Laura Laurenzi | Senior Vice President | TSIB
Laura Laurenzi’s journey into the insurance industry began while she was at college in Connecticut. Like many students, she needed a part-time job, and an opportunity arose when The Hartford opened its AARP Auto and Homeowner Service Center near her campus. The job offered good pay, and she decided to take it. That decision, made nearly 40 years ago, marked the beginning of her long and successful career in the insurance industry. At EliteX, we are proud to have Laura Laurenzi as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Insurance, 2025.
Once she stepped into the industry, she became deeply interested in how insurance worked. She wanted to understand its importance and why it was needed. This curiosity led her to take insurance classes at the University of Hartford, where she was studying. What began as just a class or two eventually turned into a master’s degree in insurance. This educational foundation provided her with the knowledge and expertise that helped her grow in the field. As a woman in the insurance industry, Laura encountered unique challenges. When she transitioned from personal lines to commercial insurance, she found herself as one of the few women in her department. Specializing in environmental and construction insurance further narrowed the presence of women in her field, often making her the only woman in the room. Despite this, she remained focused on her career, proving her capabilities through her knowledge and dedication.
“Being open to new opportunities has always led me to fulfilling challenges.”
Laura has achieved a great deal throughout her career, and she takes pride in her accomplishments. However, she does not believe she has reached her biggest achievement yet. She continues to set new goals and embrace the challenges that come her way, always striving for further success. Over the years, she has seen a positive change in the industry with more women stepping into leadership roles. When she first started, leadership positions for women were far less common. Today, she is pleased to see an increasing number of women not just joining the industry but also leading it. This shift is a welcome change and a sign of continued progress. Success in the insurance industry requires a specific set of skills. Laura believes that the willingness to learn, ask questions, and solve problems are essential traits for anyone in the field. Every role within the industry demands its own expertise, but these fundamental qualities apply universally across all positions.
Balancing personal and professional life is another crucial aspect of a successful career. Laura emphasizes the importance of making a conscious effort to prioritize both. On weekends and vacations, she dedicates short, focused periods to checking work emails and voicemails, ensuring she handles only the most critical matters. This method helps her distinguish true emergencies from routine tasks that can wait. By limiting work-related tasks to just 20 minutes in the morning and evening, she ensures that the rest of her time is devoted to personal life. She also firmly believes that multitasking is ineffective and that focusing on one task at a time is the key to productivity.
For young women interested in entering the insurance field, Laura offers encouraging advice. The industry provides vast opportunities for professional growth and stability. As a multi-trillion-dollar industry, insurance serves as the backbone of the economy. It is an ever-evolving field that offers career fulfillment and advancement for those willing to learn and grow within it.
“Success in insurance starts with a willingness to learn and ask questions.”
Although she has never had an official mentor, Laura has learned valuable lessons from many colleagues throughout her career. She believes that some of the most insightful knowledge comes from informal conversations rather than structured training sessions. Insurance is an information-driven industry, and success depends on actively seeking opportunities to learn from others.
Laura remains motivated by her natural curiosity. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, with court case decisions frequently influencing coverage policies. She finds it exciting to stay informed and adapt to these changes. Continuous learning and adaptation keep her engaged in her work and ensure she remains at the forefront of the industry. Reflecting on the changes in the industry, Laura recalls a time when she had to move frequently to pursue new career opportunities. At one point, she lived in four states over six years because remote work was not an option. Today, remote work has become more widely accepted, providing flexibility that benefits professionals, especially women. She hopes that this shift continues, allowing for more work-life balance without sacrificing career growth.
Difficult situations and tough decisions are an inevitable part of any career, and Laura approaches them with a clear and methodical mindset. As a trained underwriter, her job has always been to evaluate information, ask the right questions, and make well-informed decisions. She applies this approach to all aspects of her career, ensuring she makes the best possible choices based on available data. To support and empower women in insurance, Laura believes that companies should increase their outreach efforts. College fairs and presentations can introduce young women to the many career paths available in the insurance industry. Since nearly every field of study can find a relevant role in insurance, awareness and education are key to attracting more women to the profession.
Looking ahead, Laura does not have a rigid career plan. She has found that being open to new opportunities has led her to fulfilling and rewarding experiences. Instead of setting strict goals, she remains flexible and welcomes new challenges as they come. This mindset has served her well, allowing her to continuously grow and succeed in her career. Laura Laurenzi’s journey in the insurance industry is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and adaptability. From a college job to a lifelong career, she has navigated the evolving landscape of insurance with a commitment to learning and professional growth. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to enter and thrive in the industry.
