Leadership Principles That Define My Approach

Leadership is not defined by titles or formal authority; rather, it is demonstrated through service to others and the ability to elevate them. Throughout my career, I have learned that authentic leadership requires consistency, empathy, and the courage to set the standard through action rather than instruction.

These are the principles that guide how I lead as Head of Wholesale Cyber and Technology Underwriting at AXA XL.

1. Humility

I firmly believe that no task is beneath a leader. When our team reaches full capacity, I willingly step into the day-today underwriting work to ensure we continue to meet our commitments. I find fulfillment in contributing alongside my team, demonstrating that shared accountability and diligence are the cornerstones of effective leadership.

2. Respect

Respect is the currency of trust. I make a deliberate effort to begin every conversation by asking, “How’s your day going?” before addressing any work matters. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that reinforces that I value people as individuals first. I also make it a point to say please and thank you in every interaction. Courtesy, in my view, is timeless.

This culture of respect extends externally as well — our brokers consistently express the esteem they have for both me and my team, recognizing the professionalism and integrity with which we operate.

3. Patience

True leadership requires patience and understanding. I encourage open dialogue and emphasize that there is no stigma in seeking clarification or admitting uncertainty. For instance, if someone needs to ask the same question multiple times, I respond each time with the same attentiveness and respect. I am purposeful about telling my team that there is no stigma in saying you forgot something or don’t know something.

4. Motivation

Our work environment is fast-paced and demanding, but it remains collaborative and energizing rather than stressful. I regularly remind my team to take their well-earned vacations, set their out-of-office messages and disconnect fully. I assure them that someone will always support them and that we will collectively uphold their excellence in their absence. I often say, “I got your back.” I keep a positive attitude, which I believe motivates everyone around me.

5. Giving Others the Credit They Deserve

Recognition is a leadership imperative. When team members excel, I make sure their contributions are acknowledged before brokers and senior leadership. Elevating others strengthens the unit and reinforces that success is collective. I often send emails to managers and other leaders, copying the team member involved and highlighting their achievements.

6. Empathy

As the eldest of six siblings, I have always been a caretaker by nature.

That instinct extends into my professional life — I see my team as an extension of my family. I want them to feel psychologically safe and genuinely supported. When issues arise, I take responsibility regardless of fault, because I believe accountability begins with leadership.

7. Setting the Right Example

Credibility is built through consistent action.

My inbox remains at zero because I prioritize responsiveness and order. I embrace new and difficult assignments without hesitation, demonstrating that leadership is not about delegating difficulty but about confronting it with composure and commitment. I also strive to innovate every aspect of the job. It gives me joy because my team does the same. For example, we’ve found several utilities that significantly boost our productivity by using underutilized features of the Microsoft Office suite.

8. Kindness and Listening to Different Perspectives

Kindness is not a weakness — it is a mark of emotional intelligence. I make it a priority to listen to differing viewpoints with genuine curiosity. The other leaders within the company model this same respect and civility, creating a broader corporate culture defined by empathy, collaboration, and mutual motivation.

Leadership, in its truest form, is the art of elevating others. It is about fostering an ecosystem of trust, accountability, and shared purpose — where individuals are empowered to excel not through pressure, but through inspiration.