As a law student searching for a summer internship, Jennifer Odrobina had been deep in civil procedure research for a professor who casually suggested she explore insurance law. At the time, her only exposure to the concept was her auto insurance policy.
“It sounded boring to me,” Odrobina admitted. But when her professor began talking about Lloyd’s of London, her interest sparked. The possibility of travel combined with the intellectual challenge of insurance law drew her in.
Today, as senior vice president and head of financial lines claims for North America at Sompo, Ordobina (pictured) recalled that first internship as the experience that opened her eyes to a dynamic industry with diverse career paths, including brokers, claims professionals, underwriters, and beyond.
“I had no idea of the vast amount of product offerings and opportunities in insurance until I took that role,” she told Insurance Business ahead of the Women in Insurance New York Summit, where she’s set to feature as a panel speaker.
Openness to learning and seizing unexpected opportunities became a recurring theme throughout Odrobina’s insurance career.
After four years at a law firm, she joined Zurich, where she expanded her expertise in directors and officers (D&O) liability. From there, she moved to Arch, where she spent eight years immersed in a culture that invested in her growth.
“It was one of the best places I’ve worked because leadership, both male and female, really supported development,” she said. “I was able to grow as a person while helping the organization grow, too.”
At Arch, Odrobina established herself as a rising expert in D&O. That reputation followed her to Sompo, where she initially joined in a technical role. While some questioned her choice to step back from management, Odrobina saw leadership differently.
“You can be a leader without managing a team,” she said. “Leadership is about reaching out, branching out, and showing your value through relationships and actions.”
Her instincts proved correct: within a few years, she was promoted to lead Sompo’s financial lines claims group, now overseeing more than 50 people across six lines of business.
Like many women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Odrobina faced moments when her voice risked being overlooked. She told Insurance Business that she overcame those challenges not by being louder, but by building deeper connections.
She emphasized that she surrounds herself with “stronger men and women” who both challenge and support her, balancing intentional networking with thoughtful communication.
“I’ve been intentional about surrounding myself with stronger men and women: people who challenge me, support me, and whom I can support as well,” Odrobina said. “There’s real power in numbers. Sometimes if you’re in the room and you’re not being heard, others who recognize your value can help amplify your voice until it eventually is heard.”
Odrobina credits much of her success to mentors who pushed her to focus on depth before chasing titles. One early manager urged her to “become an expert in your craft” rather than looking ahead to the next promotion.
“I took that advice to heart,” she said. “Instead of chasing the next role inside or outside the company, I focused on becoming an expert in D&O.”
That focus culminated in a personal milestone this year: speaking at the PLUS D&O Symposium, a stage she once sat in the audience aspiring to reach.
Now, Odrobina pays it forward through mentoring, urging the next generation to embrace feedback, even when it’s tough. For aspiring insurance leaders, especially women, she emphasized two skills: adaptability and solution-oriented thinking.
“The best advice I ever received and followed was to become an expert,” she said. “For future leaders, I’d say: listen to feedback. Not all advice will be right for you, but if someone is willing to dedicate time to help, take it seriously.
“From a technical perspective, don’t just bring problems – bring multiple solutions. My team knows I’ll always ask, “What’s option C? What’s option D?” That kind of brainstorming shows real critical thinking, and it makes a leader’s job easier while elevating the team member.”
She also urged future insurance leaders to embrace change. “Technology is constantly changing our industry, and it always will,” Odrobina said. “Don’t fear it. It’s here to make our jobs easier and to expand what we can do for clients and the business.”
Above all, she encourages curiosity and openness, the same qualities that guided her from a skeptical law student to an industry leader.
Jennifer Odrobina will be sharing more of her insights as a featured panelist at the Women in Insurance New York Summit, taking place this fall.
On the panel, “Off the record: Career advice from insurance trailblazers,” she’ll join other industry leaders to offer candid perspectives on navigating careers, building influence, and leading with authenticity.
The Summit brings together executives, rising professionals, and allies committed to advancing women in insurance. Attendees will leave with practical advice, new connections, and inspiration to drive meaningful change in their own organizations.
Learn more and secure your spot here: Women in Insurance New York Summit
