A Conversation with Francesca Forlivio Lipp

Francesca Forlivio Lipp, Sales Executive at JMG Insurance Corp, inspires us. Having been in the insurance industry for a decade, the Darien, CT resident believes in the promise of new adventures as some of life’s most rewarding experiences, and that her father once shared a key lesson concerning patience, pacing oneself, and elephants.

Q: What is your idea of adventure?

Francesca: My idea of adventure is immersing myself in the diverse cultures of foreign countries. From the ancient wonders of Egypt to the vibrant markets of Thailand, as well as the stunning wildlife of Kenya and South Africa, each destination offers a unique tapestry of traditions, cuisines, and histories. This type of adventure, as well as the occasional scuba or sky dive, always promises unforgettable experiences.

Q: What words do you live by?

Francesca: I live every day by the words: “Eat an elephant one bite at a time.” Tackling large tasks by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts emphasizes the importance of taking one step at a time towards a big goal. This makes the process less overwhelming and more achievable.

My father shared this and many other lessons with my siblings and me at an early age. He would always start by asking, “How do you eat a mouse?” and wait for our trained reply, being “One bite!”. He would inevitably follow up with, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer would remain the same. The insurance industry is filled with elephants, and so are our personal lives. I'm grateful every day for that lesson.

Q: What piece of advice has guided your thinking, decisions, or actions?

Francesca: A piece of advice that has guided my thinking, decisions, and actions is to always be learning. A day devoid of learning something new presents no challenge. That doesn't align with my idea of an exciting day. In 2019, I pursued and attained my CPCU designation. In 2020, I embarked on the journey towards an MBA degree, which I completed in the Spring of 2022. Now, I am contemplating attending part-time law school to bring additional value and support to my team at JMG. It is embedded in my DNA to seek knowledge.