Ronna Ruppelt: A Legacy of Leadership, Grace, and Excellence 

Some redefine the path for those who follow. Ronna Ruppelt is one of those leaders. A woman of incredible class, resilience, and strategic brilliance, she has carved out a powerful legacy in the insurance industry. Her journey—spanning four decades—has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has navigated boardrooms, broken barriers, and led with an unwavering commitment to excellence. However, perhaps what stands out most about Ronna is her deep belief in the purpose of this industry: to help people. 

The Making of a Leader 

Ronna's career began in a place many would not expect—an insurance defense law firm during her second year of law school. But it was at Progressive Insurance where she truly found her footing. The company was a local gem in Ohio, known only regionally. By the time she left 18 years later, it had transformed into an industry giant with 27,000 employees and over $14 billion in written premiums. It was a front-row seat to the power of innovation, culture, and leadership. 

Under the legendary Peter B. Lewis, Ronna absorbed a leadership philosophy that would shape her future: minimizing disruption and reducing emotional trauma for those facing loss. She carries this mission with her to this day, one that has fueled her passion for the industry across every role she's held. 

A Pivotal Moment: Facing Exclusion Head-On 

Some experiences define a career. For Ronna, it was the moment she arrived at a firm event, only to be told she could not walk through the grand, wood-carved doors with her male colleagues. Instead, she was directed to enter through the side door—solely because she was a woman. 

That moment, etched in her memory like it happened yesterday, fueled her resolve to create spaces where all voices are valued. It reinforced a leadership philosophy centered around diversity of thought, the power of unique experiences, and the necessity of inclusion. With this in mind, she built every team thereafter, knowing that true strength comes from embracing differences. 

Driven by Excellence, Fueled by Growth 

For Ronna, success is not a destination—it is an ongoing pursuit. She is a continuous learner, always seeking to add new tools, insights, and skills to her arsenal. Her goal-oriented nature is undeniable, pushing her to achieve new heights in every role she takes on. 

Whether it was arguing before the Ohio Supreme Court just one month after becoming an attorney, stepping into her first manager role while very pregnant at 29, or ascending to executive leadership positions at some of the largest insurance companies in the world—Ronna’s story is one of relentless forward motion. She doesn’t dwell on barriers; she moves through them. 

Breaking Barriers, Without Looking Back 

The challenges she has faced as a woman in this industry are real. She has been mistaken for a court reporter. She has watched as male colleagues excluded her from post-meeting outings. She has been the only woman at the table more times than she can count. And through it all, she remained unwavering. 

Her approach? Excellence speaks louder than obstacles. With a rock-solid work ethic, sharp emotional intelligence, and an unwavering focus on results, she has made herself indispensable time and time again. While she acknowledges the unique challenges of being a woman in leadership, she refuses to let them define her. Instead, she leads with competence, confidence, and a deep commitment to the organizations she serves. 

The Foundation of Success: Training & Leadership 

One of the biggest influences on Ronna's career came from the training she received at Progressive—specifically, the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), customer focus, leadership, people engagement, and continuous improvement. These principles became the foundation for everything she has done since, helping her navigate high-stakes decisions and build teams that deliver exceptional results. 

When paired with the Balanced Scorecard approach—aligning people, process, technology, and profitability—this training became the strategic compass that guided her leadership philosophy. She didn’t just apply these frameworks; she mastered them, leveraging them to drive organizations forward. 

Defining a Career with Impact 

Out of all her accomplishments, one stands above the rest: being named Vice President of Claims at the largest insurance company in the world at the time. It was so much more than just about the title—it was about the impact. She was part of the most functional executive leadership team she had ever worked with, achieving industry-leading results and setting new standards for litigation management. 

Her team revolutionized claims strategy, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and improving outcomes—all during a period of explosive growth. When she took these lessons to other carriers, she replicated that success, proving that strong leadership and strategic execution can transform an organization. 

Optimism in the Face of Setbacks 

Ronna's approach to challenges is simple: pivot and push forward. She does not dwell on setbacks; she sees them as learning opportunities. Her natural optimism allows her to adapt quickly, shifting strategies when needed and staying focused on long-term goals. This mindset has kept her at the top of her field for over 40 years. 

Advice for Women Stepping Into the Industry 

For women entering insurance today, Ronna’s advice is gold: 

• Be your authentic self. You don’t need to conform to be successful—you belong exactly as you are. 

• Know your worth. You’ve earned your place at the table. Own it. 

• Listen more than you speak. Knowledge is power, and the best leaders are great listeners. 

• Work hard, but also laugh hard. Joy fuels resilience. 

• Lead with kindness. Relationships matter. Trust and integrity will take you further than you ever imagined. 

A Leadership Style Rooted in Collaboration 

In Ronna's eyes, leadership is about defining clear goals, providing the right tools and support, and then stepping back to let people thrive. Her style is deeply collaborative—not a democracy but a team-driven approach where each person plays a critical role in achieving success. 

She is passionate, sets high expectations, leads by example, and provides real-time, constructive feedback. She admits when she's wrong and listens when a better idea is presented. Most importantly, she never takes credit for someone else's work—a principle that has earned her the respect of every team she's led. 

The Lesson That Endures: Relationships Matter 

If there is one lesson that has stuck with Ronna throughout her career, it is this: relationships are everything. Success is not just about numbers or titles—it is about trust, integrity, and how you treat people. She has learned, sometimes the hard way, that kindness is not optional—it is essential. 

And so, she leads with kindness every single day. 

A Legacy of Strength, Vision, and Impact 

Ronna Ruppelt’s career is a guiding light to what is possible when intelligence meets grit, strategy is paired with empathy, and resilience fuels leadership. She has not only shattered ceilings but also built new pathways for others to follow. 

Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and unshakable leadership. While she has accomplished more than most could dream, one thing is clear—Ronna is nowhere near finished. 

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