Michelle Elliott, CISR
Michelle Elliott, CISR, is a dedicated and experienced Commercial Lines Senior Account Executive at BancFirst Insurance Services, Inc., based in Yale, Oklahoma. After spending five years as a stay-at-home mom, Michelle re-entered the workforce when her youngest child began kindergarten. At 30, with no prior insurance experience, she applied for a processor position at Bradshaw Agency in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Her determination, eagerness to learn, and clear focus on building a career impressed the agency principal, who gave her the opportunity that would shape her professional life. Over 20 years at the agency, Michelle earned her CISR designation and developed strong relationships with clients and producers, establishing a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and service excellence.
Recently, Michelle embraced a new challenge by joining a larger agency as a Commercial Lines Senior Account Executive in a fully remote role. In this position, she supports producers by managing accounts, preparing proposals and RFPs, working in the agency management system, and attending board meetings. She thrives in this environment because dedicated support teams handle routine tasks, allowing her to focus on high-level work and strategic client solutions. Michelle attributes her success to a mindset of continuous learning, building genuine relationships, and approaching every opportunity with curiosity and dedication.
Outside of her professional life, Michelle cherishes her role as a grandmother to three granddaughters and enjoys making homemade jelly from fruits grown in her own garden. Her greatest personal and professional accomplishment is achieving her career success without a college degree, demonstrating resilience, hard work, and determination. Michelle’s story is a testament to the value of perseverance, lifelong learning, and the impact of following one’s passion with focus and integrity.
• CISR
• 20-year service recognition from previous employer
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my eagerness to learn and my willingness to take chances. When I was re-entering the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom, I applied for jobs I wasn't qualified for because I believed someone just needed to take a chance on me. That eagerness is what got me hired at Bradshaw Agency. The agency principal told me I had no experience, but I was smart and eager, and she was going to take a chance. From there, I focused on building strong relationships with clients and producers, which I consider my biggest achievement. I've also learned to be a sponge throughout my career - to listen and learn from everyone around me. My mentor, Harold Bradshaw, taught me so much by taking me under his wing and bringing me along to client meetings. I just kept doing what I was good at, and that consistency and dedication to my work has been the foundation of my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to just keep doing what I'm doing, because I'm really good at my job. That simple affirmation meant so much to me and gave me the confidence to continue growing in my career. It reminded me that consistency and dedication to doing quality work is what matters most.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the insurance industry is to be a sponge listen and learn from everyone around you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to apply for positions you might not feel fully qualified for. When I started in this industry, I had no experience whatsoever, but I was eager and willing to learn. That eagerness is what got me in the door. Once you're in, focus on building genuine relationships with your clients and colleagues. Those relationships have been my biggest achievement throughout my 20-year career. Be open to learning from mentors who are willing to take you under their wing, and absorb everything they have to teach you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge and opportunity in the insurance field right now is establishing relationships with new clients and bringing in new business. Building trust and connections with people is essential in this industry, and it takes time and effort to develop those relationships. But once you do, they become the foundation of your success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and honesty. These principles guide everything I do, from how I interact with clients and colleagues to how I conduct myself in my personal relationships. I believe that maintaining integrity and being honest in all situations builds trust and respect, which are essential for long-term success and meaningful connections.