A shrinking violet, Marcia Richards is most certainly not. Styling in a one-shoulder royal blue Ralph Lauren evening gown, the colour is most apt as she was a queen at the Sagicor 45th Annual Corporate Awards event hosted last Thursday night at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Richards is a star performer and the executive agent who has raked in the most investment sales from clients for the past financial year. There’s more: she also joined the prestigious Life and Honour Roll Table and shared nine trophies won by Sagicor Life’s Half-Way-Tree branch. A surprising humility resides behind Richards’ warm smile as we pull her aside to talk over glasses of vino.

Congratulations on your crystal trophy. What were you awarded for?

I was recognised for taking in the most new business in investments in 2014. I generated $75 million in new business.

How does it feel to be given this honour?

It feels amazing as it’s a company award. I have been selling life insurance for the last 20 years and it’s my first corporate individual award. It feels absolutely good and I’m grateful to my clients!

What attracted you to life insurance as a career?

I started working at Life of Jamaica 28 years ago and was in customer service and the energy and mannerisms of the insurance agents fascinated me. They were different, independent and self-assured, and not in uniforms and I wanted to become one.

Your President and CEO Richard Byles humorously referred to female agents within Sagicor as “man-beaters” given they are exceeding the sales records previously set by men. How does it feel as a woman to see your peers rewriting the script, so to speak?

It definitely feels good because insurance initially was a man’s world but now it’s definitely a woman’s world. So as a woman, I am so happy for the other females who are in the same position.

What difference does a female insurance agent bring to the game?

Honestly, I don’t think there is anything in particular. I think it’s just sheer determination on the individual’s part, whether you are male or female.

What is your secret strategy for bringing in new business?

For me, it’s the love I have for my clients and the passion. I strongly believe, as our president does, in giving first-class customer service and I am always mindful of whatever I achieve, that I owe it to all my clients who believe in me and choose to do business with me.

Who is Marcia Richards?

She is hard-working and loyal. She can also be an introvert if she chooses. She’s stylish and very kind and in love with and proud of her daughter Shoshannah Richards.

On the matter of style, who are your designers of choice?

Whichever suits my body type, that is the designer I am going to go with. Currently, I like drennaLUNA and Neahlis as local designers who know how to fit my kind of female body. Internationally, I love Ralph Lauren — I wear a lot of his clothes.

What is your cocktail of choice?

A glass of red wine.

LBD or jeans?

It all depends on what the occasion calls for. I dress to suit the moment.

Flats or stilettos?

I definitely prefer stilettos; they give an additional air of confidence.

What perfume are you spraying?

Angel by Thierry Mugler. I have been wearing it for the past 10 years.

What’s playing on your iPod or car stereo?

I love Pharrell Williams and Tessanne Chin and I’m a big Whitney Houston fan even though she’s no longer with us.

Who does your hair?

It’s done by my hairdresser of the past 22 years, Sharon Samuels, who operates Modern Image.

Who does your nails?

Jackie and Taniesha from Lajaneish at the Pulse Complex.

Who is your professional inspiration?

Oprah Winfrey, hands down. She has been a blessing to the world. She makes me want to be a better person.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

The perfect date would be a long ride to the country in the company of somebody I adore.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

I am currently single and in choosing a partner, one of the most important things would be their integrity and character and that would equal respect. I really like an easygoing male.

Where will Marcia be five years from now?

I would love to be married again and would love to still be on top of my game in the insurance industry and most importantly, healthy and happy.