Early career decisions often shape the trajectory of our professional lives. At the recent LMA and Lloyd’s Underwriting Talent Summit, female CUOs and CEOs in the Lloyd’s market shared their candid reflections on the moments that defined their career journeys in a panel discussion. The common message was clear: embrace new opportunities, even when they feel daunting.

Opportunities rarely arrive when we feel perfectly prepared. Backing yourself is not only critical for personal growth but also sends a powerful signal to others that these roles are achievable. Women, in particular, often second-guess opportunities if their experience doesn’t align perfectly. The panel urged people to believe in their ability to take unexpected opportunities. While taking risks on these opportunities can be simpler early on in your career, the panellists urged the audience to seize the opportunities that come their way at all stages in their career.

These new opportunities don’t always come in the form of transitioning into new companies, however. At the summit, the panel highlighted the advantage of moving across multiple lines of business and functions. While the traditional career trajectory in underwriting is to progress up one line of business, taking lateral moves into multiple different lines of business and territories can be hugely beneficial. At the level of Chief Underwriting Officer, having experience in multiple lines of business can strengthen leadership capability and lead to a deeper understanding when leading teams. While no one can be a technical expert across all lines of business, what matters most is remaining inquisitive and committing to continuous learning, the panel noted.

From presenting to leadership teams with little notice or moving countries without certainty, the stories shared underscored a key message: growth often comes from discomfort.