Moving Away FromThe Traditional View of Progression

Historically, Account Executive career paths were benchmarked by book size, revenue growth and immediate compensation. Those levers still matter, but they’re no longer the whole picture. Many AEs with 10+ years of experience are telling us they’ve "hit their number" and are now looking for something more meaningful.

"I wasn’t leaving for more commission,” shared a Commercial AE with 12+ years’ experience at a national broker. “I left because I couldn’t see a future in the structure I was in. There was no clear route to leadership.”

As career goals change, Account Executive career progression is being redefined by influence, fit, and future potential.This often stems from a growing sense that high performance isn’t always matched by growth opportunities. AEs are beginning to question whether the effort and results they bring are recognised beyond monetary gain. They want to see how their role contributes to the bigger picture, and how they can shape that picture going forward.

Cultural Fit and Strategic Influence

The day-to-day culture of a brokerage can be a key differentiator. How leadership communicates, how teams operate, and whether your voice carries any real weight can all influence how successfully you perform. 

Positive team cultures are not surface level. They are embedded much more deeply in an organisation. Great cultures offer clarity of purpose, are opento listen to differing viewpoints and willing to enact change, with leadership that listens.

Strategic influence is particularly important for senior AEs who bring years of insight but feel stifled by top-down structures. In forward-thinking firms, Account Executives are positioned as partners to growth, not just salespeople. 

Our own experience confirms that cultural alignment and strategic input are fast becoming key markers of satisfaction and success for professionals. These aren’t soft considerations. They’re central to retention, performance and longevity.

"I wanted to be in a business where my ideas weren’t just heard but actually implemented," said another AE who moved from a national to a growing independent.

Autonomy and Flexibility as Non-Negotiables

The rigidity of target-heavy environments is starting to wear thin. For seasoned professionals who’ve already proven themselves, autonomy is not a perk, it’s expected. That includes how they manage their time, portfolio, and even working location.

"After 15 years in the game, I know how to hit targets. What I needed was space to do it my way," shared one London-based AE.

Organisation’s offering true flexibility understand that it encompasses trust in decision-making, room to shape client strategies, and the ability to structure a portfolio around your own personal strengths and preferences. That trust leads to better outcomes for clients and employers alike.

Recognising the Signs It Might Be Time to Move

Moving on and taking the next step in your career is not always down to dissatisfaction. Sometimes it’sjust about misalignment. The right role for your current skills and aspirations may not be the same one that got you here. Knowing when to reassess is critical.

Here are some signals it might be time to explore something new:

An honest self-assessment can go a long way. Career progression for AEs should feel energising, not frustrating. If it’s starting to feel like a grind, it might be time to explore what else is out there.

What Today’s Progression Really Looks Like

With 74% of insurance brokers actively recruiting in 2025 and 59% reporting senior vacancies, the opportunities are there. However, the best roles aren’t always on the open market. Partnering with a recruiter who understands nuance and trajectory can make the difference between a lateral move and a leap forward.

Stride often supports opportunities shaped around top-tier AEs and that offer real leadership pathways, clear equity prospects, or influence over new verticals. These roles are designed with mutual value in mind, for the AE and the business.

That means account executive career paths that are built with clear progression available from the outset. Whether it’s a pathway to regional leadership, greater P&L responsibility, or eventual equity, these roles exist. But they’re not posted on job boards. They’re unlocked through network, insight, and timing.

Technology is also playing a growing role in shaping Account Executive career progression. With advancements in artificial intelligence and automation changing how policies are quoted, serviced, and analysed, many AEs are now seeking out firms that invest in smart tools, freeing them up to focus on client relationships and strategic development. Being part of a tech-forward brokerage isn’t just about efficiency, as AI becomes more integrated into underwriting and client service, AEs who embrace digital tools will increasingly be positioned as strategic advisors rather than intermediaries

How Stride Helps Build Careers

Stride works differently. We don’t rely on volume. Instead, we invest in market intelligence, long-term relationships, and an immersive understanding of what AEs really want.

We know that:

We speak your language. Whether you're a producer with ambitions to build out a niche book or a relationship-first AE eyeing leadership, our process is built to uncover what matters most to you and to find roles that reflect that.When we introduce you to an opportunity, it’s not about backfilling a vacancy. It’s about matching ambition with possibility. That’s how we support career progression for ambitious Account Executives.

If you’re ready to find a role that aligns with your values and ambitions, get in touch for a confidential conversation about your career.