Gianna Petraglia

I attribute my success to being proactive, adaptable, and willing to advocate for myself early in my career. During the USI Insurance Services Career Track Program, the typical timeline to become an Account Manager was two years, but I advanced into the role within 18 months by consistently asking questions, communicating my goals, and taking on additional responsibility whenever possible. That experience taught me the value of pushing myself beyond expectations instead of simply accepting the standard path. I also believe success comes from consistency and attention to detail, especially in fast-paced environments where small things can have a big impact.

The best career advice I’ve received came from one of my mentors and former softball coaches, Lou Santos, who always said, “Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.” That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career. In insurance, attention to detail, responsiveness, and consistency matter, and I’ve learned that handling the smaller day-to-day responsibilities well builds trust and creates opportunities for long-term growth.

I would encourage young women entering the industry to stay curious and not be afraid to ask questions. Insurance can feel overwhelming at first because there is always something new to learn, but being willing to learn and adapt is one of the most important skills you can have. I also think it is important to advocate for yourself and remain open to opportunities that may challenge you. Some of the best growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on responsibilities that help build confidence and experience.

One of the biggest opportunities in the insurance industry right now is changing the perception of the field. Many people still view insurance as very traditional, but there are so many career paths that involve analytics, strategy, relationship management, and transactional work. The industry is becoming more dynamic and collaborative, especially in specialized areas like mergers and acquisitions. I think increasing awareness of those opportunities will help attract more young professionals who may not have otherwise considered insurance as a career path.

The values that matter most to me are integrity, accountability, consistency, and curiosity. Integrity is important to me because I want to do things the right way and be someone others can rely on. Accountability matters in my work because people are depending on me to follow through and stay organized. Consistency is something I’ve learned over time—it’s about showing up every day, paying attention to the details, and building trust through steady work. Curiosity keeps me engaged and growing; I like asking questions, understanding the “why,” and staying open to learning instead of getting too comfortable with how things are done.