It was a sunny afternoon in 2022, and I was sitting by the lake, watching the waves roll in. I had just completed a two-year consulting contract with the business I sold my brokerage to and found myself at a crossroads. I could either walk away from insurance altogether, or I could find a new way to contribute to the industry I had grown up in, starting as a teenager in my parents’ home.
As I sat there, a few memories came up. I thought about my dear friend Andrea, a brokerage owner who had recently passed away. I had tried to help her sell her brokerage before she passed, but I wasn’t able to. I wished I could have found a way to take some of the pressure off her as she faced her diagnosis. That moment of reflection reminded me of my own journey, the early days when I had big dreams for our family brokerage and took over as principal broker when my father had to step back due to his health. As a young woman brokerage owner, I remember feeling so incredibly alone.
Over the years, I’ve mentored, led, and coached countless insurance professionals, served thousands of clients, and built a successful business. But after that contract ended, I found myself in a new place—no team, no clients, no partners. It was just me. And as one of my former coaches says, “irritated oysters make pearls.”
With that sense of irritation, I made a decision. I chose to stay in the industry I love, but this time, I would lead with my personal essence—one that now includes a deep focus on balancing masculine and feminine energy, leaning into my strengths, with a passion for helping others succeed.
That’s how Dream Team Consulting was born. This time, I would build a dream team—not just for my clients, but for myself. Strategic partners, collaborators, and co-creators. And together, we would make sure no one has to feel as alone as I once did.
I started my entrepreneurial career in my early teens, helping my parents in their family owned insurance business. Alongside my father, I learned about the insurance business, and how to build a business based on relationship and core values.
I’m a natural opportunity maximizer, and saw ways to make the business more profitable; I revamped our business development approach, added additional professional associations to our client roster, and took the lead for client sales. We continued to expand our business across Canada.
In 1996 I gave birth to my daughter. 3 weeks later, I was back at work, newborn in arms while growing the business and taking care of clients.
My husband joined our business as the succession plan for my father, taking over the life and group benefits area of the business. That meant all of our eggs were in one basket – all of our family income was coming from one source. We had an even bigger Why for succeeding!
Over the years our business won several awards, we wrote a book together, maintained strong relationships with Associations and clients across Canada, and continued to speak at various events. As our business expanded, we experienced many challenges and the occasional disruption. What kept us motivated was our company Vision and Values and my personal focus and determination.
Being a life long learner, I joined masterminds to collaborate with others. And, I invested over $250k in my education as an entrepreneur, applied what I learned, grew the insurance business over 10 times, and successfully sold it in 2020.
Since 2020, I have been serving as a business consultant for insurance brokerages, offering valuable insights and strategic guidance. Additionally, I've taken on the role of mentor to entrepreneurial couples, providing personalized support and fostering their growth. My expertise has been shared as a featured podcast guest, where I've shared my experiences.
In the realm of event hosting, I've had the privilege of organizing impactful gatherings tailored for business owners. Whether facilitating workshops or curating networking events, my aim is to create valuable experiences within the entrepreneurial community.
During critical junctures, I've been honored to assist entrepreneurs, executives, and corporations navigating crisis mode, employing my skills and experience to help them overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Reflecting on these endeavors, it is 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 have been in business, I have found that the key to success in any business lies in having a clear vision and well-defined strategy, and also in fostering connections and relationships with others. In my experience, the best way to achieve this balance is to bring together the qualities of both masculine and feminine energy. The masculine energy provides the drive and focus needed to achieve goals and succeed, while the feminine energy brings a sense of collaboration, empathy, and connection that is essential for building relationships and creating a supportive network. This is the kind of energy I bring to my work with my clients; the drive and focus to help them through a disruption, balanced with empathy, collaboration, and listening when helping 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.