Daphne Thomas: Setting an Example by Influencing People to Achieve Success
When it comes to leading a business organization, the ability to motivate, influence, and inspire is crucial. Daphne Thomas, Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) at iPipeline, Inc., embodies these qualities, driving both organizational growth and personal development.
With a background in Computer Science, Daphne has built an impressive career spanning Ireland, the UK, and Japan. After a significant tenure at Siemens Medical, where she advanced to VP of Research and Discovery, Daphne led an Enterprise Development team of 1,500 employees across five countries. Her journey continued at iPipeline, where she joined in 2008 as the Head of Services. Here, she developed a solid delivery methodology that expanded the firm’s customer base to over 130 insurers and 1,300 distributors and financial institutions, significantly enhancing profitability. 
Prioritizing Customers in Every Strategy
As CTO at iPipeline, Daphne collaborates with clients in the insurance and financial services industries to drive digital transformation. Her focus is on providing best practices and consultative services that align with the evolving digital landscape. Daphne emphasizes that the enhancement of customers’ lives and the protection of their families are central to iPipeline’s mission. Every strategy she develops is evaluated based on its potential impact on consumers and its viability in the market.
iPipeline: A Mission to Transform the Insurance Industry
Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, iPipeline aims to revolutionize the life insurance industry by offering up-to-date content for producers across multiple carriers. The company excels in cloud-based software solutions that enhance the planning, selling, and servicing of financial products. iPipeline’s comprehensive platform covers pre-sales support, underwriting, policy administration, point-of-sale execution, post-sale support, data analysis, consumer delivery, and agency management.
The company’s mission is to deliver a world-class, integrated platform that accelerates and simplifies sales, compliance, operations, and support. With a focus on customer-centricity, iPipeline continues to expand its capabilities, aiming to capture over 75% of industry electronic transactions.
Building Global Teams Through Cultural Diversity
Daphne’s international career experiences have deeply influenced her approach to leadership. Her immersion in various cultures has equipped her with an appreciation for diverse perspectives and how to harness them to build high-performing teams. “The experiences I gained by living in four different countries have given me an appreciation for the unique value each culture holds and how to tap into these traits to build strong teams,” Daphne explains.
Navigating Talent Acquisition Challenges
As iPipeline continues to innovate and expand, attracting top talent remains a significant challenge. Daphne acknowledges this difficulty but highlights how the company’s strong reputation and culture help attract exceptional individuals. “Fortunately, we have a wonderful reputation and culture that help us attract great minds, but we always have room for new innovators,” she asserts.
Mentorship: Measuring Success Through Others
Daphne’s role as a mentor is a source of great pride. Reflecting on a mentor’s question about the success of those she has mentored, she recognizes the profound impact of her guidance. “The success of those I’ve mentored gives me immense pride and motivates me to contribute further,” she shares. Daphne hopes her legacy will be defined by her leadership and mentorship, remembering, “I would like to be remembered for how I taught others and helped them grow.”
Empowering Women Through Mentorship
At iPipeline, Daphne is also committed to empowering women in their careers. Through the Mentor Club for Women, she and her team share resources and facilitate discussions to address workplace challenges. One recommended read is “Why Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office,” a book Daphne suggests for anyone seeking career growth.
