What was your route to the top?

Dina Traugot, Vice President, Group General Counsel and Chief Contracts Counsel with Travelers. Courtesy photo

My route to the top was anything but a straight line. Looking back, the lowest points in my career paved the way for the greatest opportunity. I was eight months pregnant when I worked for Lehman Brothers in 2008. As Lehman went under, and my professional world seemed to be crumbling, I had to put a brave face on. I was undeterred and got an offer to lead a group and multiple practices groups the week before giving birth. I attribute my route to the top to three key factors: pushing myself way outside my comfort zone, taking career risks and being a change agent.