Mara Dorne’s journey from adversity to success is nothing short of inspiring. As a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award-winning BILF (“Boss I’d Like to Follow”), Mara has shattered glass ceilings, proving that resilience and passion can indeed revolutionize industries. With the distinction of becoming only the second person to surpass $1 billion in sales before turning 40, she is not only a visionary in the health insurance industry but also a leader committed to the growth of her community and team.
Mara’s organization stands as a beacon of innovation and female empowerment in a field traditionally dominated by men. Leading a network of over 1,500 agents nationwide, she champions servant leadership, fostering a culture of support, collaboration, and shared success. Her sharp business acumen and commitment to core values have positioned her organization as a trailblazer in both service and impact.
Her influence extends far beyond her business. A sought-after speaker, Mara has delivered powerful keynotes at prestigious events, sharing the stage with icons like A-Rod and Tim Storey. Her words resonate with audiences as she advocates for women empowerment and entrepreneurship, urging her listeners to embrace vulnerability as a strength. Her book, Perfect Imperfections, reached #1 on Amazon and has become a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through its pages, Mara normalizes the importance of self-compassion, teaching readers that self-doubt does not define them—it can be reshaped through inner work.
Featured in GLAMOUR BG and Forbes Israel, and with appearances on Dr. Phil, ABC13, and Fox5, Mara continues to captivate audiences and media. However, she remains grounded, cherishing her time with her husband and children, whom she considers her greatest success.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
1. You’ve achieved so much at a young age—what inspired you to pursue a career in health insurance, and how did you overcome industry challenges?
It was part chance, part destiny. My life has been an accumulation of lessons learned from other inspirational women—my mother, then my daughter (for whom I knew I needed to create a better life), and ultimately my fairy (health insurance) godmother —when a job opportunity literally knocked on my door to lower my premiums and enter the field. It’s a unique struggle-to-success story. I needed healthcare to be affordable, and it afforded me a life beyond my wildest dreams. But that dream doesn’t come without its challenges. I use challenges as motivators, treating them as action items: not making sales? Make more appointments, try different approaches, sit in different rooms, and make sacrifices. Not getting buy-in from your counterparts? Take them to dinner. Find common ground.The industry is ever-changing as policies shift, but as long as you can adapt, you will always be okay.
2. Your leadership style emphasizes servant leadership. Could you elaborate on how this philosophy has influenced your approach to business and team-building?
Servant leadership came naturally to me. Having always worked for an employer, it was the only way I knew how to operate. Point blank—I worked for others. Over time, it became my preferred style. I choose to be a helper. To help is to care. To care is to respect. People who feel cared for and respected will always go the extra mile and perform better in business. When others on your team see how you operate, they will pick up your habits and, naturally, create a community of like-minded individuals. Strong teams are built by strong leaders, and strong leaders serve first.
3. Your book, Perfect Imperfections, has been a huge success. What inspired you to write it, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
I was approached to write a book as a way to leverage my brand as a starting point. When I first put pen to paper, it was a really introspective moment for me. I thought, Okay, I know I’m good at sales, but does the world really need another sales book? So, I asked myself, what else am I good at? And then it came to me, really easily. Above all else, I’m good at being unapologetically myself—flaws and all. I used my authenticity to propel my business forward. I let it all hang out— boobs and all. If I wanted to go door-to-door selling insurance in full glam and heels, I was going to do just that. If I was having an off day and had my anxiety on display, that was okay. In fact, it might have been the very reason I connected with a prospect—because maybe they had anxiety, too. They saw that I was human, with interests, strengths, and weaknesses, and that helped build
their trust. In my industry, people were quicker to buy from someone who was “real” than from what I call the standard ‘stepford’ seller.
4. As an advocate for women’s empowerment, what steps do you believe are crucial to creating more inclusive opportunities for women in traditionally male-
dominated industries?
Look out for other women. Women are natural-born empaths, mothers, nurturers, and the backbone of our society. It’s a tale as old as time: we wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for women. Yet, we are still so far behind in creating equal opportunities for women in the workforce.I strongly believe that an important step is to build other women up—help them find their voice, their talent. So many opportunities are missed because of a lack of confidence. Take competition off the table. There is enough room for everyone’s career crown to shine. If you are in a leadership position and have the option to bring in either a man or a woman with equal qualifications, stop and think for a moment: who needs the platform more?
5. Family plays a big role in your life. How do you balance the demands of a high-profile career with family commitments?
My family comes first. Yes, I may work 18 hours a day, but if anyone needs me, I will stop everything and be there for them. I’m especially committed to making my children’s lives easier through the sacrifices I make. I’m on a plane every other week, but I make sure that the week I am home is doubled up with quality time and creating memories with them. I’m also fortunate to have a wonderful support system of extended family members and friends who can step in when needed. Typically, when I’m traveling, my husband is home with the kids, and vice versa. I’ll never miss a FaceTime call and use technology to stay connected, so I can be in two places at once. My littlest son, who is 6, said it best recently: “Mommy, I miss you, but that’s only because I love you so much. Good luck today! I’m proud of you!” Those soft words were all the confirmation I needed that I’m doing something right.
6. Entrepreneurship can be a challenging journey. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who are looking to make an impact in their fields?
Find out what makes you different and what you’re good at—and run full speed ahead. Never let others tell you that you can’t, and never, ever give up. Some of the best innovators of our time reached the market after many, many “no’s.” Be smart about surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you. As I mentioned earlier, I have both strengths and weaknesses, so play up your strengths and hire for your weaknesses. You also have to believe in yourself and your product with every ounce of your being. Sure, you can fake it ’til you make it, but you’ll never truly achieve unless you believe.
7. Health and fitness are important to you. Could you share how maintaining a balanced lifestyle contributes to your success both personally and professionally?
If you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you do good. When I feel outwardly confident, it directly influences my work and relationships. I am a creature of habit and start my days at 5 a.m. in the gym. As someone who struggles with mental health, it’s especially important for me to get that stress out so that my daily interactions remain positive.I get my blood flowing, clear my head, and have alone time to strategize. And, inadvertently, I am also building a stronger, healthier body. You are what you eat. I believe it. After all, who wants a salty, unhealthy leader ? Not me, and not you. Prioritize yourself.
