Erika Broussard
Erika Broussard is a worksite benefits professional specializing in enrollment services and benefits administration. Based in Richmond, Texas, she serves as an Agency Sales Representative with Colonial Life, where she partners with brokers and organizations to deliver voluntary benefits solutions that help employees protect their financial well-being.
Erika entered the insurance industry in June 2022, inspired by her father’s growing business and the opportunity to build something of her own. After a successful career in apartment property management, she made a strategic shift into a more entrepreneurial path, one that offered both professional independence and the flexibility to prioritize her family.
In her current role, Erika collaborates closely with major medical brokers to help employers address gaps in traditional health coverage. She designs and implements voluntary benefits programs that include accident, life, cancer, critical illness, and disability insurance. Her work spans the full lifecycle of benefits administration, from developing plan structures and implementing technology platforms to coordinating customized enrollment strategies that create a seamless experience for employers, employees, and brokers.
Erika is deeply involved in both business development and client support. She proactively connects with brokers to identify new opportunities while also serving existing clients through onboarding, new hire enrollments, and ongoing benefits education. She coordinates teams of trained benefits counselors who meet with employees, either onsite or virtually, to guide them through their options and ensure informed decision-making. A strong advocate for innovation, Erika leverages technology to enhance the enrollment experience, utilizing tools such as educational videos, digital benefits guides, online scheduling platforms, and text-based communication campaigns. Her approach blends high-tech efficiency with a high-touch, personalized experience.
What drives Erika most is the tangible impact of her work. Hearing stories from clients who have maintained financial stability during serious health challenges reinforces her commitment to helping others prepare for the unexpected. As a self-employed professional within the Colonial Life network, Erika values the ability to grow her business without limits while maintaining a lifestyle that allows her to be fully present for her family and the moments that matter most.
• University of Houston
• Rookie of the Year
• NSSLHA
• Best Buddies
• Delta Zeta Sorority
• Fort Bend County Women's Shelter
• Houston Food Bank
• Center for Hearing and Speech
• The Westview School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, intentional relationship-building, and a commitment to letting results speak for themselves. In a relationship-driven industry, trust is everything, and I’ve built my business by consistently showing up, following through, and putting people first. Earning Rookie of the Year in my first year- while also welcoming my first child- required a great deal of perseverance. That season taught me how to stay focused, be proactive, and remain disciplined even when life is demanding. I’ve also been very intentional about how I approach my work. I actively connect with brokers, stay engaged with my clients, and focus on doing what’s right for employees rather than chasing numbers. For me, the real reward comes from knowing I’ve helped someone protect their financial stability. That genuine care and dedication to serving others has been the foundation of my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my father, and it completely changed how I manage my time and energy. He told me, "If someone is creating 90% of your problems but only contributing 10% of your income, they’re not where your energy belongs." That perspective has been invaluable. It’s helped me become more strategic about where I invest my time and more confident in setting boundaries. Not every opportunity is the right opportunity, and not every prospect is worth the same level of effort. Understanding that has allowed me to focus on high-value relationships, reduce unnecessary stress, and ultimately grow my business more effectively.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: focus on building trust, delivering value, and staying consistent. Your work ethic, your results, and the relationships you build will always speak louder than anything else.
While the insurance industry is still largely male-dominated, I’ve found that it also presents an opportunity. The qualities that truly matter- integrity, discipline, and the ability to serve others- are not defined by gender. Don’t let that dynamic intimidate you. Instead, let it motivate you to stand out. Be grounded in your values, do right by your clients, and approach your work with integrity, even and especially in a sales-driven environment. When you lead with authenticity and purpose, the credibility you build will open doors.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest dynamics in the voluntary benefits space right now is the rapid evolution of both workforce expectations and technology. Employees are seeking more personalized, accessible benefits, while employers are looking for cost-effective ways to provide meaningful support. That creates a significant opportunity for professionals in this field to bring value through education, strategic plan design, and a more thoughtful approach to enrollment.
At the same time, there’s a growing sense of uncertainty around the role of artificial intelligence; not just in our industry, but across every profession. While AI has the potential to enhance efficiency and improve communication, it also represents a major shift in how business is done. In the insurance space, there are clear boundaries: agents must be licensed to write business, and relationships still drive decisions, but there’s no question that those who are willing to adapt and integrate new tools will be better positioned for the future. Even for those of us who may not naturally gravitate toward it, there’s an understanding that evolving with the industry is essential. I am staunchly anti-AI for a multitude of reasons, so knowing that I'll eventually have to adopt it or become irrelevant is difficult. Overall, I see this as a pivotal moment in the industry: one that requires adaptability, strong relationships, and a willingness to grow. It’s an opportunity to not only keep up with change, but to help shape what the future of this field looks like.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is at the core of everything I do. In an industry that often emphasizes production and numbers, I’ve always been guided by doing what’s right for the people I serve, even if that means less immediate financial gain. The long-term trust and impact are far more valuable to me. That same principle carries into my personal life. My family is my foundation, and being present for them is one of my greatest priorities. I value the ability to build a successful business while also being there for the everyday moments that matter most. For me, success isn’t just about professional growth, it’s about aligning my work with my values, maintaining strong relationships, and creating a life that reflects both purpose and balance.