Belgium is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse cultures and perspectives, and its women leaders are at the forefront of this dynamic landscape. One such inspiring figure in this narrative is Sofie Temmerman, Director at BDB Europe. Sofie Temmerman’s journey is a remarkable testament to the power of early experiences and the importance of collaboration. Her path was shaped from a very young age, as she began playing the violin at just three years old, thanks to her supportive parents. This early introduction to music engaged both hemispheres of her brain and instilled in her a deep appreciation for teamwork. By the age of eight, Sofie was performing in a youth orchestra, where she learned firsthand the significance of each musician's role in creating a harmonious piece. This experience laid the foundation for her professional life, emphasizing the value of connection and collaboration.

Throughout her career, Sofie has thrived on the art of connecting with people and co-creating something meaningful together. With the guidance of her parents and teachers, she discovered that taking a step back can lead to greater insights and achievements—a lesson in resilience that she carries into her work today. She believes in the power of mutual support and continuous improvement, striving to create environments where everyone can thrive. As the Director of BDB Europe, Sofie embodies the spirit of women leaders in Belgium, inspiring others to join her in the pursuit of collective success.

The Global Women Leader magazine recently interacted with Sofie Temmerman, let’s hear from her.

Can you share an overview of your extensive professional journey as a leader in finance? What key turning points have defined your career?

My professional journey in the insurance sector has been defined by several pivotal moments that have shaped my leadership career. After two years at a global brokerage firm, I discovered my passion for a more commercial role, aided by a mentor who emphasized the importance of thorough preparation in prospecting. This formative experience allowed me to hone my commercial skills significantly.

Transitioning to another global broker, I faced challenges with recognition and support despite surpassing my goals. This difficult period taught me resilience and the importance of advocating for my beliefs. Fortunately, I found a mentor who guided me in developing my leadership skills, fueling my entrepreneurial spirit and desire to launch new initiatives. Six years ago, I was presented with the opportunity to lead BdB Europe and Mithras Underwriting Europe. This exciting challenge involved starting two new companies from scratch in Belgium, backed by a well-established group. With the support of my London-based teammates and board members, we achieved remarkable success. Now, with our new shareholder, Brown & Brown, we are poised for further growth and innovation as we expand our European presence, building on the strong foundation we have established.

“Leading by example through clear communication and strong standards inspires my team to emulate those behaviors”

Tell us about the key areas of expertise you possess as an experienced leader in the insurance sector.

As an experienced leader in the insurance sector, my expertise has grown significantly over the past five years in several critical areas. Initially, I focused on building strong client relationships, leveraging my network to understand and address their needs effectively. Today, I take pride in seeing my team take over these responsibilities, allowing me to focus on more complex situations and explore new opportunities, particularly in the Benelux region.

I find immense satisfaction in building and nurturing diverse teams that foster collaboration and mutual respect, empowering my team members to reach their full potential. My passion for advocacy has led me to pioneer new market approaches, such as introducing wholesale brokerage in previously untapped regions. As a board member, I guide our organization through significant transitions, including adapting to Brexit and managing our acquisition by Brown & Brown. This role also involves setting up new branches, developing innovative products, and exploring emerging markets. Mentorship is a vital aspect of my leadership style, and I am committed to supporting my team's growth and career navigation. These combined skills have enabled me to lead BDB Europe and Mithras Underwriting Europe successfully, contributing to their recognition and success in the market.

Introduce us to BDB Europe and share the key roles and responsibilities you hold as its Director.

Founded in 2018 as a strategic response to Brexit, BDB Europe (a wholesale and Lloyd’s broker) and Mithras Underwriting Europe (an MGA) were established from the BDB Group, which had served a predominantly European clientele from London for 30 years. With headquarters in Brussels and branches in London and Milan, I joined BDB Europe in early 2019 to establish a significant presence in the Benelux market. I led the setup of our Brexit solution and advocated for wholesale brokerage in Belgium, securing our first client within three months. Today, BDB Europe is respected and recognized in the market, with our Belgian office operating profitably.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievements in your professional journey thus far? Additionally, what guiding principles define your success as a leader?

Reflecting on my professional journey, I take great pride in the rapid branding and establishment of Mithras Underwriting Europe and BDB Europe in the Benelux region. Starting from the ground up in Belgium, we have successfully made our companies well-known and respected, thanks to the unwavering support of my colleagues and fellow directors. We have cultivated strong, trusting relationships with our clients and partners, creating a positive and collaborative work environment.

As a leader, I follow several success mantras that have guided me throughout my career. Leading by example through clear communication and strong standards inspires my team to emulate those behaviors. I prioritize nurturing and empowering my team, giving them the autonomy and support they need to thrive. Additionally, celebrating achievements—both big and small—boosts morale and strengthens our foundation to tackle future challenges together. These principles have been vital to our success and continue to drive our growth and innovation.

Sofie Temmerman, Director, BDB Europe

Sofie Temmerman is the Director at BDB Europe, where she has successfully established the company in the Benelux region post-Brexit. With a strong focus on client relationships and team empowerment, she fosters a collaborative environment that drives innovation and growth within the insurance sector.