CONNECTING AS A COMMUNITY – STRATEGIES TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN INSURANCE
This event has been approved for 4 hours by Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario
June 18, 2024 | The Carlu, Toronto
#IBWomenInInsurance
ABOUT
Break barriers, build connections, and be part of the evolution of our industry at Women in Insurance Canada – a live summit dedicated to empowering women and allies, developing the next generation of leaders, and celebrating the achievements of women in insurance.
Featuring influential speakers from top insurance companies, a packed agenda, and powerful networking opportunities, this one-day event is designed to help you forge new professional relationships, explore hot-topic issues, and stay ahead of the latest industry trends.
Join us in person this June 18, 2024 to be part of the change at The Carlu, Toronto, and help drive progress in our dynamic sector.
Why attend?
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Grow Your Network
Expand your professional circle with industry heavyweights and like-minded peers in exclusive networking sessions, including lunch and a drinks reception.
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Elevate Your Business Skills
Stand out from the crowd with interactive workshops and panel discussions designed to enhance your knowledge and decision-making prowess.
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Uncover Insider Knowledge
Get up-to-the-minute perspective on our ever-evolving sector, with expert insight from a Chief Economist.
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Learn From the Best
Discover actionable strategies for advancing your career and making a lasting impact in insurance, direct from trailblazing industry leaders.
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Better Your Future with Mentorship
Connect with top industry mentors or help mentees navigate the path to success as we launch our game-changing Women In Insurance Mentoring Program.
What You’ll Learn?
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Future-Proofing Workshop
Discover expert tactics to strengthen your business resilience and adaptability in this fast-changing industry
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Market Insight Briefing
Gain essential, data-driven market knowledge from a Chief Economist and industry leaders to help guide your business decisions
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Career Advancement Panel
Learn effective career-building strategies for women at all stages of their professional journey in a panel dedicated to growth and leadership
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C-Suite Influence Workshop
Master the art of influencing top-level executives with strategic proposals and decision-making insights
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Mentorship Network Insights
Transform your career with key mentorship strategies and networking opportunities in the Women in Insurance Mentorship Network
SPEAKERS
Heather Masterson
President & CEO
Travelers Canada
Colette Taylor
Chief Operating Officer
Sovereign Insurance
Terri O’Brien
President & Chief Executive Officer
Équité Association
Celyeste Power
President & Chief Executive Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Vinita Jajware-Beatty
President
Toronto Insurance Women’s Association (TIWA)
Jeanne Beker
Iconic Fashion and Lifestyle Journalist
Terri Mason-Benjamin
Vice President, Marketing and Distribution
CNA Canada
Laura Doddington
Head of Personal Lines Insurance Consulting and Technology North America
WTW
Lisa Giannone
President and Chief Operating Officer
BFL CANADA
Ellen N. Gowland
Director of Corporate & Claims Litigation
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Eileen Greene
Vice President and Partner
HUB International
Chris Van Kooten
CEO
Allianz Global Assistance
Lynn Oldfield
Non-Executive Director (retired CEO)
AIG Insurance Company of Canada Toronto, Canada
Mackenzie Oldfield
Underwriter, Private & Not-for-Profit Financial Lines
Chubb Insurance
Deborah Paik
Vice President, Network Performance, Compensation, Oversight and Resources
Desjardins General Insurance Group
Gayatri Singh
Vice President, Programs Property UW
Swiss Re
Kadey B.J. Schultz
Founder and Managing Partner
Schultz Law Group LLP
Dariia Voloshchuk
Learning And Development Specialist
Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company
Ingrid Wilson
Director, Governance & Audit
Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals
Melanie Wilcox
Executive Vice President, Head of Personal Risk Services, Canada Region
Chubb Insurance
Asima Zahid
Head of Business Development, Canada
Sompo International
Mauricio Zelaya, PhD
Partner & National Economics Leader
EY
Agenda
All times in ET
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Women in Insurance Mentorship Network Launch
Celebrate the launch of our new Women in Insurance mentorship program! Join us to find out more about the Network and introduce yourself to your matched mentor/mentee or peer advisor. This is a valuable opportunity to hear from an expert speaker on the best practices of mentoring, reverse mentoring, and how to leverage the benefits of mentorship to make the most of your new mentor/mentee relationship. If you haven’t signed up yet, this is your chance to get involved.
Dariia Voloshchuk
Learning And Development Specialist
Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company -
Opening remarks from chairperson
Heather Masterson
President & CEO
Travelers Canada -
Welcome address
Colette Taylor
Chief Operating Officer
Sovereign Insurance -
Opening Keynote: Forging Her Own Path
From the outset of her career, Jeanne Beker was determined to “have it all.” She became a media trailblazer, known for keeping her listeners, viewers, and readers alongside the shifting cultural landscape, reporting directly from the trenches.
In show business for 50 years now, Jeanne reflects on her distinctive multi-faceted, multi-media career as a fashion reporter, television personality, and creator of her own fashion lines. She accomplished all this while building her now internationally recognized brand — long before “personal branding” was a common buzz phrase — and raising her family.
Crediting her “nose to the grindstone” attitude and strong work ethic for her success, Jeanne Beker recounts the highs (and lows) of her life and career thus far, inspiring her audiences to dream big.
Jeanne Beker
Iconic Fashion and Lifestyle Journalist
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Interactive workshop: How to future-proof your business by leveraging your network
In today’s rapidly changing insurance landscape, your professional network can be a powerful asset in ensuring the longevity and success of your business. This facilitated workshop explores the strategies and tactics for future-proofing your business by tapping into your network’s potential, insight, and energy. Learn how to:
- Harness the power of your professional network for business longevity
- Leverage both online and offline relationships to adapt to industry changes
- Seize opportunities and stay ahead of trends with a strong network
- Build a resilient and sustainable business through inspiring connections
Vinita Jajware-Beatty
President
Toronto Insurance Women’s Association (TIWA)Eileen Greene
Vice President and Partner
HUB InternationalKadey B.J. Schultz
Founder and Managing Partner
Schultz Law Group LLP -
Speed networking
An opportunity to meet your peers and get to know more people in the room. Expand your network, make connections, and meet fellow delegates in this structured networking session.
Heather Masterson
President & CEO
Travelers Canada -
Networking coffee break
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Leaders’ briefing: Opportunity by numbers – Revealing data-driven industry insights
An exclusive opportunity to hear the latest industry-focused economic outlook from a senior economist, in conversation with a senior insurance leader. This session showcases data-driven insights on industry challenges and the opportunities they create. Data will empower you as a leader to better understand the market conditions impacting insurance and the tools available to navigate them. Enhance your market understanding for informed business decision-making and gain valuable takeaways on:
- Industry data revealing pain points and opportunities
- An enhanced market understanding for informed business decisions
- Insights and tools for navigating market conditions
- A data-driven approach to address industry challenges
Chris Van Kooten
CEO
Allianz Global AssistanceMauricio Zelaya, PhD
Partner & National Economics Leader
EY -
Panel: Strategies to empower women in insurance – Unlocking leadership success at every career stage
Today we’re seeing that career success is not limited by age or experience. What can we learn from each other’s unique perspectives and experiences? How can women take steps to advance at each level – what’s proven? This session explores the strategies and opportunities that individuals can harness to thrive in the insurance industry at every stage of their professional journey. With insights on overcoming the most common leadership pain points, explore:
- Successful strategies for establishing a winning career foundation
- Your toolkit to overcome leadership challenges and take your career to the next level
- Leadership opportunities that will drive your career forward
- How do you develop your own authentic leadership style?
- Decisions to make now to establish a business legacy
Moderator
Asima Zahid
Head of Business Development, Canada
Sompo InternationalPanelists
Terri Mason-Benjamin
Vice President, Marketing and Distribution
CNA CanadaLaura Doddington
Head of Personal Lines Insurance Consulting and Technology North America
WTWMelanie Wilcox
Executive Vice President, Head of Personal Risk Services, Canada Region
Chubb InsuranceIngrid Wilson
Director, Governance & Audit
Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals -
Networking lunch
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There’s no finish line: Fighting workplace DEI complacency and fatigue
In the business world, 2020 will go down in the history books as the year of DEI. Ignited by a social uprising over racial injustice in the U.S., organizations around the globe pledged to build more diverse and equitable workplaces. Fast forward to today and there are signs that DEI’s focus is waning in many sectors, not just insurance. The work of integrating DEI into our workplace cultures and our business strategies requires long-term investment and commitment; we can’t afford to be apathetic to this fatigue. This interactive session will explore shifting DEI perspectives, share data and insights as to why DEI attention may be lacking, and offer solutions as a rallying cry for action.
Colette Taylor
Chief Operating Officer
Sovereign Insurance -
Interactive workshop: Impacting up – How to influence decision-making in the C-suite
Influencing C-suite decision makers involves understanding their priorities, building trust, and presenting compelling arguments. To make an impact, it’s essential to align your proposals with their strategic goals and demonstrate how your ideas can benefit your organization. Collaborate with your peers in small groups to discuss how you can influence up for senior leadership buy-in. In this workshop you will learn how to:
- Understand the mindset of C-suite executives and their decision-making process
- Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key C-suite allies
- Develop critical skills for influencing and negotiation
- Craft and deliver robust, persuasive proposals tailored to business priorities
- Leverage data, research, and case-studies to support your recommendations and your cause
Lynn Oldfield
Non-Executive Director (retired CEO)
AIG Insurance Company of Canada Toronto, Canada -
Networking coffee break
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Fireside chat: Accelerate through authenticity – Using who you are to drive your business and career
Embracing your unique values, skills and passions can be a catalyst for professional success. How can you transform your weaknesses into superpowers for success? This session explores how being true to yourself, developing your strengths, and leveraging your personal story leads to a fulfilling and profitable career. Leaders share their career journeys and stories of how they leaned into and mastered their perceived weaknesses to succeed. Discover how to:
- Be authentic while developing your career
- Align your career goals with your unique qualities, values, and interests
- Use your personal story to connect with your customers
- Get comfortable with self-advocacy
- Achieve personal fulfillment while reaching career and business goals
Moderator
Deborah Paik
Vice President, Network Performance, Compensation, Oversight and Resources
Desjardins General Insurance GroupPanelists
Lisa Giannone
President and Chief Operating Officer
BFL CANADACelyeste Power
President & Chief Executive Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada -
Panel: Capturing best practices – Preserving industry wisdom for the next generation
With the younger boomer generation of insurance professionals set to retire en masse in the next decade, the need to retain industry knowledge and expertise is critical as we transition to the next generation of markets. How can we ensure effective knowledge transfer to the next generations of insurance leaders? Through compelling examples, attendees will gain insights into the strategies and best practices employed by leading organizations to successfully safeguard and pass on invaluable industry wisdom. Gain practical takeaways and:
- Learn how to bridge the generation gap and transfer knowledge effectively
- Real-world examples of successful approaches to safeguarding industry wisdom
- Prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the evolving market presents through knowledge-sharing
- Discover concrete examples of best practices in action to equip your business for the future
Moderator
Terri O’Brien
President & Chief Executive Officer
Équité AssociationPanelists
Ellen N. Gowland
Director of Corporate & Claims Litigation
Allstate Insurance Company of CanadaMackenzie Oldfield
Underwriter, Private & Not-for-Profit Financial Lines
Chubb InsuranceGayatri Singh
Vice President, Programs Property UW
Swiss Re -
Closing remarks from chairperson
Heather Masterson
President & CEO
Travelers Canada -
Networking drinks reception
WELCOME TO THE WOMEN IN INSURANCE MENTORSHIP NETWORK
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What is it?
Launching at the 2024 Women in Insurance Summit series, the Women in Insurance Mentorship Network is a supportive platform for connecting and empowering women in the insurance industry to lead effectively and maximize their careers. Mentorship and peer-supported learning are key drivers of success, and we’re excited to facilitate this at our Women in Insurance event series.
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Why should I participate?
Whether you’re an established industry leader or a rising talent, the Women in Insurance Mentorship Network is designed to deliver valuable learning, meaningful connection, and business-focused insight for all women in the industry. Through both mentorship and peer-to-peer matchmaking, women of all experience levels will be paired with a partner matched to their personal and professional goals.
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How will we be matched?
Want to be a mentor? Looking for guidance from a more seasoned professional? Want to share knowledge with a peer? Indicate your interest when you register to attend the event and we will follow up with a form to complete with your goals for participation in the Mentorship Network. Based on your responses, we pair you with a partner and desired role in the network.
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When will I be introduced to my match?
Meet your match at Women in Insurance Summit Canada on June 18th. Join the breakfast launch to hear from an expert speaker on mentorship best practices and how to maximize the relationship.
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How do I get involved?
To connect with the Women in Insurance community beyond the Summit and participate in the Network as a Mentor, Mentee, or Peer Advisor, indicate your interest when you register for the event, and we will be in touch!
SPONSORS
Event Partner
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Associate Sponsors
VENUE
The Carlu
- 444 Yonge St #7, Toronto, ON M5B 2H4
- 416-597-1931
- https://www.thecarlu.com
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Parking:
For information on parking please click here
TRAVEL PLANS
Preferred Accommodation
Hotel room rates are subject to all applicable taxes and fees. Rooms are subject to availability in each hotel from June 17 and 18. We recommend that you book as soon as possible.
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
525 Bay Street, Toronto, On. M5G2L2
Book your group rate via the reservation link or call 1-800-905-0667. Use the group name Women in Insurance summit Canada to secure the discounted rate until May 09, 2024.
Room rate: $399 per standard room/night
Cut-off date: May 09, 2024
Check in: 4pm Check out: 12pm
Reservation Link: Women In Insurance Summit Canada 2024
Phone Number: 1-800-905-0667
Hotel Parking: $45 per day for self-parking or $60 for valet parking
REGISTRATIONS FOR WOMEN IN INSURANCE CANADA 2024 IS NOW CLOSED
Join us and hear from top leaders in the industry. Catalyze your career and immerse yourself in a community dedicated in empowering women in insurance.