Dorothy Renzi | KRGinsure
Dorothy Renzi, director, commercial lines, KRGinsure
Gender bias is a pervasive problem in some insurance industry sectors, but Dorothy Renzi has never let that stop her ambition.
Renzi is now a commercial director specializing in construction. Her determination to advance was motivated by a male colleague who dismissed the idea that women could succeed in construction insurance.
“I got into the construction space because I was told I would never be successful as a female in the construction sector. To me, that was the empowerment I needed,” she said.
The construction industry has long been viewed as a male-dominated field, with women underrepresented both in total numbers and in leadership positions. As a commercial broker to the industry, Renzi faced barriers from senior colleagues and clients alike.
“I did have doors closed on me from potential clients because I am a woman, and they thought I wouldn’t know anything about their industry,” she said.
But Renzi proved them wrong by knowing her market inside and out.
“I really focused on education, really knowing that market, and understanding the end product,” she said. “I made sure that with every conversation I had with a potential customer in the construction sector, they knew I was incredibly intelligent in this field, and that by dealing with me as their broker, they were going to be in good hands.”
For many, being the only woman in the room can stifle confidence. It can be a major barrier from entering new markets or ascending to leadership positions. Many women may hold themselves back from opportunities due to doubts about their own abilities.
Renzi’s advice? “Spend the time to educate yourself. Go in with confidence, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Connecting with mentors and building a supportive network can also provide both formal and informal support to elevate women’s career growth and build confidence.
“I found really strong females in the industry whom I looked up to,” Renzi said. “So whenever I was kind of doubting myself, or feeling I was not as successful as some of [my male colleagues], I had my good, strong girl group around me that kept me on my path. It’s really important as female leaders that we offer that mentorship to the younger females as well.”
She used networking as an opportunity to make connections and grow in the industry.
“I’m somebody who’s very involved in the industry, and I have been since the day I joined. I just put myself out there,” she said. “I joined as many networking groups as I could, attended as many insurance industry events that I could, and really made a lot of strong industry friends.”
Now, as chairwoman of the IBAO’s Young Brokers Council, chairwoman of the Young Brokers Association of Canada, and professor for Humber College’s insurance management program, Renzi teaches this approach to young professionals.
“I came into this industry with zero knowledge and zero industry connections, and I really had to put myself out there to build my network and to build my knowledge,” she says. “So, when I’m speaking to my students, what I’m unconsciously always trying to tell them is, ‘You really have to put yourself out there.’”
Renzi acknowledges it’s critical for companies to make an effort to advance women’s careers.
“In the P&C industry, there’s really no clear pathway to get these leadership roles if you’re not somebody who just kind of pushes their way in like I did,” she says. “Employers as a whole really need to create those clear pathways to promotion.”
Leadership training, skills development programs, leadership coaching and executive training specifically tailored to women professionals, can all “really boost women’s confidence to apply for these roles,” she says.
