Executive Vp and Head of Direct Markets
Zurich American Insurance Co.
Overland Park, Kan.
Age: 46

Tina Y. Mallie is the first woman to lead Zurich American's direct markets unit, which underwrites coverage for franchised and independent automobile dealers and other transportation-related businesses. Since her promotion in March 2010, she has led a re-evaluation of the unit's strategic direction and made operational changes to enhance customer service. With a team of 600 employees in 27 locations nationwide, Ms. Mallie's colleagues say she leads by example and ensures that the unit strives for excellence, integrity and putting the customer first. The former professor with a doctorate in accounting also spent eight years with Zurich in various executive capacities in Switzerland and North America. Also the first woman to run the construction services programs unit from February 2008 and March 2010, she expanded Zurich's presence in the commercial builders' risk market. Ms. Mallie, who is dedicated to fostering Zurich's community support through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and New Orleans-based nonprofit the St. Bernard Project, also encourages her employees to volunteer. She promotes and supports Zurich's Women in Leadership program as well as informal mentoring.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?

My big piece of advice for young women is just be yourself. Be true to who you are, not what anyone else wants you to be. If your gut tells you what you are doing compromises your integrity and belief system, listen to that. If you do that, you'll make good decisions. I think it pays off.

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?

The most interesting thing I've learned is how important it is to love what you do, and to respect and learn from the people you work with. Keep learning. Question everything. Review it. Test it. I tell my team that the only phrase that will get them kicked out of my office is, “We've always done it that way.” Get outside your comfort zone and take risks.

DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR EARLY IN YOUR CAREER?

I owe my entire career to my mentors. One of my mentors was a professor who taught several of the accounting courses I took in college. He saw that I enjoyed tutoring students, and he encouraged me to get my doctorate in accounting. He is really the reason I have a Ph.D. He and his wife have been my lifelong friends. Many of my mentors have been informal. Mentoring is so important in everyone's career. I do it myself because I have been the beneficiary of mentoring.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB, OUTSIDE OF YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I want to be a news anchor. I have been in professional situations where I have had to channel my “inner Diane Sawyer.” I think she is great.

OUTSIDE OF FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES, WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?

One is the late Mother Theresa. I've always loved when I saw a quote from her or a photo of her helping people. I grew up having her as a model of someone who gave with no expectation of getting anything back. The other person is Jane Silva, the principal of St. Michael Special School in New Orleans. (Zurich helps the school build its business and fundraising skills.) She is humble, disciplined, strong and caring. She also gives kids something with no expectation of anything in return.

WHAT'S YOUR CAN'T-MISS TV SHOW?

My two favorite shows are “Modern Family,” because it just makes me laugh, and “The Good Wife,” because Julianna Margulies is such a strong, independent woman.

BEYOND WORK, WHAT ONE THING DO YOU WANT TO DO OR ACCOMPLISH IN LIFE?

I want to be remembered as someone who gives of herself, her time and her resources. I have been so blessed. I want to give back in a meaningful way.

DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA? IF NOT, WHY NOT?

Yes, but I am not obsessed with it. I don't tweet. I only use Facebook to keep up with my friends.

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