Rekha Skantharaja became the CEO of Tangram Insurance Services at just 31 years old, stepping into a role that many might not expect from someone without the usual background. She didn’t have a spouse or children, and she came from a mid-sized, male-dominated insurance company to lead a small team in Petaluma, California. Despite these differences, Skantharaja brought with her a strong curiosity and a solid work ethic, which she has used to shape her leadership style over the past 15 years.
Under her guidance, Tangram has not only expanded its market presence but has also created a majority-female executive team, promoting veterans and minorities into leadership positions. Skantharaja reflects on her journey as one filled with challenges and learning experiences, stating, “The journey has been winding. It’s been humbling, challenging, and one of the greatest teachers of my life.”
Skantharaja’s arrival at Tangram was a significant shift. She found herself in a small office surrounded by farmland, feeling out of place initially. “I had to learn functions I hadn’t touched before and build trust with a team that didn’t necessarily relate to me,” she recalled. Her past experiences didn’t matter to her new team; what mattered was her willingness to learn and connect authentically.
As she built her executive team, Skantharaja focused on finding people who shared her values of skill and heart, many of whom happened to be women. She challenged the common belief that there aren’t enough women ready for senior roles, placing them in key positions across various departments like finance and sales. She acknowledges that while some may criticize her focus on diversity, she believes it’s essential to uplift those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Skantharaja admits that the pressure to prove the effectiveness of a female-led team was real at first. However, she has learned to manage that pressure over time. “It doesn’t dominate me anymore,” she said. For her, the real issue is whether companies are actively seeking out and supporting diverse talent, rather than just filling positions with a checkbox approach.
She emphasizes that true progress comes from giving diverse individuals real power and influence within the organization. “You move the needle when you give them influence, when they run a P&L, when they build teams, when they shape strategy,” she explained.
Despite ongoing challenges in the insurance industry, where many executive teams still look similar to those of decades past, Skantharaja is calling for more inclusive leadership. She encourages her peers to place people from different backgrounds in positions of authority, stating, “If you want your organization to reflect the world we live in, you have to trust people from different backgrounds with real power.”
Skantharaja’s journey as a female leader in insurance is not just about her personal growth but also about paving the way for future generations. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all playbook for success, but with heart and a willingness to learn, anyone can make a significant impact. As she looks ahead, she remains committed to building a powerful legacy for those who will follow in her footsteps.