At InsureStory, we don’t just tell stories; we celebrate the game-changers who are shaping the future of insurance. Here’s our first interview, meet Traci—a powerhouse of positivity and a true testament to what it means to thrive against the odds.
With years of experience in leadership coaching, insurance education, and professional development, Traci shares her insights on career growth, personal empowerment, and her journey through the evolving landscape of the insurance sector.
InsureStory: Can you share your journey into the insurance industry? How did it all begin?
Traci: My first job in the insurance industry was in 1984. I was a young, single mom who had dropped out of college to support my family. I found a position as a file clerk at a family-owned insurance agency in Union, NJ. A few months later, I was promoted to Customer Service Representative. In 1990, I moved on to The Atlantic Mutual Companies as an Assistant Underwriter. That’s when I truly fell in love with the industry, and that’s when my career really took off.
InsureStory: What was the biggest challenge you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Traci: At the time, I didn’t recognize it, but the biggest challenge early in my career was myself—specifically, my lack of confidence. I was chasing a version of success that had been defined by someone else, not by my own vision. I learned to empower myself, to define success on my own terms, and to be okay with that. Overcoming this mental barrier was the key to my career progression.
InsureStory: Were there any specific mentors or experiences that significantly shaped your career?
Traci: Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed by the kindness and generosity of many people. But the most influential moment came at Atlantic Mutual when an executive took notice of me during a CPCU course. I never imagined I could be considered for a promotion to Underwriter, but he saw potential in me and suggested I be considered for the role. That moment exemplified true sponsorship, and it showed me the importance of not setting artificial limits on what I can achieve.
InsureStory: How do you define your personal and professional mission?
Traci: My personal mission is to always be thankful for the blessings in my life and to leave a positive impact on those around me. Professionally, I aim to express gratitude for my strengths and talents by using them to benefit the organizations I work with. My company, Positive Paradigm Group, was founded to help others embrace their unique talents and leverage them to achieve success on their own terms.
InsureStory: What’s your superpower, and how has it shaped your journey?
Traci: As a CliftonStrengths coach, I’ve learned to navigate challenges by focusing on my strengths. My superpower is the ability to authentically connect with others and inspire them to think expansively. I’m known for being pathologically positive, which has helped me find opportunities even in tough situations. It also keeps me energized and focused!
InsureStory: Your credentials—CPCU, ARM, AIDA—speak volumes about your expertise. How have these certifications influenced your approach to career coaching and leadership development?
Traci: My credentials, which substituted for a traditional degree, were an efficient way to gain essential industry knowledge. They’ve opened doors for me, and I encourage the leaders I coach to consider non-traditional paths toward their goals. It’s all about being strategic and open-minded when developing one’s career.
InsureStory: As someone who supports leaders, how do you define effective leadership in today’s evolving workplace?
Traci: Today’s workplace is evolving faster than ever. There are five generations working side by side, technology is reshaping our roles, and remote work is changing collaboration. Effective leadership today requires agility. It’s about understanding the importance of a clearly articulated corporate culture and ensuring that every team member knows how their contributions impact the bottom line. The best leaders foster diverse, inclusive teams that can navigate these changes successfully.
InsureStory: What was your childhood dream, and how does it connect to the work you’re doing today?
Traci: I always dreamed of becoming an attorney. While I didn’t pursue that path, my work in insurance involves problem-solving within the framework of policies and regulations—similar to the work an attorney would do. It’s about coming up with creative solutions that align with legal and industry standards.
InsureStory: How has your personal journey influenced the way you approach coaching and leadership development?
Traci: My journey has taught me the importance of self-empowerment. As a coach and mentor, I guide people through self-exploration to build their confidence and define success on their own terms. I believe that when people are empowered to make decisions for themselves, they can thrive, both personally and professionally.
InsureStory: For the leaders and insurance professionals reading this, what’s the most important takeaway about leveraging their strengths to achieve success?
Traci: The key takeaway is to reimagine “no” as “not yet.” If you don’t succeed the first time, view it as a learning opportunity. Ask questions, gain new skills, and try again. Resilience is a crucial factor in achieving success.
InsureStory: Where do you see the biggest opportunity for leaders to grow and create impact in today’s business landscape?
Traci: The biggest opportunities lie in technology and cultural competency. Leaders must embrace data-driven decision-making and understand that technology will not replace humans—it will only enhance their ability to lead effectively. Additionally, leaders must be culturally competent to engage with diverse people and address subconscious biases in the workplace.
InsureStory: How would you summarize your journey from X to Y?
Traci: My journey has been shaped by resilience, gratitude, and curiosity. I’ve always given myself permission to try new things, to learn from failures, and to continuously grow. It’s been a purposeful and fulfilling journey that has empowered me to inspire others.
InsureStory: What’s the one thing you hope your clients and audiences take away from working with you?
Traci: I hope they understand that they are perfectly equipped to achieve success in their lives and careers. We all have unique talents that, when leveraged properly, can help us reach our goals. It’s about being in tune with ourselves and taking ownership of our success.
InsureStory: Looking ahead, what’s next for you? How do you plan to continue creating impact?
Traci: In the next year, I’ll be focusing on building the three pillars of my business: insurance education, leadership coaching, and professional speaking. Long-term, I want to create a professional development program that empowers people who are often overlooked, helping them become leaders in the risk management and insurance industry.
InsureStory: What’s one question you wish people would ask you more often, and how would you answer it?
Traci: I wish people would ask about who I am, not just what I do. Beyond my titles and credentials, I want people to understand my core—my values, my passions, and what drives me to do the work I do. It’s not just about professional success; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the world.
InsureStory: If you could go back and give advice to your younger self at the start of your journey, what would it be?
Traci: I would tell my younger self to define success on her own terms and not to let external pressures dictate her path. Stay true to your “why,” and let that be the guiding principle when facing difficult decisions.
InsureStory: Lastly, what’s your vision for the future of leadership and career development? How do you see your work contributing to that vision?
Traci: The future of leadership and career development will embrace diverse perspectives and creativity. Leadership is no longer just for those in top positions—it’s for everyone.
My work aims to help people discover and tap into their leadership potential, so they can pursue opportunities proactively and confidently, without waiting for permission.
