From London to Hartford, CT: Building Success Through Global Teamwork

Debra, International Product and Underwriting Quality Manager for The Hartford, plays a pivotal role between the company’s U.S. and London product teams. Debra joined The Hartford in September 2024 and is based in London. She oversees Global Specialty (GS) international regulatory compliance, managing product development, and aligning international efforts with the company's strategic goals. 

Key to Debra's role is being a champion of cross-border collaboration and cultural cohesion. She describes her role as a "bridge" between the GS Chief Underwriting Office team across the U.S. and the international offices, including London, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Miami. 

“For me, successful collaboration across teams and locations really starts with building strong personal relationships,” she tells Fairygodboss. 

Here, we caught up with Debra to talk about how her approach of leading teams to a common goal has driven successful outcomes—like new product launches in complex spaces.

How do you stay connected and aligned with teams across the US while residing in the UK? 

I have found that working with any team not in your immediate vicinity requires intentional planning and proactive communication. We are respectful of the different time zones and work hours we all have, and make the most of the overlapping work hours by connecting virtually. We have regular huddles and very open team discussions, which foster a culture of trust and transparency. This approach makes it easy to share ideas, raise challenges, and work together to solve problems, regardless of location. 

Whether it’s through structured meetings or spontaneous chats, virtual coffee breaks, or simply making the effort to understand how and when people work best, we have been able to stay in sync and maintain a strong sense of connection. It’s been lovely getting to know all my teammates.

Outside of our common work hours, we keep things moving through flexible collaboration. Shared documents and tools help the workflow run smoothly as I wrap up my day, just as those overseas are starting theirs. It means we can own it with pace, keeping momentum across time zones.

How are you able to support customer needs through new product development?

New product development is a key part of my role, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects. Our approach starts with listening, whether that’s through broker feedback, market insights, or frontline underwriter input.

From there, we work collaboratively across underwriting, actuarial, claims, compliance, legal, IT, and distribution teams to design products that are not only innovative but that are also practical and deliver real value. Whether it’s addressing coverage gaps or tailoring offerings for specific industries or geographies, the goal is always the same: to create solutions that meet customers' needs and expectations and contribute to the growth ambitions.

A recent example of this is our re-entry into the Lloyds Power market—a global portfolio providing coverage for operational power and utility infrastructure risks. This initiative is closely aligned with The Hartford’s Sustainability strategy and reflects our broader enterprise commitment to supporting the energy transition.

Our focus is on establishing a highly technical underwriting model supported by strong risk engineering capabilities. These efforts also contribute to growth in our Marine & Energy division, significant commercial opportunities, and satisfy our ambition to be an insurer of the transition.

What projects are you currently working on that you are most excited about?

The Hartford has set ambitious growth goals that the international team is part of, and we’ve seen innovative product ideas emerge through the improved Product Development process. I have also been part of the core team exploring what underwriting capability will look like over the next several years and how we can continue to challenge the norm to be the best. Planning for the future has offered a valuable perspective and given me an unexpected sense of reassurance.

I am also currently leading a peer review enhancement working group aimed at repositioning peer review as a valuable underwriting learning and development tool rather than a compliance activity. Our goal is to ensure the outcomes of the reviews are used in constructive, forward-looking ways, supporting underwriters to grow, refine their approaches, and strengthen decision-making. 

To support this, I have accessed one of a wide range of tools and resources The Hartford provides to help us in our day-to-day work. I’ve been studying the Yellow Belt Root Cause Analysis methodology with the guidance of a fantastic mentor based in the U.S. This has been instrumental in helping me approach the project through a structured, problem-solving lens. I can ensure that we address underlying issues, not just surface-level symptoms, and ultimately drive better long-term outcomes.

What do you find most rewarding about these projects?

I’m passionate about finding solutions to support underwriting teams. Being involved in the development of new products from concept to completion or refreshing the way we do things internally is incredibly rewarding. It’s about putting the customer first and both understanding and meeting their needs, whether that’s an external client or a peer group.

It’s also been incredibly valuable to collaborate and build relationships with the various teams in London and overseas that play a crucial, often behind-the-scenes, role in bringing these ideas to life and facilitating change.

What’s your favorite aspect of The Hartford’s company culture, and how does it help you and your colleagues succeed?

One of my favourite aspects of our company’s culture is how open and supportive it is, especially when it comes to discussing the challenges we face, both professionally and personally. The company culture creates a positive space for people to feel safe and empowered to speak up.

I have recently discovered and signed up for The Hartford’s “Build Your Network” Program, which stood out to me. It’s a brilliant initiative that partners you with four teammates from different areas of The Hartford over a year. This gives you the chance to meet new people, expand your professional circle, share experiences and perspectives, and make new connections across the business from parts with which you might not usually interact.

Programs like this reflect how much The Hartford values community and development. They help foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, no matter where you sit within the organization.

We are also fortunate to have several incredible committees within GS International that bring our culture to life, including the Culture Council, Charity & Wellbeing Committee, and nine Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), open to everyone. I’m a member of the Professional Women’s Network (PWN), and they organize some fantastic panel discussions and sessions. These groups and the opportunities help us to continually learn from one another and break down barriers, helping us to succeed as both individuals and a team.

In what ways have you felt empowered by The Hartford to pursue work that is meaningful to you?

Since joining The Hartford, I’ve been encouraged to bring my full self to work where I actively contribute, share ideas, and take ownership, despite being new to the team. I am fortunate to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team within Global Specialty, where our work directly supports clients around the world., I’ve been encouraged to bring my full self to work where I actively contribute, share ideas, and take ownership, despite being new to the team. I am fortunate to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team within Global Specialty, where our work directly supports clients around the world.

Being part of a team focused on thoughtful underwriting and continuous improvement empowers me in my role, and I look forward to driving positive impact.