Women in insurance management need to put intellect ahead ofemotion, a female executive advised at the first meeting of anewly-organized New Jersey women's insurance group last week.

Lisa Tepper, Travelers Insurance Metro New York/New Jerseyregional president, made her comments at the inaugural session ofThe Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc.'s Women'sBusiness Forum at Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Township, N.J.

According to a report by the National Association ofProfessional Insurance Agents (PIA), Ms. Tepper advised womenexecutives on the importance of using intellect over emotion whendealing with situations in the work place; being confident in onesabilities; balancing a career with familial responsibilities; andhaving colleagues at work who also serve as a support system.

PIA reported that Ms. Tepper said she prepared for herpresentation by asking other female executives at Travelers for thebest advice to pass onto other women executives.

Donna Cunningham, CPIA, chair of the PIANJ Women's BusinessForum, told the audience she hoped they would “work with us tobuild a PIA benefit that will help each of us to continue ourprofessional development.”

Ms. Cunningham told businesswomen at the event that “despiteadvances women have made in the workplace in the insuranceindustry, there is still significant room for all of us to grow andincrease our professional expertise.”

Ms. Cunningham is also treasurer of PIANJ and president ofADP/Statewide Insurance Agencies in Cedar Knolls, N.J.

Also speaking was PIANJ Executive Director Diane F. Kattrein,who said, “Our industry is filled with talented, ambitious,dedicated female insurance professionals. PIANJ looks forward tohelping our women members advance their careers and seek newbusiness opportunities through the Women's Business Forum.”

PIA said that during the event, participants discussed obstaclesfemale insurance agency or company executives face in the industry,including a need for mentors, alternative forms of educationopportunities such as public speaking, and tips on how to balancethe career with the family.

PIA said the forum meeting was an opportunity for femaleexecutives in the insurance industry to network and gaininspiration from other's success stories. Planning for additionalseminars already is underway, which will include presentations byother female executives in the insurance industry, PIA said.

PIANJ is a trade association representing professional,independent insurance agencies, brokerages, and their employeesthroughout the state.