Victoria Stanhope, MBA, FCIP, CRM

President, Stanhope Simpson Insurance Ltd.

Victoria is a leader who connects on a personal level with her employees, her clients and her industry colleagues. Her dedication, optimism and ability to stay calm and deliver under pressure, have made her a respected leader in her company, her community and within the wider industry.

Victoria has been an integral part of Stanhope Simpson for almost fifteen years. During her first few years with the company, she developed a passion for commercial insurance and surety bonding, and worked hard to earn the respect of their highly esteemed construction clients and long-term staff. Today, having succeeded her father as President, Victoria oversees an individual book of business which includes the most prominent construction and development companies in the region.

Victoria completed the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) program in 2008 with multiple distinctions, including the Institute’s Top Broker Graduate; 1st Runner-up Overall CIP Graduate; and Best Results in CIP (Nova Scotia). Soon after, she enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Saint Mary’s University, which she completed while working full time at the brokerage. Victoria also completed the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation in 2011 and the Fellowship Chartered Insurance Professional designation in 2013.

Most recently, Victoria participated in QuantumShift, which is an elite national executive leadership program at the Ivey School of Business.

“Victoria is a very bright woman, as easily evidenced by her success throughout her insurance education,” writes a supporter. “But what makes her truly intelligent is that she doesn’t hoard her knowledge and talents. She takes every opportunity to develop others in the organization.”

As a leader, she also ensures that each member of her team feels individually appreciated. Victoria recognizes staff in her company’s quarterly internal newsletter with “Applause Moments,” featuring direct emails or comments from clients offering praise. She is known as a positive team leader, who can navigate challenges with calm and direction, offering reassurance to the rest of her team.

Victoria is heavily involved with the Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS), and has been for the last 10 years. She has served in a number of leadership roles at the Association. She spearheaded the CANS Developing Executives Speaker Series, which provides an opportunity for seasoned professionals to connect with the next generation. Today, she serves as Chair of the Events & Sponsorship Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and she is currently a Director on their Board.

In addition, Victoria is an active volunteer for the Great Big Dig for the IWK, a major fundraiser for the local children’s hospital which raises well over $300,000 each year. Victoria is also involved with Dalhousie University and in this capacity guest lectures undergraduate and graduate students about family business.

“Victoria is steadfast in her values as a broker and as president of Stanhope Simpson, which gives our team the utmost trust and confidence in her work,” writes another supporter. “She makes time to listen and have a conversation, and works together to innovate and find the best solutions for insurers, clients and also her staff. The door remains open and she leads with vision and compassion.”

It is an honour for the CIP Society to recognize Victoria Stanhope as an Emerging Leader in 2018.