A Conversation with Denise Koslowsky

Denise Koslowsky of Advocate Brokerage, inspires us. Denise has been fortunate to be surrounded by many successful women throughout her life and she reflects on how witnessing these examples of success first-hand inspires her to be the best at what she does. This leadership isn’t confined to just her professional life, for when it comes to adventure, Denise is the first to take the leap.

What is your idea of adventure?

“My idea of adventure generally involves activities that get my adrenaline pumping. Often our vacations have an adventure component. A few years back my family went repelling in Belize, but the real adventure was hiking through the muddy rain forest. By the time we reached this unexpected oasis called Blue Hole we were covered head to toe in gooey mud. When we arrived at the clearing, we were given a 5-minute tutorial which explained how we would throw ourselves off the top of a cliff like spider man. I volunteered to be the first one to jump since turning back was not an option. The reward was a lush oasis in the middle of an old forest with enormous old growth trees, and being first down I got to observe everyone else in their moment of fear throwing themselves off a cliff, and their elation when they got to the bottom. That is my version of an adventure!”

What is an accomplishment or decision you are proud of?

“The accomplishment that I am most proud of is my role in forming The Hermitage Members Club. Years ago, we purchased our second home in a vibrant ski community in Vermont. Unfortunately, the club was essentially a fraud and ultimately shuttered its doors in bankruptcy. Realizing early on that there was no real community or communication between members, I helped change that by hosting regular meetings at our house, forming a Facebook page, and pulling people together to find a solution. This was complicated, and we were fortunate that there were so many accomplished members who brought different strengths to the table. Through perseverance and a shared love of our special lifestyle, a brand-new Hermitage Members Club was formed by 181 founding member families. During Covid, we bought it back at the foreclosure auction, and today we have 350 members, a vibrant club, and a connection to so many new friends. It’s a special community that my family and their families will enjoy for generations to come.”

What role has mentorship played in your career?

“I am fortunate to have been surrounded by smart, driven, overachieving woman who guided my path forward. My biggest influence, my mother Roz Binday, was one of very few working women when I was growing up in Scarsdale and she taught me the importance of believing in myself. Roz's style of leadership was to engage with her work family, and I say family because everyone who worked for Roz became family.”

“During my college years at Barnard College, I was introduced to a world of woman leaders who I respected and who believed in me. My professors at Barnard took me under their wings and gave me confidence, and the friends I made over the years at Barnard are my role models of today. In that group are 2 tenured professors, a Dean of a University, a head of a global organization, and an accomplished writer. I am so proud to call them my friends.”

“As my priorities shifted to focus on raising my children in Scarsdale, I was in awe of some of my peers who dedicated their lives to charitable causes. One friend in particular changed my focus towards charitable causes and got me to understand the true meaning of giving to others. She too is one of my life mentors.”

“Finally, in the work world, Berkley One's President Kathy Tierney has always been a role model of a strong, smart, empathetic leader who is engaged with everyone around her. I would be remiss if I did not include Kathy in this group because when I was wavering on my commitment of running an insurance agency, Kathy came into the fold and inspired me to be the best at what I do.”