Despite progress in closing the gender representation gap in insurance, women continue to face persistent challenges in attaining leadership roles in male-dominated environments.
For Laura Doddington (pictured), being the only woman in a room full of male colleagues is still common and can contribute to implicit biases in the field.
“When I first entered the insurance industry, there were very few women in leadership roles,” recalled Doddington, who serves as head of personal lines insurance consulting and technology, North America, at WTW.
“The situation is much better than it used to be, but there are still times when I might be the only senior female leader in the room. When you’re the sole woman, it’s hard not to feel like an impostor.”
Toronto-based Doddington is one of several esteemed insurance leaders who will be sharing their insights at the Women in Insurance Canada summit in June, a platform that aims to champion gender equality in the industry.
With nearly 20 years of experience in property and casualty insurance spanning the UK and North America, she has had the privilege of leading talented teams in diverse business areas.
Doddington spoke to Insurance Business ahead of the conference about navigating the complexities of the industry with grace and determination and how fellow women leaders can pave the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
“I’ve been a leader for a long time, and I’ve often had people assume that the men in my team were my boss,” she revealed. “There have even been times when people have assumed that I was the man’s EA (executive assistant).
“You have to rise above these situations and correct people in a thoughtful way. Implicit biases are still real challenges today.”
Doddington added that women can regain power over impostor syndrome by acknowledging they belong in the spaces they’re in and reframing their perspectives.
“You need to believe you deserve to be in that room,” she said. “You have worked hard to get to that room, so you belong there.”
Sometimes, having the confidence to be the sole woman in the room can mean needing to “fake it till you make it.”
“If you don’t try to appear to have confidence, other people won’t have confidence in you either, and it becomes this vicious cycle,” Doddington pointed out.
This mental strategy becomes easier with trusted allies who can provide encouragement and affirmation. One key strategy that Doddington credits for her success is the ability to cultivate strong relationships and build a network of supporters.
“In a male-dominated industry, having a support system is crucial,” she told Insurance Business. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who have championed me throughout my career.”
But it’s not just about networking. Doddington also emphasized the importance of being assertive and advocating for oneself in the workplace.
Another leadership strategy that Doddington swears by is taking calculated risks and pursuing opportunities outside one’s comfort zone.
She encouraged women to assertively communicate their career goals and aspirations and to say “yes” to new challenges, even when faced with uncertainty or self-doubt.
“I think women often don’t feel like they should say what they want. Part of that is imposter syndrome, but another part is when we see assumptions made about us, such as when a person has a young family or has been on maternity leave, [people assume] they probably don’t want promotions. But maybe they do,” Doddington said.
“Knowing those implicit biases makes it even more important for women to say, ‘This is what I want’. You have to be willing to stand up for yourself and take risks for roles even when you don’t check the vast majority of boxes.”
Finally, Doddington urged other women to practice authenticity, seek growth in their leadership, and take feedback while staying true to their core values.
“My leadership style isn’t static; it evolves. Over the past decade, it’s transformed, reflecting my growth,” she reflected. “Leadership, to me, isn’t about the leader but empowering the team and nurturing their growth. I believe in bringing them along on the journey of development.”
Join the conversation on leadership strategies and female empowerment. Register now to join the Women in Insurance Summit Canada on June 18, 2024.
