Shauntelle Lake entered the insurance industry early and never stopped learning.
It started with a P&C trainee program at The Hartford, where she completed her licensing and built a foundation that would carry her through more than two decades in the industry. Years later, that foundation has evolved into a career defined not just by longevity, but by reinvention.
For Shauntelle, one of the most rewarding aspects of insurance is its versatility. The industry offers room to pivot, expand, and redefine your path, something she experienced firsthand when she chose to learn a new line of insurance decades into her established career.
“There are many avenues — whether it be in sales, client servicing, underwriting, brokering, and so on,” she explains. “But learning a new line of insurance 22 years into my career was by far my biggest achievement and challenge.”
If there is one theme that defines Shauntelle’s career, it is continuous learning. She believes growth should be ongoing, regardless of tenure and that experience should expand, not limit opportunity.
Learning Never Stops
When Shauntelle first entered the industry, leadership roles were largely male-dominated. Over time, she has seen meaningful progress.
“I think women are taking on leadership roles at a rapid speed, whereas 20 years ago you didn’t see that as much.”
That shift, she believes, is fueled not only by opportunity, but by mentorship. Her advice to young women entering the field reflects that perspective.
“Find a mentor as soon as you can and ask as many questions as you can. Shadow as much as possible and ask to be involved in new projects.”
She credits one of her early mentors on the carrier side, with encouraging her to use her voice and share her ideas confidently. That guidance has left a lasting impact on how she shows up professionally today.
Centered and Intentional
Shauntelle believes that as women, we often try to do it all at home and in the workplace. The balance between the two can be a constant struggle.
“I try to take time out for myself every single day to exercise, journal, or just meditate,” she says. “Even just an hour makes a huge difference.”
That intentional pause helps her reset and approach both work and life with clarity. The same grounded mindset guides her professional decisions. Adaptability, relationship-building, and balancing expectations are, in her view, the most essential skills for success.
Authenticity as Strength
When handling difficult situations or tough decisions at work Shauntelle has found it best to stay “old school.”
“I make an old-fashioned pros and cons list,” she says. “Then I review it and reflect on possible outcomes. Sometimes it really helps writing things out on paper.”
That grounded, thoughtful approach reflects more than her decision-making style, it reflects who she is. If she had to describe herself in one word, it would be “Authentic.” For Shauntelle, authenticity means showing up consistently. Whether navigating change, stepping into a new line of business, or supporting colleagues, she strives to remain consistent in how she shows up.
At TSIB, she has found an environment that reflects that value.
“Two words: the people,” she says when asked why she enjoys working there.
The culture, relationships, and shared commitment to growth have reinforced her belief that professional development is strongest when it happens from within.
Looking Ahead
After more than two decades in insurance, Shauntelle is not slowing down. Her career demonstrates that growth does not stop at year five or year fifteen or year twenty-two.
From trainee to seasoned professional, her journey reflects on her reinvention and the courage to keep learning long after comfort sets in. Her story is a reminder that expertise is powerful but the willingness to evolve is what sustains it.
This article is part of our Women’s History Month spotlight lineup. Don’t miss any of the other inspiring stories highlighted in this series!