Laura Sherman started out in insurance working for Chubb Group, which encouraged gender equality. Speaking to Insurance Business, Sherman said the business was not typical and that sexism taints the industry at leadership and C-Suite levels, but that this should not hold women back.
Sexism taught Sherman important lessons, which she now conveys to fellow women professionals, starting with: be authentic and capitalise on soft skills.
“I was called ‘the cheerleader’, and I don't think it was a compliment,” said Sherman of an early brush with sexist attitudes. The offending male colleagues advised Sherman to be more serious, which she tried, but it made her morose.
“It wasn’t authentic,” she said, and ditched it. Later, it was her naturally enthusiastic and friendly character that landed her some of her biggest clients, including a wealthy, mostly male New York family.
Sherman advises women against emulating male leadership styles, and to embrace their soft skills such as caring and accessibility. She said: “We have those skills that a lot of times males don’t have. We need to use them, capitalise on them, and break through those barriers.”
Besides the personal touch, expertise is the big ticket to decision maker status, according to Sherman. “If you’re known for being the best in the industry, they’re forced to give you a seat at the table,” she said.
“When people underestimate or exclude me, I look at it as a challenge in a really positive way. I try to win them over with my deep expertise and my friendliness,” she said.
Sherman said women shouldn’t allow negative experiences to define them, and need to aim high.
“Things are going to happen. You're going to get passed over for a promotion, you're not going to get the client, or you're going to lose the client, but it's all about how you react to it,” she said. “I'm a big believer of not letting someone else write your story. Don't let them say you're destined to be the underwriting manager when you could be the CEO,” said Sherman.
