Inspirational. Powerful. Celebrated: the women of Brokerslink

An interview with… Alexandra Littlejohn, the United States

International Women’s Day (IWD) is now just days away. So far this week, we’ve heard from inspirational female leaders in Hungary and Nigeria, today our focus turns to the United States.

Alexandra Littlejohn sits on Brokerslink’s Executive and Advisory Boards, she is also the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Alliant, the fourth largest broker in the United States and our partner in the US.

Today she shares how taking risks as a woman helped shape her career today, and why having a seat at the table, and using your voice are so critical to the advancement of women in leadership positions.

Alexandra, in your experience, what are the greatest challenges women in the USA face in the insurance industry today?

Women have made significant strides in leadership roles within the insurance industry over the last 15 years yet still trail men in senior executive positions. Women need to be called upon to take more responsibility within their groups and if not asked then to create the best career plan over the next five years to break through the glass ceiling and be recognized.

Has the insurance market in your region become more welcoming to women since you started your career?

I started my career over 40 years ago, so the landscape is dramatically different today than when I started - yet the number of women who are being offered and accepting leadership roles must continue to improve. My generation has paved the way for the next generation of women and they need to take advantage of what becomes available to continue the advancement of women in leadership positions. Companies have made significant strides in increasing their women in underwriting, account executives, placement experts, and client advocates. Which is a good very good sign.

You’ve had an incredibly successful career to date, how have you been able to break down those barriers and what advice would you give to other women looking at an insurance career?

I have been very fortunate in my career and am thankful every day, BUT I also took many risks that other women would not take at the time.

In the late 90’s I moved from the US to a non-English speaking country to run the continental European market. The market was run completely by men and I was successful due to my ability to use my voice, always have a seat at the table and know my stuff!

After coming back to the US in the early 2000’s, more doors opened, but it was and still is critical to always take a seat at the table, know your business, and offer solutions to complex issues. People want to listen to those who offer solutions to issues or offer new ideas to think about. I and other women continue to pave the road for the next generation of women to continue raising in rank within the leaderboard.

How can the industry attract and retain more women in top jobs?

Succession planning by companies in recognizing top female talent, and women planning their careers to be recognized as the top talent. Compete openly with men for the same positions based on talent and proven track record. Don’t be afraid to ask for the job that you earned.

What one thing do you think our industry needs to do to accelerate change?

Be honest in sourcing the best talent – there are incredibly talented women in this industry. In the end, my message will always be to go after the best talent regardless and you won’t lose.