Every month, we shine a spotlight on the brilliant women in our network, sharing their experiences during their career journeys. The theme of International Women’s Day earlier this year, ‘Accelerate Action’, served as a timely reminder that awareness alone is no longer enough. In their event back in March, Zurich and Arcadia Consulting highlighted that the real challenge is moving from knowing to doing.
In insurance, this means dismantling outdated systems, encouraging diverse leadership and building a pipeline of empowered women ready to lead. At Jensten Network, we’re doing just that – we want to see more female leaders across our network.
From performative to purposeful
There’s a significant difference between performative allyship and purposeful action.
Performative:
- A company posts about women’s achievements one day a year, but women are underrepresented in leadership.
- A colleague speaks about equality but ignores bias when it happens in the room.
- Leaders attend panels but don’t change internal policy or hiring practices.
Purposeful:
- Leaders set and share targets for gender representation in leadership.
- Teams reflect on hiring, promotion and pay data, and fix inequities.
- Colleagues support flexible working without judgment, helping working parents excel.
So, what gets in the way of real action?
- Discomfort: Talking about bias can feel awkward but growth requires discomfort.
- Fear: People may fear backlash or ‘saying the wrong thing’.
- Lack of commitment: Initiatives fizzle out when there’s no long-term ownership.
- Unconscious bias: Decisions are often made on assumptions, not facts.
The role of leaders
Leaders must take ownership of allyship and inclusion. That means:
- Being visible in their support.
- Modelling inclusive behaviours.
- Holding themselves and others accountable.
- Setting clear goals and reporting progress.
When leaders take action, the culture shifts. People feel empowered to speak up, challenge bias and drive change.
Why Jensten Network is an ally in action
Jensten Network offers a path forward for women to lead and build their businesses into valuable assets. As the owner of your own brokerage, you’re the boss – but you’re not alone.
Being part of our network includes support with:
- Access to multiple insurers and top-tier technology.
- Business development coaching.
- HR, compliance and finance.
- The opportunity to work flexibly, ideal for parents and those seeking balance.
We’re proud to demonstrate allyship in action by removing barriers, offering flexibility and building confidence.
