Regional President, U.S. Southeast Region
American International Group Inc.
Atlanta
Age: 38

Carolina Klint was promoted just three years after becoming the first woman to serve as the country general manager of American International Group Inc.'s property/casualty operations in Sweden. On Oct. 1, Ms. Klint was named regional president of property/casualty for AIG's U.S. Southeast Region, and she recently moved with her family across the Atlantic from Stockholm to Atlanta. During her tenure as AIG's Sweden general manager, Ms. Klint consistently led profitable growth in the insurer's financial performance. After serving as a member of the official Nordic delegation to the annual global meeting of the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society in Deauville, France, in 2010, Ms. Klint was inspired that same year to found a networking platform called Ladies Only for women in insurance, which encourages women to seek management positions.

What's your advice for women entering this field?

A woman entering into this field needs to claim a seat at the table. It's common for women to put limits on their potential. She should also practice self-confidence. We had a supervisor role posted a while back, and there was a very talented woman I suggested should apply. But she said, “I'm getting married next year.” When I asked her how was that connected, she replied that she was thinking about starting a family and didn't think she would have time to also pursue a career. Unfortunately, a lot of young women think that way.

What attracted you to this industry?

I wasn't attracted to the insurance industry from the outset, but I was offered a job at the local Swedish insurance company and found it to be a privilege to work with other companies, whether big or small, supporting them and helping them map out their risk exposure. Insurance is diverse, dynamic; it never gets boring. Not a lot of people realize that. There is a perception that the insurance industry is dull and boring, but they are wrong.

What aspects of your job give you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

Developing others. Seeing members of my team reach their full potential.

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

You can't do it alone. For me, great leadership is about the ability to attract top talent, drive collaboration, inspire action and find the things that motivate people to work hard and have that commitment. I want to be surrounded by “rock stars” who make me look good.

Outside family, what woman has been your role model?

Christine LeGarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. I had the privilege of meeting her at a conference. She blew my socks off! She is very charismatic and has a great sense of humor.

What's at the top of your bucket list and why?

I would like to sail the Caribbean on a catamaran. I grew up on Vaxholm, an island off the coast of Sweden, and love being near the water. But I would like to explore islands in warmer waters.

What's your secret vice?

Staying up too late reading, and I usually pay for it in the morning!

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