Last week’s RIMS Canada conference in Vancouver offered attendees a diverse array of panels, covering everything from AI’s role in the future of work to innovations and best practices in risk management. However, one of the most compelling themes to emerge went beyond technology: breaking boundaries through diversity and inclusion.
A standout panel titled Clearing the Path featured insights from Linda Regner Dykeman (pictured above), chief marketing officer, Canada at Hub International, along with other female executives who shared their experiences navigating the insurance industry. The discussion also highlighted the growing presence of women in insurance, while emphasizing the continued efforts needed to achieve greater gender equity and drive meaningful progress in leadership roles.
While women comprise about 60% of the insurance industry’s workforce, only 18% hold corporate officer roles, and an even smaller percentage - just 11% - serve as board directors. For Dykeman, enhancing female representation in the C-suite begins with better messaging around the vast opportunities and flexibility that a career in insurance can provide.
“Insurance offers a career in almost any field you choose,” Dykeman explained. “Whether you’re interested in risk engineering, data science, underwriting, or sales, there’s a place for you in this industry.”
Recognizing that visibility is crucial for fostering gender diversity. Dykeman pointed to the growing presence of panels featuring female leaders like herself as a sign of the industry’s progress. “There was a time when it would have been challenging to find enough qualified women for a RIMS panel,” she noted. Often, when young women don’t see female leaders in insurance, they may not realize that these leadership roles are within their reach, perpetuating a cycle of underrepresentation in leadership.
Although more work is needed to overcome the outdated perception of insurance as a male-dominated field, Dykeman emphasized that today’s environment is better equipped to address these challenges, particularly due to the reduced extent of prejudice in the workplace, especially among younger professionals.
“Today’s generation faces fewer challenges related to bias - whether based on gender, ethnicity, or religion - compared to previous generations,” Dykeman remarked. “These biases are largely absent now; people collaborate and move on to their next task without facing those barriers. In earlier generations, unconscious bias was a much more significant hurdle.”
In addition to reflecting on the industry’s evolution over the last 30 years, Dykeman and the other panelists highlighted opportunities for young women looking to advance their careers in insurance. Growth often starts with small but bold steps—such as taking on risks and embracing challenges that might typically be avoided. For women aiming to progress in the industry, Dykeman shared several key strategies for career development:
Find a mentor: “One of the most important steps you can take is to find a mentor—or even multiple mentors, male or female. Look for someone you can trust, who will be honest with you and give transparent feedback to help you grow.”
Take on challenging projects: Dykeman encouraged women to seek out challenging assignments, especially those that others avoid. “Expose yourself to projects that nobody else will do. If you can tackle a problem no-one else can, it’s a fantastic learning experience.”
Differentiate yourself: As a chief marketing officer, Dykeman knows the importance of cultivating a unique brand. “Whatever industry you’re in, differentiating yourself through your skill set will always make you a top choice. Your unique experiences and abilities will help you stand out from the competition. Know who you are, be authentic, but also be clear about what brand you want to project.”
