The insurance industry, as you know, plays a crucial role in our lives. It's there to catch our communities when the unexpected happens, helping to protect individuals, families and businesses from financial disasters. But for all its importance, the industry has had a reputation for being a bit slow to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).

As society evolves and customer expectations shift, the insurance sector is ready to change and realize the real value that DE&I can bring to the industry and the people it serves.

Diversity isn't just about race or gender; it's about all the unique aspects that make us who we are. Each of these facets brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to the table. When you put all these different perspectives together, you get a melting pot of ideas and solutions. Awareness of diversity sparks innovation and helps agencies understand the complex needs of current and prospective policyholders.

Crucially, today's insurance clients are a diverse bunch: different backgrounds and different lifestyles create different risks. And to meet these diverse needs, the industry itself needs to become diverse. Having a workforce that's as diverse as its customers creates a better understanding of those unique needs, leading to customized solutions and stronger relationships with policyholders.

Innovation is key in any industry, including insurance. With new technologies, data analytics and market trends constantly reshaping the industry, you've got to stay on your toes. A diverse workforce, with its mix of perspectives and approaches, can help you think outside the box, drive innovation and adapt to change.

Finding and keeping top talent is a challenge for everyone. But guess what? Embracing diversity means you're not limiting yourself to a small pool of talent. You access a wider range of skills, knowledge and perspectives. Plus, you build a work culture that's all about inclusion and personal growth which attracts other top talent.

However, diversity isn't enough; you've got to be inclusive too. Inclusion means everyone feels respected, heard and valued. It's about breaking down biases and making sure everyone's voice is not just welcomed, but they are actively encouraged to speak up.

At the end of the day, the insurance industry's job is to provide financial security to everyone. To do that right, you've got to offer products and services that work for everyone. Embracing DE&I means you're better positioned to create products that resonate with a broad audience to build a more robust and fair industry.

The insurance industry is at a turning point, ready to take on some big changes. Embracing DE&I isn't just about morals; it's a smart business move that'll make sure the industry stays relevant and prosperous.

By committing to DE&I, we're not just making the industry stronger and our workforce more empowered, we're also serving our clients better. Sure, the road ahead might have its challenges, but it's also leading us to a more vibrant, innovative and inclusive insurance sector—a future that we can all look forward to. By embracing DE&I, we're securing a brighter tomorrow for the insurance industry and all the people it protects.

Jason Rodriguez is managing partner at Prominent Insurance in Wilmington, Delaware and sits on the Big “I" Diversity Council.