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

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

According to a report by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), Ms. Tepper advised women executives on the importance of using intellect over emotion when dealing with situations in the work place; being confident in ones abilities; balancing a career with familial responsibilities; and having colleagues at work who also serve as a support system.

PIA reported that Ms. Tepper said she prepared for her presentation by asking other female executives at Travelers for the best advice to pass onto other women executives.

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

Ms. Cunningham told businesswomen at the event that “despite advances women have made in the workplace in the insurance industry, there is still significant room for all of us to grow and increase our professional expertise.”

Ms. Cunningham is also treasurer of PIANJ and president of ADP/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 to helping our women members advance their careers and seek new business opportunities through the Women's Business Forum.”

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

PIA said the forum meeting was an opportunity for female executives in the insurance industry to network and gain inspiration from other's success stories. Planning for additional seminars already is underway, which will include presentations by other female executives in the insurance industry, PIA said.

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

Special Reports /

Advice For Women Insurance Executives

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