Michelle Acosta

I attribute my success to my drive and determination, along with my ability to manage the entire sales cycle—from prospecting to closing—to consistently achieve and exceed assigned targets.

1) “Don’t wait to be ready—just start, and grow into it.” I was 18, answering phones as a temp, thinking I needed permission or perfection to lead. But the best advice I ever got was to step up before I felt ‘qualified.’ Every role I’ve held since—from receptionist to Senior Account Executive—was earned by showing up, learning fast, and never letting fear outrank purpose. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to care enough to figure it out. 2) “Protect the client, protect the agency, protect yourself—in that order.” That advice was given to me early in my career, and it’s shaped every decision I’ve made since. It reminds me that integrity isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy. Whether I’m navigating compliance, advocating for insureds, or mentoring colleagues, I lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose. The trust we build is our greatest asset.

“Defensibility isn’t built in a day—so start with the law, stay patient, and document like your reputation depends on it.” In insurance, your credibility is your currency. For young women entering the field: learn the statutes, understand the exposures, and don’t be afraid to ask why things are done a certain way. The most powerful thing you can do early on is document clearly and consistently. It won’t always feel glamorous, but it’s how you build trust, protect your agency, and position yourself as a strategic asset. Defensibility takes years to earn—and it starts with the quiet, disciplined choices you make every day.

“The biggest challenge right now is balancing speed with stewardship.” In today’s insurance environment, especially in Florida, we’re expected to move fast—quoting, binding, responding instantly. But that pace can clash with the need for thoughtful compliance, especially around privacy and documentation. The opportunity lies in building systems that support both: workflows that are efficient but also defensible. When agencies invest in training, align staff around protocols, and lead with transparency, we don’t just meet expectations—we elevate them.

“Integrity, accountability, and quiet resilience.” In my work, I lead with integrity—protecting clients, honoring compliance, and standing firm even when it’s inconvenient. Accountability matters just as much: documenting clearly, communicating transparently, and owning the outcome. And personally, I value resilience—not the loud kind, but the kind that shows up, stays consistent, and keeps moving forward no matter what. Whether I’m mentoring a colleague or navigating a tough renewal, those values guide every decision I make.