Melissa Randolph joined Lockton in 2021 with a clear vision: to be part of a company that invests in her professional growth, surrounds her with the resources needed to excel as a consultant, and offers a platform where everyone can make a meaningful impact. Since then, Melissa has wholeheartedly embraced Lockton's culture. She leads by example, actively gives back to her community, and is dedicated to helping her clients reach their ultimate potential. Hear from Melissa herself on why Lockton is her perfect fit. -- What inspired your decision to join Lockton and how has the transition impacted your career? I spent the first 17 years of my career with a global, publicly traded competitor firm. Profitability was the primary business focus; I felt like the firm was so consumed with profitability and delivering results to shareholders that it lost sight of the mission to deliver consultative service to our clients. Plus, it was so bureaucratic—any decision, no matter how big or small, required multiple layers of approval. For example, we couldn’t staff quickly. As a result, delivering quality service to our clients suffered. It made my job of leading the client relationship nearly impossible. Even still, after 17 years with one firm, the idea of making a move was scary. The more time I spent getting to know Lockton—both as a firm and the people—the more I admired the incredible talent and their passion for delivering a client-centric service model. At Lockton, we have the best, brightest, and hardest-working Associates in the industry, without question. It’s a fast-paced, work-hard, play-hard environment. Our people are passionate. They relentlessly deliver value to our clients. They care and are invested in our clients' satisfaction. I joined Lockton four years ago this June, and the transition has been incredibly energizing for my career. It has allowed me to grow in new ways; I have been challenged to be introspective, mentored, taken on broader responsibilities, and become part of a team truly committed to innovation and delivering exceptional value to clients. Lockton has made significant investments in my personal and professional growth. My skills, knowledge, client retention, and ability to bring new clients into Lockton reflect that commitment. How do you see the role of women evolving in the insurance industry, and what shifts have you observed throughout your career? Over the course of my 20+ year career, I’ve seen a noticeable shift in the roles that women have in the insurance industry. What were primarily supporting roles have shifted over the last decade or so, and I see more female representation in sales and production roles as well as in positions of organizational leadership. Today, there are many more women in positions of influence and decision-making than when I first entered the business. While there's still work to be done, I’m encouraged by the direction we’re heading—more women are stepping into executive roles, and companies are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and client relationships. At Lockton, there is a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, mentorship programs, and creating career pathways for women, which is why I love being here! What sets Lockton apart from other organizations you’ve been a part of? That’s easy! What sets Lockton apart is our people. Our team is incredibly talented, smart, and motivated to deliver quality, thorough work to our clients. From an organizational-structure perspective, being independent and privately held is a real differentiator. We prioritize our clients, not investors or shareholders. We don't spend our days trying to reduce expenses to increase profits; instead, we constantly strive to evolve the ways in which we can deliver excellence to our clients so they will continue to partner with us. How would you describe Lockton’s culture to someone unfamiliar with it? Being a family-owned company naturally fosters an entrepreneurial spirit across the organization—one that is values-driven, people-centric, and deeply collaborative. We are also Producer-led, and accordingly, there is an expectation that we, as Producers, have a responsibility to lead by example. We work hard for our clients, our Associates, and the communities in which we do business. We have a culture of giving back and strive to make an impact. I feel like my contributions make a difference, which is incredibly fulfilling. What has been your “Lockton Moment” — a time when you knew Lockton was the right place for you? When I joined Elite Women Producers (EWP), I knew I was with a special, unique brokerage. The EWP is comprised of incredibly smart, successful, and collaborative women Producers. They were welcoming and engaging, and each woman wanted to help me advance my career and become better—not just as a Producer, leader, and mentor, but also as a wife, friend, and daughter. These women are my sisters now. Being part of a company that has made such a significant investment in the success of women Producers in a very male-dominated industry told me everything I needed to know about Lockton. I had found my place, my tribe, and I belong here.