Tina Newsome-Lee: Leading With Purpose, Inclusion, and Courage

From growing up in the South Bronx with big dreams to becoming Vice President at Travelers, Tina Newsome-Lee’s journey is a story of determination, growth, and purpose. Inspired early on by a desire to create a better life and stand up for others, she set out to build a career rooted in impact. Over the years, she has steadily expanded her influence, not just through her professional achievements but by empowering those around her. Today, she leads with a strong belief in inclusion, collaboration, and the idea that true leadership is about lifting others while driving meaningful results.

Let’s start with your journey. How did it all begin, and what led you to where you are today?
I come from very humble beginnings. Growing up in the South Bronx, I always dreamed of building a better life. I wanted to become an attorney and fight for people’s rights, inspired by leaders who stood for justice. Over time, my journey evolved as I continued to grow within my organization. By expanding my team’s impact and taking on greater responsibilities, I was able to step into the leadership role I hold today.

What kept you moving forward during challenging times, and what values guide your leadership now?
What kept me moving forward was a strong belief in my values, especially the idea that talent is universal. I believe that people from all backgrounds bring value, and when you bring diverse voices together, you can solve complex problems. That belief continues to guide how I lead and how I build my team.

Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
One moment that truly shaped me happened during a large meeting early in my career. There were over a hundred people in the room, and even though I had something valuable to say, I was too afraid to speak up. I felt held back by fear and self-doubt. I noticed a colleague who was confident and knew how to engage the room, which inspired me. After the meeting, I reached out to him for mentorship and joined Toastmasters. That experience transformed my confidence and had a lasting impact on my career.

Innovation and collaboration are key today. How do you build these within your team?
I lead a team of over 100 legal professionals, and I believe innovation and collaboration are essential to our success. I focus on leading by example so these qualities become part of our daily work. Innovation means being open to new ideas, even in uncertain situations. It can involve improving workflows or developing new strategies to solve challenges. Collaboration is about creating a strong team culture where we celebrate success together and focus on a “we” mindset instead of a “me” mindset.

What do you think sets top leaders apart from others?
Great leaders create a clear and inspiring vision that people want to be part of. They understand the strengths of their team members and use those strengths to build a stronger team. I also believe the best leaders have a servant mindset. They focus on supporting others rather than expecting to be served. They value diversity and inclusion, take responsibility when things go wrong, and are willing to step up during challenging times.

How has mentorship influenced your growth, and how do you pass that on?
Mentorship has played a major role in my development. I have always looked for mentors who had strengths that I wanted to build. For example, I worked with a leader who was excellent at networking and speaking up, which helped me improve in those areas. I am also committed to continuous learning. I earned my CPCU designation to better understand the insurance business and gain a broader perspective. Within my team, I encourage mentorship and learning by leading by example and guiding others toward opportunities that help them grow.

How do you keep your organization aligned in a fast-changing environment?
Staying informed is very important. I regularly read industry articles and stay connected with professional communities like the Institutes. These platforms provide valuable insights, education, and networking opportunities. I make it a point to share what I learn with my team so we remain aligned and ready to adapt to change.

Looking back, what experiences have shaped your leadership style the most?
Not all lessons come from positive experiences. I have worked with leaders who did not value their teams or recognize different strengths. Those experiences had a strong impact on me. I made a commitment that if I had the chance to lead, I would create a different kind of environment. I follow the principle of treating others the way I would want to be treated. This approach has helped me bring out the best in people and build strong, high-performing teams.

What advice would you give to emerging leaders?
I would say set a personal standard of excellence and live by it every day. Also, remember that “we” is always greater than “me.” When you focus on building others and working as a team, you create something much stronger than individual success.

What excites you most about the future?
What excites me most is the next generation of talent. I see creativity, energy, and enthusiasm in emerging professionals. They are also more diverse and inclusive, which gives me hope for the future. I truly believe that talent exists everywhere, even if opportunities do not. Seeing this new generation grow makes me confident that we are moving toward organizations that better reflect the communities they serve.

Closing Perspective

Tina Newsome-Lee’s journey reflects the power of resilience, self-belief, and a commitment to lifting others. From overcoming early self-doubt to leading with confidence and empathy, she has built a leadership style grounded in purpose and inclusion. Her focus on collaboration, continuous learning, and empowering people continues to shape not only her team but the broader organization. As she looks ahead, her vision remains clear: to create opportunities, nurture talent, and build a future where leadership is defined by both impact and humanity.