GROWing a Movement

In 2018, Marsh McLennan Agency Southeast President and CEO Peter Krause asked for a small favor: to start an initiative in the region designed to empower women through education, mentorship, and networking.

Little did we know then that this was a pivotal moment that would shape the future of women throughout the organization—establishing the first chapter of our Growth in Relationships and Opportunities for Women (GROW) colleague resource group (CRG). Seven years later, our impact is undeniable, significantly increasing the number of women in key leadership roles in the Southeast region.

As the newly appointed executive sponsor for GROW Southeast, I embraced the challenge of creating a respected CRG that would resonate with the unique experiences of working women in this traditionally male-dominated industry. Our mission is to foster a space for women to discuss their experiences and strategies to overcome bias and deep-rooted perceptions of women’s role in the workplace.

GROW’s inception came as business and corporate America embarked on concerted efforts to support diverse leadership. However, our challenge was to ensure that GROW felt genuine and intentional rather than forced or prescriptive. We set out to create a movement that would foster connections among women and men alike, bridging gaps across various divisions and levels of experience by fostering mentorship and knowledge sharing.

I believe our efforts can serve as a guide throughout the industry for other companies that share our commitment to this mission.

From humble beginnings in the Southeast, GROW quickly gained momentum as a small committee of resolute women working tirelessly to establish a supportive community for their female colleagues. It has literally “grown” nationally, with chapters in each of MMA’s 12 regions and deep support at the highest levels of leadership.

At the national level, GROW has become a society of colleagues dedicated to providing teachings and connections that translate into actionable steps for self-improvement. It also brings together chapter leaders from each region to collaborate, share insights, and learn from one another’s successes and challenges.

The palpable appetite for these missions led to the Southeast region’s first annual conference in February 2019. The conference, which has become a highly anticipated event for colleagues and business partners, presents a theme each year that is woven into plans and lessons we can apply in our own work, with topics including navigating perceptions, body language, client service, and building a legacy.

Passion was another theme that lived through the appointment of unit leaders and traveling trainers who support GROW efforts across our many offices through knowledge transfer, coaching, and development support.

The Southeast region has hosted six conferences, each one better than the last. At every event, we welcome our business partners to join in the fun—it is encouraging to see companies in our industry embrace these priorities.

These conferences also serve as a rare opportunity to connect with MMA colleagues across our 20+ offices in the Southeast. Attendees leave with newfound friendships and resources in the form of relationships. Themes from the conference regularly appear in company presentations, chats, or other group activities our offices host throughout each year.

One of GROW’s most successful national initiatives, a virtual book club, was also launched in 2019 out of the Southeast. This program has attracted upward of 100 colleagues and served as a beacon of support throughout the pandemic and beyond—helping women (and men!) learn about themselves, fostering empowerment, and promoting greater engagement in leadership roles. In 2022, we extended book-club participation to all colleagues, including those outside of our MMA region, recognizing that diverse perspectives enrich discussions and foster inclusion.

Leveraging the feedback from regional chapters, including the Southeast, GROW recently launched enterprise-wide professional development modules as a resource for all female colleagues. While many of us know what we want to achieve, we may not always have a clear path to get there; these modules provide that practical guidance. Covering topics such as setting goals to reach developmental milestones, enhancing communication skills to advocate for oneself, and finding sponsors to support career advancement, just to name a few, these resources empower colleagues with a step-by-step approach to owning their professional growth. They offer customizable plans of action tailored to individual goals and needs, marking a significant step forward in providing supportive tools that propel our colleagues toward their career aspirations.

Since its launch, GROW has made significant strides in promoting women within MMA Southeast. For example, the number of women in key leadership roles has more than doubled, from six to 16. This is a result of the exposure and development we attribute to mentorships and GROW. We have also established clear career paths with new key roles filled by women based on feedback and thought leadership.

I charge other agencies to check the pulse of their female workforce—often there is untapped energy that can be channeled for great things. The right mix of leadership support, a commitment to GROWing together, and a desire to make a difference will result in positive outcomes for colleagues, clients, and your company.

GROW is not merely a “check the box” initiative; it is a platform that addresses opportunities based on merit and self-development. The initiative has fostered a culture of collaboration and networking, allowing women to connect with industry partners who share a commitment to encouraging female leadership, in turn nurturing a richer culture and stronger work environment.

As we continue to implement changes here in the Southeast, GROW serves as a vehicle to attract and retain talent, enhance teamwork across practice areas, and elevate our brand recognition in the market. By strengthening these connections, we can shape our futures and create a more inclusive workplace.