In 2023, Marie Penberthy became CFO of Arch Insurance International.
Recalling advice she had heard at a leadership conference — “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”— she raised her hand for the role.
Her question led to an interview process and ultimately an offer, which she accepted. But the opportunity was years in the making: The experience she had gained and the relationships she had built gave her the readiness — and confidence — to pursue it.
Growing Her Reports
As a leader, Penberthy makes career conversations a regular part of work — not something reserved just for an annual review. She uses quarterly discussions with her direct reports to create a safe space for employees to talk openly about their interests and development.
“I don’t want to dictate what people want to do,” she said. “It has to be a two-way conversation. I appreciate not everyone knows what they want to do or where they want to get to, and I think that’s totally fine. Because everyone is different.”
The most important conversation isn’t always about the next promotion. Sometimes it’s the one that helps you see a different path forward.
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