by Michelle Tremblay  

I recently spent some time in Toronto for business.  One of the evenings I was having drinks at a local bar with a group of insurance people and had the pleasure of meeting and having a conversation with a now retired, but very well known man in the insurance industry.  Among his many huge accomplishments over the years, his main claim to fame was becoming the CEO and running of one of the largest insurance companies in Canada.  He was extremely bright and engaging and I was quite interested in listening to him speak of his many years of experience and successes.

When asked what type of work I did in the industry, I described my online insurance brokerage to him and told him that I created, and now ran the business.  He seemed surprised at this fact, and even a bit shocked.  I noticed this reaction and politely said “you seem surprised? - is there a reason?”  He stated simply, “wow, that’s a great accomplishment…for a woman”.  He went on to say, “you don’t see that much in our industry, a smart, and beautiful woman running a company”.

While I thanked him for what I’m certain he meant as a compliment, I wasn’t exactly sure why I felt a bit insulted at the same time.  I couldn’t help but wonder, why is it that men so often assume that a woman cannot be smart, beautiful and successful? Why is it that we are assumed to only have one of these characteristics, and that it is almost unheard of for us to have the “whole package”?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers to these questions.  And the sad reality is that in my industry, this has almost always been the case. Insurance is often referred to as “the old boys club” and as I took a swig from my vodka and soda and looked around at all my fellow business associates I could clearly see why.  Not a woman in the mix, other than myself.

I asked myself a question, will I alone, be able to change this perception that is clearly quite a reality in my industry?  The answer of course was no, I cannot do it alone.  I encourage all you smart, beautiful women out there to take charge, get out from behind your desks, feel confident in your talent and ability and do something that will make a difference, that will give women in business a voice.  Not only in the insurance industry but in all industries. 

It could be a women’s world…we just have to want it bad enough.

Filed under: Author Michelle, Work