Donna Scully Named as One of iCAN’s Top 80 Role Models

Donna Scully, Joint Owner and Director of Carpenters Group, has been named one of iCAN’s Top 80 Role Models - a recognition that celebrates leadership, advocacy, and meaningful contributions to diversity and inclusion within the insurance sector.

Now in its eighth year, iCAN (the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) is the industry’s leading network for multicultural inclusion. Their latest Role Models Book features 80 professionals from the UK and US whose career stories reflect the diverse talent shaping the future of insurance. Donna’s inclusion highlights both her professional success and her long-standing commitment to advancing social mobility, equity, and opportunity across the industry.

Donna commented: 

“When I started out, I never once thought I would end up where I have. My career has been a journey, involving hard work, determination and doing things a bit differently and outside of my comfort zone at times. I have grabbed every opportunity that has come my way.”

“Having left school at 16, going back to part-time further education and persevering to become a qualified solicitor at aged 30 — that took a lot of hard work, commitment, sacrifice and sitting 29 law exams! It wasn’t expected from somebody with my educational background, so it was a huge achievement I didn’t expect.”

At Carpenters Group, Donna plays pivotal role in setting the strategic direction of the business, working closely with the Executive team and across departments to deliver client-focused, progressive solutions. Her leadership is marked by a strong focus on people, values, and long-term impact.

“I love the variety of what I do now! I enjoy working with the people in my business and looking at how we can improve what we do for them and our clients. I am passionate about advocating for reform in gender, social mobility, diversity, inclusion and regulatory changes.”

Donna’s career journey from office junior to qualified solicitor and now business owner and director demonstrates the power of resilience, education, and opportunity. Her experience reinforces the importance of visibility and representation in leadership, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Leadership means knowing your values, building trust, and empowering others. I became a leader by chance at 33, but quickly learned it’s about adaptability, empathy, and listening. You won’t have all the answers, so surround yourself with great people and focus on guiding, supporting, and continuously evolving with your team.”

A passionate advocate for social mobility, Donna believes in sharing her experience to support others:

“Learn from the good and the bad! Life is hard at times, when it knocks you down, dust yourself off as quickly as you can, and keep moving forward. Work at things as positively and as hard as you can. Hard work really does pay off in the end. I feel a duty to send the ladder down to lift more people like me up. It’s why social mobility is so important to me. Most importantly, enjoy the journey.”

Donna’s leadership continues to make a positive difference both within Carpenters Group and across the wider industry.