanding the exceptional team at Clyde Paul. People often ask me, "How do you manage owning a business while raising three kids?" I believe it is crucial to genuinely love what you do. I consider myself fortunate to thoroughly enjoy the work we do at the agency and to have a fulfilling family life. The passion I have for work and love for my family energizes me in all aspects of my life.
When I am completely away from the agency, you will find me with my family. My husband and I have three sons, and we spend our time playing basketball in the driveway or traveling to lacrosse tournaments on the weekend. Above all, we cherish moments spent in Ocean City, NJ, with my extended family, including my mother, siblings, nephews, and niece. Life is short, and I value every minute spent at the agency with my incredible team, engaging with clients, and, of course, being with family and friends.
Final thoughts?
I am grateful for the partnerships I have formed with carriers, team members, and clients who placetheirtrustinmeandmyteamtoprovide their insurance protection. My extensive family, sports experiences, and working in a service- oriented firm have profoundly influenced my leadership abilities. The values of teamwork, resilience, discipline, and adaptability that I gained from these experiences serve as the foundation of my leadership style. By leveraging these qualities, I navigate challenges, inspire my team, and drive meaningful change within my insurance agency. There is no one way to lead, but I do believe true leadership is authentic. In the end, I simply lead by being myself. I actively seek to understand and appreciate the unique qualitiesthatdefineeachindividualinourteam. By doing this, I think we lay the foundation for a thriving, high-performing team that can enjoy success together.
I am grateful for the partnerships I have formed with carriers, team members, and clients who place their trust in me and my team to provide their insurance protection.
 Empowering Women Leaders
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