Anne Marie Towle Shares Her Views on Women in Insurance

Anne Marie Towle is a recognized leader in the captive insurance industry and an ongoing advocate for advancing women in the profession. As a longtime supporter and recent past chair of the Captive Insurance Company Associations Amplify Women initiative, she continues to champion mentorship, inclusion, and leadership development for women across the industry. In the conversation below, she shares her perspective on professional growth and empowering the next generation of leaders in captive insurance.

What tips do you have for women in the captive insurance industry who would like to position themselves for career advancement?

I encourage individuals to set stretch goals and continuously pursue learning opportunities, whether through classes, public speaking, or working with a new industry or client segment. Demonstrating a commitment to growth and a willingness to approach your role with fresh perspectives is essential for both current and future career advancement.

Networking also plays a key role. I often recommend finding a mentor outside your organization, as they can offer valuable insights and connections. Engaging with professional organizations such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter or Certified Public Accountant societies and attending captive and general insurance conferences are excellent ways to expand your network. I always encourage women to explore what genuinely interests them within their field, define their stretch goals, and actively participate in educational conferences to support their development.

What does a "successful" career look like? How does work/life balance play into your definition of success?

A successful career looks different for everyone and should reflect each individual's personal goals. For me, success means working with an organization that values entrepreneurship, flexibility, and leadership, while also allowing me to channel my passion for delivering meaningful services to clients. I've always gravitated toward environments that support innovation and encourage professionals to grow into their full potential.

I'm not particularly fond of the phrase "work/life balance" because I see life as encompassing everything—my career, my family, and my friendships. Rather than trying to separate these areas, I focus on integrating them. That means being intentional about bringing the same energy and passion to each part of my life, whether I'm supporting clients, spending time with loved ones, or mentoring the next generation of leaders. Of course, there are days when one area requires more attention than another, but overall, I strive to stay grounded in what matters most and to involve my family in the journey. My career is not separate from my life—it is part of a larger whole that I approach with purpose and passion.

Tell us about a role model you've had who stands out in your career and what made them a good role model?

I was fortunate to have a female college professor of taxation who became an early mentor and introduced me to leadership opportunities during my time in college. This was in the late 1980s, just as the business department's Women in Business club was getting started. She encouraged me to get involved and helped identify areas that aligned with my interests. More importantly, she served as a powerful role model—emphasizing the value of stretch goals, encouraging leadership development, and demonstrating the many ways women can succeed in the business world.

What do you enjoy most about working with captives and alternative risk transfer?

What I enjoy most about this industry is that every prospect and client brings a unique risk profile and approach to retaining risk. Each opportunity deepens my passion for understanding people and organizations, and for developing tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. I'm truly passionate about the value captive insurance brings to organizations. It empowers businesses to take control of their financial outcomes in ways that directly benefit their employees, clients, and customers. For instance, many healthcare organizations that operate their own captives use them to drive improved behaviors among physicians by implementing enhanced procedures—ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Ms. Towle is pictured above. (Courtesy photo.)