For anyone, the road to the corner office can be a toughjourney. For women in the insurance industry, it can providesome additional challenges. A 2015 study by Saint Joseph’sUniversity Academy of Risk Management & Insurance showed thatout of 100 insurance companies that participated in its survey, 78percent had no females in “C-Level” positions. That number mayseem daunting, but things are getting better. The figure is downfrom 85 percent in the Academy’s 2013 survey, so progress is beingmade.

Regardless, becoming a female CEO in theinsurance industry takes expertise, courage, andperseverance. Becoming one in the traditionally conventionalfraternal system takes even more. In a diversity workshop at itsMay, 2017 Spring Symposium in Chicago, which was moderated byDenise McCauley, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officerfor WoodmenLife, the members of the American Fraternal Alliancewere lucky enough to hear from two highly respected women who holdtop posts at their societies. Teresa Rasmussen, President ofThrivent Financial and Cynthia Tidwell, CEO & President ofRoyal Neighbors of America, shared their experiences and providedadvice to future leaders. Interestingly, as both pointed out atdifferent times during their conversation, their advice is equallyapplicable to both men and women seeking the path to leadership.Most of their advice fell into seven basic categories that offersome outstanding lessons in leadership.

1. Specialize