A Conversation with Caitlin Rascelles

Caitlin Rascelles inspires us. Caitlin has been in the insurance industry for over two decades and is currently a National Personal Lines Leader at Brown & Brown. The Scottsdale, AZ resident believes that doing the right thing is a pillar of integrity— whether recognized or not— and that molding the next generation of industry leaders is the best way to pay-it-forward when it comes to a successful career.

Q: What words do you live by?

Caitlin: I live by the expression: “It’s not just when people are looking....” When I say this, I’m challenging myself to always do the right thing, to always take on the hard challenges, and to always do kind gestures for people regardless of any recognition I might receive. Sometimes it might seem easy to cut a corner or let something go, but I hold myself to a higher standard. I want to ensure that I’m always showing up for myself and others, even if I’m the only person aware of it.

Q: Describe a time when you were brave. What did you learn?

Caitlin: My uncle passed away from cancer in 2019, and at the same time, my aunt (his wife of 38 years) was also dying from the same cancer. I was extremely close with both of them, and after he passed, my aunt requested that I deliver his eulogy because she was physically unable to do it. I was terrified to get up in front of the church, mostly because I wanted to honor him in the best way possible, and I didn’t want to let her down.

I spent hours writing every word and practicing the eulogy over and over again. When the time came, I was able to make it through with very few pauses or tears, and she was really proud of me. I learned that even if I had messed it up, she still would have been proud of me for trying. She would have been happy that I showed up when most needed. Being dependable is such an important thing you can do to honor somebody. Exactly four weeks later, I had to stand up in the same church and deliver her eulogy after she passed. I know they are both proud of me for standing up for them.

Q: What role has mentorship played in your career?

Caitlin: Mentorship has played a significant role in my career development. I’m naturally a connector, and I’ve been blessed to build relationships with people willing to mentor and sponsor me throughout my career. The most important part of mentoring, in my opinion, is not what you hear from your mentor, but rather how you incorporate that advice into your life. Mentorship is about doing the hard work between the meetings. It’s about having the courage to hear challenging feedback, process it, and apply it. Evolving in your career means leaning into the difficult work, being honest with yourself, and collaborating on an action plan.

As I get older, I also consider it a privilege to help my younger colleagues in their career development. I actively mentor and sponsor several young professionals, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing them grow in their careers and stretch outside of their comfort zones. Someone once said to me, “If someone gave you a hand up, you had better reach back and use that hand to help the next person behind you.” I’ve never forgotten that. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to help build the next generation of leaders that will take our place.

Q: Describe a daily activity that contributes to your success.

Caitlin: I am committed to health and wellness, and I make sure that is incorporated into my daily routine. I sleep eight hours per night, drink lots of water, exercise regularly, and do my best to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Physical wellbeing is critical to making sure you can perform at your best throughout the day, and I’ve noticed that my commitment to wellness has made a significant impact on my work product and my professional development.

Q: What is your idea of adventure?

Caitlin: We love travel and being outdoors, so my idea of an adventure would be to visit a new place and explore everything it has to offer. About five years ago, I traveled to Mexico with twelve women I had never met, and we paddle boarded off the coast and lived on deserted islands for a week with nothing but a guide and a cook. We pitched tents to sleep in and ate fish that they caught. That was an adventure I’ll never forget, and I created lifelong friendships while I was there.