Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Tanya Steele is recognized as an expert in Joint Health and Safety Committee training and excels at revitalizing the company's safety meetings to enhance effectiveness, collaboration, and enjoyment. Steele currently owns several companies, and in 2018, she co-founded “What If One (WIO) Educates” with her business partner Paula Gagne, aiming to train leaders on more effective worker training methods. Steele explores the success secrets of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) leaders worldwide through interviews on the Safety Debris podcast, contributing to the elevation of the next generation and the promotion of safety.
Steele is also a co-host of the Safety Debris Podcast, and a dedicated safety trainer and advisor known for her expertise in various industries, including business, construction, mining, tourism, municipal, and the film industry. With a passion for promoting workplace safety, she focuses on assisting owners, supervisors, JOHSC members, and HR leaders in understanding and implementing effective safety practices.
Having served in various board positions over the years, including regional VP of the CSSE BC & Yukon and president of Health Safety & Week (NAOSH), Steele currently holds the esteemed position of president at the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers in BC.
PO Box 93003, Willowbrook PO, Langley, BC V3A8H2
604 788 4463
training@tanyasteele.ca
linkedin.com/in/tanyarsteele
tanyasteele.ca
Tanya Steele
Trainer, Speaker and Emcee
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
1991
2006
2009
2018
2024
Initiated her career in first aid
Started teaching first aid and safety courses and founded her first company, Steele Co. First Aid
1991
Experienced a defining moment that transformed her business approach and safety teaching methods
2006
Owned a training school, a safety consulting business, and a CSO/OFA placement agency
2009
Undertook a major pivot to online training and consulting
Founded “What If One Educates” and started the Safety Debris Podcast
Received the Professional Leadership Award for Women from the ASTTBC
Honoured with the Leadership in Education Award from the VRCA
2018
Released her first of 3 co-authored books
Received the prestigious CSP Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speaker Association, less than 70 in Canada, 600 worldwide.
2024
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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