As a strategic talent partner to the insurance industry, Avencia Talent Solutions is committed to dismantling the barriers that prevent high-performing talent from reaching the top. We recently had the pleasure of sponsoring an episode of the 100 Women in Insurance podcast, where our very own Liz Charlesworth, Managing Partner at Avencia Talent Solutions, sat down with Sandra Lewin to discuss a critical question: Why are women still underrepresented in senior leadership?
The conversation moved past the usual tropes of a “confidence gap.” Instead, Liz highlighted that the real obstacles are often structural and rooted in unspoken assumptions. Here are the three key takeaways from the discussion that every insurance leader and aspiring executive should consider.
1. Visibility Must Be Intentional
In a world of hybrid and remote work, “accidental exposure” has significantly decreased. You can no longer rely on being noticed just by being in the office. Liz points out that hard work performed in silence is often mistaken for a lack of ambition. Visibility is not about ego. It is about providing clarity on the value you bring to the business. At Avencia, we encourage professionals to build their networks and nurture relationships long before they actually need them.
2. The Danger of Silent Assumptions
One of the most profound points Liz raised was how assumptions quietly stall careers. Decision makers often make guesses about a woman’s ambition, her desire for flexibility, or her readiness for a high-pressure role based on her parental responsibilities or personal life. These assumptions lead to women being “protected” out of opportunities they actually want. The solution is simple: stop assuming and start asking.
3. Flexibility is a Performance Driver
There is a persistent myth that a need for flexibility equates to a lack of commitment. We believe the opposite. Flexibility is a tool for sustainability. When organisations offer transparent policies and rethink how work gets done, they create a leadership pipeline that can thrive for the long term.
At Avencia, we are not just recruiters. We are consultants who help businesses build more capable and diverse workforces. By addressing these systemic challenges, the insurance industry can ensure that “choice, not chance” defines the next generation of leadership.
If you would like to listen to the podcast, you can find it on Spotify, Apple, or visit the 100 Women In Insurance Podcast website for more information. You can also reach out to Liz or our team at Avencia Talent Solutions for more information on how we can help with recruitment and consulting to grow your business.
Elizabeth Charlesworth, Avencia Talent Solutions Managing Partner – https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethcharlesworth/
