New Conversations, New Perspectives

Earlier this week, I had one of those conversations that catches you off guard in the best way. It was meant to be a simple check-in with a mentor—someone I deeply respect, an executive leader I’ve been connecting with through a professional mentorship program. But what unfolded was a moment of real clarity.

We talked about everything from navigating leadership spaces to shifting career paths and how the insurance industry, for all its complexities, is full of overlooked opportunities. What struck me most wasn’t just the advice—it was the mindset behind the message.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about growth—not just professionally, but personally too. The kind of growth that happens when you’re not chasing a title or a promotion, but when you’re pausing to really understand what you bring to the table. This conversation reminded me that I’m in a season where I’m no longer just building my résumé—I’m building relationships, influence, and perspective.

I’ve been lucky to have guidance from more than one perspective. Within my organization, I’ve had the support of a senior leader who’s helped me understand the inner workings of leadership from the inside—how to show up, navigate complexity, and bring value beyond your role. And through this external mentorship, I’ve gained an even broader view of what’s possible in the industry as a whole. Both have shaped how I show up in conversations, and how I view my path forward.

For a long time, I thought success in the insurance world looked like a very specific path: move up in claims, become a supervisor, maybe one day a manager. And sure, that path is valid and important. But what I’ve been learning is that there’s so much more out there—operations, innovation, client engagement, strategy. These aren’t just departments, they’re ecosystems of opportunity that require a different kind of leadership: one rooted in connection, not just control.

My mentor said something that really stuck with me—she talked about how, at a certain point in your career, what you’re really bringing to the table isn’t just your experience or your certifications. It’s your network. Your relationships. Your ability to call someone up and say, “Hey, I know exactly who can help us with this.” And that doesn’t happen overnight. That happens through showing up, being present, volunteering, raising your hand, and being curious—not just about your job, but about the people around you.

That’s been the biggest shift for me lately. I used to think networking was just about being seen. Now I know it’s about building value—not just for yourself, but for others. It’s the long game. And it’s not always glamorous, but it’s worth it.

If you’re in a place where you’re trying to figure out your next move, I get it. I’ve been there—and in many ways, I’m still there. But what’s helped me the most is staying open. Saying yes to conversations that don’t have a clear outcome. Sitting at tables that feel slightly out of reach. And trusting that the work I’m doing today—whether it’s within my organization, through external leadership programs, or just listening and learning—is stacking value I’ll carry with me for years.

So if you’re reading this and you’ve been wondering if those extra efforts matter—yes, they do. The committees, the mentorship sessions, the leadership boards, the meetups after work—they all build toward something. Even if you can’t see the result yet.

And most of all: don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. Sometimes one discussion with the right person can shift your entire perspective.

Still in progress,

Miranda