A ‘long shot’ that turned into a rewarding career

Audrey, you’ve built an impressive career at AgriSompo, with many roles along the way. Take us back to the beginning and how it all started.   

I didn’t start out with a life-long plan to work in this industry. I joined what was then Diversified Crop Insurance Services just over ten years ago, before it became part of AgriSompo. They were growing quickly and holding open-house interviews locally. Even then it was known as a great place to work, and that is something that hasn’t changed to this day.   

What stood out immediately was how people talked about work-life balance, development, and growth. I was a few years out of college and looking for something connected to my degree. I interviewed and joined as an entry-level underwriter. It felt like a long shot, but it turned out to be the start of something much bigger.  

You’ve stayed with the organization ever since, something that’s increasingly rare. What kept you here?  

Without question, it was the culture of mentorship. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by leaders who genuinely wanted me to succeed and had the patience in allowing me to find the path to success. At first, that meant learning the basics and building confidence in my role.   

Over time, it shifted into recognizing other strengths, such as problem-solving or strategic thinking, and finding ways to use those in new roles. I never felt pressure to jump companies to progress. Instead, opportunities kept opening up internally.   

There was always a sense of partnership: if I was willing to put in the work, the organization would invest in my development. That mutual commitment is powerful, and it’s something I now think deeply about as a people-leader myself. I am responsible not only for the results, but also for how I ensure they get the same opportunities I was given.   

You moved from underwriting to product management and systems support. Was that a natural shift?   

I discovered I loved the analytical side of underwriting, even though I never considered myself an analytical person. The research, the investigation, the satisfaction of solving problems. It is so rewarding when you figure something out or you help someone figure it out and deliver a solution.   

Moving into product management and systems support expanded that mindset. I now work across technology, accounting, claims, and operations. 

If you were explaining your job to someone with no insurance background, how would you describe it?  

I’d say crop insurance is a behind-the-scenes ‘safety net’. Weather volatility affects farmers directly, and crop insurance helps ensure they can recover from loss and continue producing food that supports the global food supply.  

My role is about making that system work. Crop insurance is a public-private partnership, and policies are constantly evolving. When coverage changes, or needs to, I help translate those requirements into systems, processes, and training. I act as a bridge between underwriters, agents, and IT teams, ensuring everything aligns so policies can be delivered properly.  

I also lead a team of product owners and support training and system support teams. My job is to make sure they have what they need to do their jobs well and that information flows smoothly across teams.  

What's the biggest challenge of being a ‘bridge’ between roles or departments?  

One of the biggest challenges in complex organizations is cross-communications between technical and non-technical teams, between policy experts and system developers. Over time, I’ve learned how to connect those dots. That ability only came from staying, learning different functions, and working with many teams.   

Sompo plays a big role in your story. In addition to the challenges that keep you motivated, what else plays a role in your success in the Company?  

Work-life balance is huge. I’ve felt real support around time off, flexibility, and balance - especially important as a parent to a young child. I’m able to work hard and still show up fully for my family.  

 I also feel supported as a people-leader and manager. The goal-setting, communication, and career development processes give me confidence, not just in my own role, but in how I support others. Having the right tools makes a meaningful difference.  

Looking ahead, what excites you about the future at Sompo?  

There’s a real commitment to improving, expanding, and serving customers better, especially in a sector as dynamic as crop insurance. I don’t sense stagnation; I see momentum and the desire to grow in the market. When you understand where the organization is heading, it’s easier to bring energy and purpose to your work every day.  

What would you say to someone considering a career in insurance?  

Keep an open mind. There are so many opportunities waiting for you in the insurance industry that you probably haven’t thought about. Explore what a career in insurance might look like because it might surprise you. It opened so many doors for me and allowed me to use skills and talents I didn't even know I had. It has also allowed opportunities for travel, learning, and exposure to different industries and people. If you’re curious and willing to learn, there’s far more opportunity in insurance than most people realize.  

And outside of your diverse and rewarding career in crop insurance, what keeps you going in your personal life?   

I enjoy spending time with my family, working outdoors, gardening, cooking...back to that work-life balance, it allows me to work hard but also play hard when it comes to things I enjoy. I also enjoy traveling and interestingly, crop insurance inspires some of my personal travels. I traveled to New Orleans a couple of times for work, and it made me really want to return to the area as a visitor, which I did.    

Audrey, thank you for this insightful chat.