Steph Nelson
Steph Nelson is a passionate Transformation Change Leader, Leadership Coach, Communication Expert, and People Strategist based in Mount Vernon, Iowa. With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, she began her career in sales and quickly discovered a natural talent for understanding and supporting people. Combining her industry experience with a coaching certification, Steph has spent the past five years formally focusing on leadership development, change management, and helping organizations navigate complex transitions. Her unique ability to simplify complex concepts and support employees through change has made her a trusted advisor and coach within her field.
Currently, Steph leads the people strategy for the largest integration in the insurance industry—the merger of Assured Partners and Gallagher—which unites approximately 75,000 employees. Her work centers on change management, culture integration, and leadership transitions, providing resources, guidance, and communication strategies to ensure employees understand and adapt to new processes and systems. She describes her approach as “making change suck less,” prioritizing employee engagement, resilience, and organizational success during large-scale transformations.
Outside of her professional life, Steph is a dedicated artist and founder of Red Bench Collective, where she channels her creativity into visual storytelling that complements her coaching philosophy. Her work reflects a commitment to being her whole self, blending professional expertise with personal passions. Through coaching, leadership development, and artistic expression, Steph continues to empower leaders, enhance organizational culture, and inspire meaningful growth both for individuals and the companies she serves.
• Certified Change Practitioner
• Certified Business Coach
• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist Designation
• Life and Health Insurance license
• Property and Casualty Insurance License
• Upper Iowa University - B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to two main things. First, growing up and seeing a single mom just work her tail off - that instills a natural work ethic and the drive to get out and find a way. But when I became a mom myself, something extra ignited in me. I'm making six times, if not more, what I was making when I had my son. Having him made me say, I'm going to give you everything, and I'm going to figure out how. And I do. It's all for him. But I also recognize that I have to show him how to be a person - I can't make it all for him, to him. I have to show him how to live, how to find a fulfilling career, how to provide, how to have fun, and how to experience things. I have to do that myself to show him how to do that, because that's what I want for him. Every day, that's what motivates me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from a mentor when I was talking to her about the two different sides of me - my insurance career and my passion for coaching. She told me to start doing what I can related to the skills that I want to be doing more of formally, but do it informally. She said I couldn't snap my fingers and start something brand new, but I could start to do more of that within my current role. So I started taking on additional responsibilities related to the work I wanted to do - I did a couple team workshops outside of my role that my leaders trusted me with, then I started co-leading leadership development in addition to my regular job. That led to me getting a formal promotion into the role I wanted by essentially getting to practice with people I trust within my company. Over time, they saw that value, my skill set grew, and it just sort of unfolded from there.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to find a strong mentor and begin taking on responsibilities that align with the work you aspire to do. Focus on demonstrating your value through hands-on experience, and allow that dedication and practice to naturally open doors to formal opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is navigating large-scale M&A people integrations—aligning cultures, systems, and leadership changes—while minimizing disruption. The key opportunity lies in successfully standardizing and integrating these elements, which can enhance marketability and drive strategic growth, as demonstrated in the recent acquisition.
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 a strong work ethic, authenticity—bringing my whole self to my professional role—supporting and helping others, and serving as a role model and provider for my family.
Locations
AssuredPartners
Mount Vernon, IA 52314