Feature Spotlight #6 - Toni Carroll

The Women of Title: Toni Carroll's 40-Year Journey

In today’s fast-paced world of title insurance, where change is constant and relationships are everything, women are making tremendous strides and leaving their mark. Among these trailblazers is Toni Carroll, Vice President of Fiduciary Banking at Capital Bank, NA, with a remarkable 40-year career in the title insurance industry.

In this feature, Toni shares her experiences, challenges, and the wisdom she has gained over four decades. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to modernizing and mentoring within the industry.

The Early Years: Falling into Title Insurance

Toni's introduction to the world of title insurance was serendipitous. "My best friend’s father owned a title company, and she recommended me for a position because I could type fast," she recalls with a smile. What started as a part-time job during high school soon grew into something much bigger.

After working for several years in that initial role, she attended business school and ventured into the corporate world. Yet, fate had other plans. "I was working at the World Trade Center for Shearson Lehman when I got a call to help open a new office at my friend’s father's title company. It was there that I learned how to read title commitments, type commitments, and write policies. The rest is history."

Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

Carroll began her career at a time when the title insurance industry was dominated by men. "One of the key challenges I faced when starting was navigating a male-dominated environment. I often had to work twice as hard to earn the respect that was more readily given to my male colleagues," she reflects. But through perseverance, she made her mark, slowly earning the trust and respect of her peers.

Balancing the demands of a fast-paced industry with societal expectations of women at the time was another hurdle. “It wasn’t easy managing work, family, and everything in between. However, over time, I saw more women enter the field, and I’ve been proud to mentor and support the next generation.”

Mentorship and Community

While there wasn’t just one woman who served as a singular mentor, Toni speaks warmly of the many women who have supported her throughout her career. “So many women have influenced my journey. It’s the collective guidance, support, and camaraderie from a community of strong women that has made the biggest impact.”

For Toni, mentorship is critical in an industry like title insurance, which thrives on relationships. She offers powerful advice to younger women entering the field: “Trust your knowledge and capabilities, even if you’re in the minority. Confidence is key—speak up, share your ideas, and don’t shy away from leadership opportunities. Always be proactive in building strong relationships and seeking out mentors.”

The Power of Purpose and Passion

When asked about what has fueled her over the years, Toni emphasizes her deep connection to the work. "I am genuinely passionate about title insurance because we play a critical role in protecting property rights and ensuring smooth real estate transactions. Knowing that our work impacts people’s lives has kept me energized and motivated."

Beyond that, the tight-knit nature of the title community has been a source of strength for her. “Attending conferences feels like a family reunion. Reconnecting with friends, colleagues, and clients who have been part of my journey is what makes this industry special.”

Her recommended books and podcasts

Throughout her career, Toni has turned to books for insight and inspiration. She cites two books in particular that helped her level up in her career. First, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, was introduced to her by a former female boss who not only recommended it but took the time to walk through it with her team. It was a real game-changer in her approach to negotiations.

The second book that she recommends is the book Start with Why by Simon Sinek, which has helped her focus on purpose-driven leadership and reinforced the idea that knowing why we do what we do is key to empowering others.  Both have significantly shaped her outlook and approach to her business.

A favorite podcast for Toni, who is constantly traveling and on-the-go, is Women at Work by Harvard Business Review. This podcast addresses the challenges women face in the workplace and offers insights and strategies for overcoming barriers and achieving success. Her listening practice helps keep her mindset sharp and focused.

Addressing Workplace Dynamics

A question that often arises in conversations about women in leadership is how to handle competitive dynamics among women in the workplace. Toni’s approach has always been to lift others up rather than engage in competition. “It’s simply not in my nature to be intimidated or to intimidate others. I believe in creating an environment of collaboration and support.”

Leading with Grit and Inner Strength

She gains her inner strength from the incredible support of her women friends and reflects on how this network is always there to uplift and encourage whenever needed. This makes all the difference and helps her push through the tough times.

A Peek Beyond the Career Woman

Beyond her impressive career, Toni has some unexpected passions. Something that might surprise colleagues is that she used to barrel race horses when she was younger. "It was a thrilling experience that taught me a lot about discipline and determination,” she recalls.

Today, her love for live music has become a big part of her life. Attending concerts with her daughters and friends has been a special way for them to bond and create lasting memories. "Music has always been a great way for us to connect.”

In the Ted Lasso way of getting to know people, when asked about her first concert – Genesis, she says “it was such an incredible experience.” Today her favorite band is Toad the Wet Sprocket, as she feels the “music resonates on so many levels, and they are fantastic live."

A Legacy of Innovation and Mentorship

As Toni reflects on her career, she hopes her legacy will be one of innovation and mentorship. She is a strong advocate for modernizing the title industry, particularly when it comes to digital closings. "I want to be remembered for helping drive meaningful change, making processes more efficient and accessible for everyone involved." She also wants to inspire younger generations to see the potential in the title industry. “Our industry is aging, and it’s crucial to attract new talent. By showcasing the impact and importance of what we do, I hope to encourage others to explore this profession.”

Final Thoughts: Empowering Women in Title

Toni’s message to the Women in Title community is clear: "Be strong and continue to support one another. Empowering each other is essential for growth and success. Together, we can break down barriers and inspire future generations to succeed. Let’s lift each other up and celebrate our achievements as we move forward."

Toni’s journey is one of toughness, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to mentorship. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the challenges we face can become steppingstones to success when met with dedication and purpose. As more women enter the title industry, leaders like Toni continue to pave the way, ensuring a bright and collaborative future for the next generation.

Thank you, Toni, for being an inspiring, classy Woman of Title!

*Connect with Toni here: tcarroll@capitalbankmd.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #5 - Andrea Somers

Empowering Women in Title Insurance: A Conversation with Andrea Somers

In an industry historically dominated by men, women are making waves and leading with passion and integrity. Today, we're honored to feature Andrea Somers, a trailblazer in the title insurance industry, as part of our Women of Title series. Andrea shares her journey, challenges, and the wisdom she's gained in her impressive career spanning over two decades.

 A Journey Into Title Insurance.

Andrea Somers, a member of the Florida Agency Network, has been a part of the title insurance world since 2001. She recounts her initial steps into the industry as a fortuitous accident: “Like many of us, I fell into Title by happenstance and found a deep passion for it. I always like to say Title Insurance found me.” Starting in an entry-level role, Andrea quickly immersed herself in learning every aspect of the business during a particularly busy period in the industry.

 The fast-paced environment fueled her love for the work, and she found herself drawn to the constant challenges and opportunities to learn. Over time, she moved up the ranks, eventually becoming a National Vendor Manager and managing a busy REO closing office after the market crash of 2008. In 2015, a chance meeting with the CEO of the Florida Agency Network on an airplane led her to her current position, where she manages their ancillary division, Network Transaction Solutions. “I can honestly say, I am home!” she says with pride.

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers.

When asked about the challenges she has faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, Andrea reflects on her early years: “It was interesting entering the title world with no female leaders to look up to at that time. I had to learn quickly how to read a room, understand the dynamics of the office, and adapt my behavior to stand out for my work performance.”

Despite the lack of female mentorship in the early stages of her career, Andrea found strength in her resilience and determination. She advises younger women entering the field to start with self-belief: “To get people to hear you, first you have to believe you are worth hearing. Know that you are worthy and valuable and bring your best self to every situation.”

Finding Inspiration in Leadership

Andrea now finds herself in a leadership role, mentoring and empowering others. She emphasizes the importance of leading with integrity and compassion. Her favorite book, “Dare to Lead,” by Brené Brown, has deeply influenced her philosophy. The book stresses that great leadership requires vulnerability, a concept that Andrea has embraced: “Leadership is such a gift, and also constantly challenges me to grow and evolve. My daily mission as a leader is to lead my teams with integrity and empowerment, and to build teams where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

She also credits her WHY—the motivation to help people—as a driving force behind her success. “At the core of what we do, we are helping families and homeowners protect themselves against errors or missing information that could threaten their ownership rights,” she explains.

 Advice for Future Generations

Andrea is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women in the title industry. She encourages younger women to embrace continuous learning, both about the industry and about themselves: “Staying on a path of continuous learning will increase your self-awareness, widen your skillset, and help you become more creative in problem-solving by being able to think outside the box.”

She also addresses the challenges that women may face from their peers. Sometimes, women can be their own greatest adversaries in the workplace. Her advice? Stay self-assured. “Often, people act this way due to reasons that have nothing to do with you. Stay grounded in your self-confidence and continue to show up as your best self each day.”

Inner Strength and Legacy

What keeps Andrea going in the face of challenges? Her inner strength comes from staying grounded in her WHY and her desire to make a positive impact on others. She explains, “Knowing that each move I make can impact someone positively keeps me inspired to push forward.”

When asked about her legacy, Andrea expresses a desire to leave the title industry better than she found it. She hopes to be remembered for her efforts to share knowledge, get involved in industry associations, and make a lasting impact through mentorship.

 A Personal Side

Outside of work, Andrea has a creative side that may surprise her colleagues. She enjoys art projects, yoga, and stand-up paddleboarding. “I love doing anything outside in nature,” she says.

Her personal philosophy, which she strives to live by both professionally and personally, is one of integrity. “Integrity is the main value that guides my decisions and actions every day. Staying aligned with this value makes every decision and move I make that much easier.”

Looking Ahead

As Andrea continues to shape the future of the title industry, she emphasizes the importance of building up others, especially women. “We can always use more of that in our industry. Creating environments where we are building each other up, sharing information, and learning from one another is something we could all benefit from.”

In closing, Andrea expresses her gratitude for being a part of the “Women of Title” community, saying, “Thank you for including me in your community, I’m honored!”

Final Thoughts

Andrea Somers is a shining example of what it means to be a woman leader in the title industry. Her journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a source of inspiration for others looking to make their mark. Through her dedication to learning, leadership, and integrity, Andrea is leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the people she works with.

*Connect with Andrea here: andrea.somers@flagency.net I LinkedIn  | Facebook I Instagram

**For more insights and inspiring stories from other leading women in the title industry, stay tuned to our “Women of Title” series.

Feature Spotlight #4 - Norma Scott

A Legacy of Dedication and Empowerment in the Title Insurance Industry.

In this edition of “Women of Title,” we are delighted to feature Norma Scott, from Sugarland, TX. She is an inspiring leader with over 27 years of experience in the title insurance industry. Norma’s journey from a bookkeeper to her current role as EVP, Agency Director at Worth National Title Insurance Company is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and passion for helping others succeed. Through her story, we learn about the challenges she has faced, the lessons she has learned, and the legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation of women in the industry.

Her journey From Bookkeeper to Agency Director

Norma Scott’s career in the title insurance industry began in 1997 when she took a job as a bookkeeper for a local title agent in her hometown. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize that she craved more interaction with people. Driven by a desire to expand her role, she approached her manager about becoming an escrow assistant. Without formal training programs at the time, Norma had to learn on the job, observing and diving into the work headfirst.

"It was sink or swim," Norma recalls. Through hard work and determination, she gained valuable experience across multiple branches of the company and eventually became a licensed Escrow Officer. This was just the beginning of her rise in the title industry.

A Mentor Who Made a Difference

Throughout her journey, Norma had the privilege of working under the guidance of several accomplished professionals. One standout figure was Lynette Novak, Branch Manager of Coastal Title Company in Edna, Texas. Lynette's leadership and mentorship left a lasting impression on Norma, inspiring her to strive for more in her career.

Balancing both Professional and Personal life.

As a woman in the title industry, Norma has faced several challenges, particularly in balancing the demands of her career with her personal life and family commitments. The title industry is known for its long hours and tight deadlines, but Norma’s ability to manage both aspects of her life with grace has been key to her success.

Many women in the industry have this struggle with balancing work and home life. Norma offers this advice, "Find experienced professionals who can guide and support you. Networking is crucial, and staying updated on industry trends and best practices is essential." Norma also stresses the importance of knowing your worth and prioritizing well-being—a message she passionately advocates for.

A Powerful ‘Why’: Her Son

When asked what drives her to keep pushing forward, Norma responds without hesitation, the answer is always her son, Laken. As a single mother, Norma's primary motivation was to provide a better future for Laken. "I always told him I would set him up for success," she says. Now, with her son thriving as a senior at Texas A&M University, Norma reflects on how her unwavering commitment to her career has paid off, both professionally and personally.

Books and Philosophy: Tools for Success

Though Norma doesn’t point to one specific book as a game-changer in her career, she highlights two titles that have had a profound impact on her: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Atomic Habits. These books helped her build self-confidence and developed habits that have been essential to her success in the workplace.

Her guiding philosophy? Focus on providing exceptional service with a personal touch. "Listen first, understand your clients’ perspectives, keep them informed, and always follow up," she advises.

Building Up Others: A Legacy of Empowerment

For Norma, the most important aspect of her work is empowering others—especially the next generation of women in the title industry. "I want my legacy to be about resilience, dedication, and the success that comes with hard work and determination," she says. Norma hopes to inspire young women to take on leadership roles and create lasting change in the industry.

Strength, Grit, and Running: A Surprise Passion

Outside of work, Norma has a passion for running, something that might surprise her colleagues. She has raced all over the country and embraced all those adventures. This dedication to physical fitness mirrors the grit and determination she applies in her professional life, helping her stay focused and energized.

And in the Ted Lasso style of getting to know you, where music tells a lot about a person. . . we discovered her first concert was Reba McEntire, and her favorite artist is Willie Nelson, the legend.

A Word to the Women of Title

Norma’s final message to the Women of Title community is one of solidarity and mentorship: “Each of us has a story. By sharing our experiences and guiding younger women in the industry, we can leave a lasting impact. Together, we can pave the way for future leaders in the title industry.”

Norma Scott is a remarkable example of resilience, dedication, discipline and empowerment in the title insurance industry. Her journey from bookkeeper to National Agency Director, her commitment to mentoring others, and her passion for building a strong team around her all reflect the high character and drive that make her a genuine leader. Through her story, Norma leaves us with a powerful reminder of the importance of lifting others up and creating a legacy that inspires future generations.

Thank you, Norma, for being an inspiring example and remarkable Woman of Title!

*To connect with Norma: NormaScott@worthnational.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook