---
title: "The Intentional Leader: Showing Up, Speaking Up"
description: Kori Trotter's journey from a journalism major to a leader in insurance claims showcases the power of curiosity, resilience, and advocacy in personal and professional growth.
image: https://blog.tsibinc.com/hubfs/Trotter.png
---
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{id=208982548380, name=Women's History Month, slug=womens-history-month}
# Knowledge Corner
March 9, 2026
## The Intentional Leader: Showing Up, Speaking Up
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
Kori Trotter never set out to build a career in insurance.
In fact, her introduction to claims was purely accidental. As a journalism major with a public relations focus, she attended a campus interview in her senior year of college for a claims representative role — purely for practice. She had no real interest in the industry and simply wanted to feel comfortable interviewing before a “real” opportunity came along. Five interviews later, something shifted.
*“What started as a practice interview ended up launching my career in insurance claims,”* she reflects. *“And I’ve never looked back.”*
Now, thirteen years later, Kori has built a career in insurance defined by curiosity, resilience, and advocacy — both professionally and personally.
Staying Curious
For Kori, the appeal of the insurance industry lies in its unpredictability.
*“No two days are the same,”* she says. *“There’s always something new to figure out.”*
Kori thrives in environments that challenge her to think critically and adapt quickly.
*“I enjoy this industry because it allows me to stay curious, help people, and share what I’ve learned over the years.”*
That adaptability became especially important early in her career.
Finding Her Voice
As one of the only women and often the youngest person in the room, Kori initially felt the pressure to prove herself in technical or complex claim conversations. Rather than allowing those moments to discourage her, she used it as motivation to deepen her expertise and ask questions.
*“I learned to advocate for myself — whether that meant speaking up in meetings or asking for opportunities that stretched me,”* she explained.
Over time, credibility followed confidence and her voice carried weight. Today, she credits those early experiences with shaping her resilience and perspective.
The Dual-Sport Athlete
When asked about her biggest achievement so far, Kori answers without hesitation and with humor:
*“Keeping three small humans alive and thriving while handling insurance claims,”* she says. *“Somehow, I’m resolving multimillion-dollar problems at work and mediating arguments over who gets the blue cup at home. Truly a dual-sport athlete.”*
Behind the humor is a philosophy that keeps her grounded.
Kori describes life as a mix of juggling glass balls and rubber balls. The glass balls —family, health, well-being, cannot be dropped. The rubber balls of work and house chores will bounce back.
*“In claims, some days feel less like juggling and more like firefighting,”* she says. *“A new ‘urgent’ issue gets tossed into your hands. In those moments, I focus on extinguishing the flames that matter most — not every spark I see.”*
To highlight this balance, Kori doesn’t point to perfection, she points to consistency. In December 2025, Kori was one of nine TSIB Staff Award recipients.
*“This award was particularly special because it happened the same year I returned from maternity leave,”* she shared. *“I felt I was jumping back into work and finding my rhythm again.”*
Balancing claims work while navigating a major life transition is no small task. For Kori, the recognition wasn’t just about results, it was validation that protecting the glass balls while handling the rubber ones doesn’t go unnoticed. This mindset allows her to prioritize what matters most while continuing to perform at a high level.
A Culture That Lives Its Values
Kori’s appreciation for TSIB’s culture became deeply personal during her very first week on the job. While traveling for work, her husband suffered a serious accident that required hospitalization and an extended recovery. As she navigated fear, family logistics, and the uncertainty of a new role, TSIB leadership stepped in before she even had to ask.
TSIB offered hotel accommodations and food support for her family during the crisis — removing one layer of stress so she could focus on what mattered most.
*“We often extend this kind of support to individuals impacted by crises on our jobsites,”* she begins. *“But feeling that same level of compassion extended to me was unforgettable. “TSIB isn’t a company that simply talks about putting people first — they truly live it.”*
For Kori, that experience didn’t just provide relief but defined the company’s culture.
Supporting the Next Generation of Women
If she had to describe herself in one word, Kori chooses “Advocate.” At work, advocacy means fairness, clarity, and ensuring the best possible outcome for all parties involved. At home, as a parent to a child with special needs, advocacy is woven into her daily life.
*“It reflects my instinct to speak up, support others, and push for what’s right — no matter the setting.”*
For Kori, advocacy isn’t limited to claims decisions, it extends to the next generation of women entering the industry. Her advice is simple: jump in and stay curious.
*“I’d tell young women to read everything, ask every question, and not be shy about it,”* she says. *“Find a mentor who can help you navigate both career challenges and the occasional personal meltdown. This industry offers so many paths to explore, and while it can be stressful, it’s also incredibly rewarding.”*
As she reflects on her own journey, Kori hopes to see stronger representation of women in leadership roles across the industry. While women make up a significant portion of entry and mid-level positions, that representation significantly drops at the executive level.
*“Representation matters. Not just for the woman stepping into the role, but for everyone who sees what’s possible because she’s there,”* she explains.
She believes companies play a critical role in creating that progress. Building intentional spaces where women can openly share experiences — whether balancing work, family, or expectations, fosters connection and trust.
*“Having someone invested in your growth makes it easier to stay grounded and keep moving forward,”* she says. *“When companies invest in those relationships, they’re not just empowering individual women — they’re strengthening the entire industry.”*
Whether in a claims meeting or a mentoring conversation, she leads the same way, by ensuring women are supported, heard, and represented. When that happens, the entire industry moves forward.
The Future
Looking ahead, Kori doesn’t have every step mapped out, but she believes growth comes from being intentional. From a “practice interview” to a respected voice in claims, her journey is a testament to confidence built through competence and advocacy in action. Her story reflects the power of showing up prepared, protecting what matters most, and helping create space for others to do the same. As she continues to grow in her career, she remains committed to leading with curiosity, resilience, and advocacy — both for her clients and for the women who will follow.
This article is part of our [Women’s History Month spotlight lineup](https://blog.tsibinc.com/celebrating-tsib-women). Don’t miss any of the other inspiring stories highlighted in this series!
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3391365/04636adb-cf3d-44de-b228-ad429d4ea99f)
Topics: [Women's History Month](https://blog.tsibinc.com/topic/womens-history-month)
Written by [The TSIB Team](https://blog.tsibinc.com/author/the-tsib-team)
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