The insurance industry is learning the value of diversity, but challenges remain. However, Sarah Gavlick, chief territory officer – East for Markel and a member of IBA’s Elite Women 2022, said the industry is continuing to make strides in gender representation and diversity.
Watch the full interview here.
IB TV recently chatted with Gavlick about her experience as a woman in insurance, and how she thinks the industry is progressing in its quest for better representation.
Gavlick said she didn’t feel that her gender had been a roadblock to her success in the industry.
“I’ve, lots of times, been the only woman at a table. I have, lots of times, been the youngest person or the youngest woman at a table,” she said. “And so, you know, I kind of prepare the same way I’ve always prepared – overprepared. I come into meetings nine times out of 10 over-prepared. I always raise my hand for opportunities. I always know if there’s something that needs to be done, I’ll jump in and execute. So have there been challenges? Sure, but I looked at those challenges the same, whether I was working amongst a group of women or working amongst a group of men.”
While Gavlick said those challenges were real, she felt the industry was making impressive strides to address them.
“We’ve come a long way. I mean, I think we can all agree that if you look at the landscape five, 10, 15, 20 years ago, it looks a lot different from a demographic perspective as far as women in the workforce overall,” she said. “I can tell you that I've been really fortunate, and I think that’s maybe why I haven’t had those challenges that I always get asked about. I’ve worked for companies that have really put women at the forefront. …
“I sit at the table when we talk about equal pay. I sit at the table when we review salary ranges, and I’ve seen changes be made in favor of women. So I know we’re making strides as an organization, as an industry. … We’re really working together to hold all of ourselves accountable, to really put that at the forefront. And I think we’re doing a good job.”
Watch the full interview here.
