Ivona-Iva Karakutovska
Ivona Karakutovska is the CEO and Founder of Monarch Health and Life Advisors, a health insurance agency serving approximately 30 states. She leads with a strong commitment to ethics, compliance, and long-term client outcomes, building the agency by prioritizing quality over volume and creating a supportive, mentorship-driven environment where agents are encouraged to grow and succeed. Her leadership style centers on people-first strategies and the development of high-performing, values-aligned teams.
Originally from North Macedonia, Ivona came to the United States at a young age, an experience that shaped her resilience, work ethic, and deep appreciation for purpose-driven leadership. Before entering the insurance industry, she spent several years working in the medical field, gaining firsthand insight into patient care and the complexities of the healthcare system. This experience, combined with her legal studies, has informed her approach to compliance and ethical responsibility within the insurance space.
Transitioning into agency ownership marked a defining moment in her career—one sparked by a former partner’s introduction to the industry and embraced as an opportunity to build something meaningful and lasting. Ivona’s philosophy is grounded in consistency, resilience, and the power of relationships. She is deeply involved in mentoring new agents, collaborates closely with her business partner Matthew—who is also the father of her daughter—and uses business analytics to thoughtfully navigate complex operational challenges.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to integrity, sustainable growth, and creating a legacy built on trust, accountability, and purpose.
• Breast Cancer Association Advocacy
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my partner Matthew, who is the father of my daughter and my business partner. He has been a huge influence in just building up my view on business and handling things together. We are partners in the business as well, and he has very strong skills when it comes to business analytics and just handling day-to-day complex situations, so he has been a big guide in my life. Beyond that, I would say my most notable achievement is actually not professionally, but personally - having my daughter. She's a huge influence in everything that I do. My entire focal point of life is my daughter, Mia.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay consistent, even when progress feels slow. Success isn’t built in big moments—it’s built by showing up every day, doing the work with integrity, and trusting that steady effort compounds over time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The biggest advice I would give is to trust your instincts and believe in yourself. If you feel drawn to something, allow yourself to try it and see where it leads. Growth often comes from stepping into the unfamiliar and realizing you’re capable of more than you imagined.
Trying something new—and seeing yourself rise to the challenge—can create powerful shifts in your life. Those moments build confidence, clarity, and momentum. Don’t say no to opportunities simply because you’re afraid you might not succeed. Self-doubt can be limiting, but courage opens doors. Trust yourself enough to walk through them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field is navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment while maintaining trust and compliance. At the same time, this creates a major opportunity to lead with education, ethics, and transparency. Agencies that prioritize compliance, invest in technology, and mentor strong talent—especially women and emerging leaders—are well positioned to grow and make a meaningful impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life center around ethics, compliance, and long-term client outcomes. I build my agency by prioritizing quality over volume and creating a positive environment for the agents I mentor. On a personal level, my entire focal point of life is my daughter, Mia. Spending time with her is a huge hobby for me - I love being around her. She's a huge influence in everything that I do. I'm also passionate about poetry and belong to lots of book clubs. Additionally, I'm a huge advocate for the Breast Cancer Association, having lost my mom four years ago to breast cancer.
Locations
Monarch Health and Life Advisors
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304