In 2022, after completing a two-year consulting contract with the company that acquired my brokerage, I found myself at a pivotal moment. I could either step away from the insurance industry that had been integral to my life since my teenage years or discover new ways to contribute to it. In sharing the story behind Dream Team Consulting, I’ll take you through both my professional journey and personal experiences that shaped this path.
Reflecting on my journey, I recalled my dear friend Andrea, a brokerage owner who had recently passed away. I had attempted to assist her in selling her brokerage before her passing but was unable to do so. This experience, coupled with memories of my early days taking over as principal broker when my father’s health declined, highlighted the isolation I felt as a young woman brokerage owner.
Over the years, I’ve mentored, led, and coached numerous insurance professionals, served thousands of clients, and built a successful business. Yet, after that contract ended, I found myself without a team, clients, or partners. Embracing this challenge, I decided to remain in the industry I love, leading with my personal essence and strengths, with a passion for helping others succeed.
This led to the creation of Dream Team Consulting. My vision was to build a dream team—not just for my clients, but also for myself—comprising strategic partners, collaborators, and co-creators. Together, we aim to ensure that no one has to feel as isolated as I once did.
My entrepreneurial journey began in my early teens, assisting my British parents in their family-owned insurance business. Working alongside my father, I learned the importance of building a business based on relationships and core values.
As a natural opportunity maximizer, I identified ways to enhance profitability by revamping our business development approach, adding professional associations to our client roster, and leading client sales. This expansion continued across Canada.
In 1996, I welcomed my daughter into the world. Just three weeks later, I was back at work, balancing motherhood while growing the business and serving clients.
My husband joined our business as part of the succession plan for my father, taking over the life and group benefits area. This consolidated our family income into one source, strengthening our resolve to succeed.
Throughout the years, our business received several awards, we co-authored a book, maintained strong relationships with associations and clients nationwide, and spoke at various events. Despite challenges and occasional disruptions, our company vision, values, and my personal determination kept us motivated.
As a lifelong learner, I participated in masterminds to collaborate with others. Investing over $250,000 in my entrepreneurial education, I applied this knowledge to grow the insurance business over tenfold, leading to its successful sale in 2020.
Since then, I've served as a business consultant for insurance brokerages, offering valuable insights and strategic guidance. Additionally, I've mentored entrepreneurial couples, shared my expertise as a podcast guest, and hosted impactful events for business owners. During critical junctures, I've assisted entrepreneurs, executives, and corporations in navigating crises, helping them overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Reflecting on these endeavors, it's immensely gratifying to leverage my talents and decades of experience in diverse ways, contributing to the success and fulfillment of those I've had the privilege to work and collaborate with..
Over the decades, I’ve found that the key to success in any business lies in having a clear vision, well-defined strategy, and fostering connections and relationships with others. This is the kind of energy I bring to my work with clients: the drive and focus to help them through disruptions, balanced with empathy, collaboration, and attentive listening when assisting with strategic planning or masterminding.
Collaboration
Connection
Creativity
Confidence
Courage
When I’m not working with clients, I’m hanging out at my recently built dream home in South Western Ontario or travelling for fun and business events. I’m an avid reader averaging 40 books a year, and love buying flowers and other goodies at the roadside stands close to my home.
My passion project is helping to raise funds and awareness for a non-profit that helps abused youth through equine facilitation. The mission is to help these youth to become free, empowered, and confident in their future, knowing how to achieve economic self sufficiency. I am proud to sponsor the non-profit and help to advance its mission and vision.
As someone who is colour blind, I understand the unique challenges and perspectives that come with this condition. This personal experience has heightened my awareness and sensitivity to inclusivity in business practices. At Dream Team Consulting, I leverage this insight to help organizations create more accessible and inclusive environments, ensuring that services and communications are considerate of colour vision deficiencies. By integrating this perspective, we aim to enhance user experiences and foster a more inclusive industry.