Shyla Lankford, COO of Lipscomb Insurance Group in Dallas, Texas, has spent nearly three decades in the insurance industry. With 28 years of experience and 14 Accelerate conferences under her belt, her story is one of transformation, perseverance, and unexpected opportunity. We sat down with her to talk about her roots, pivotal career moments, and the mentors and communities that helped shape her into the leader she is today.
Growing Up in South Louisiana
Shyla grew up in a close-knit family in South Louisiana and as one of four siblings, she was often the babysitter in the house, thanks to the five-year gap between each child. Her childhood was filled with large family gatherings—holiday events with 50 to 60 relatives were the norm.
“I love being around people because I grew up in this huge family culture,” she shared. “It really shaped my love for large events and being in community.”
From Shyness to Center Stage
Despite her current leadership role, Shyla describes herself as a painfully shy child.
“People who know me now wouldn’t believe it,” she laughed. “But I was the kid who didn’t want to be looked at or talked to. Being a wallflower was just fine with me.”
That began to shift in high school when a friend convinced her to try out for the cheerleading squad. The experience forced her out of her shell and helped her develop the confidence that now defines her career.
The Accidental Career in Insurance
Shyla’s path to insurance wasn’t carefully mapped out—it was a product of happenstance.
New to Dallas, recently married, and looking for a job while caring for her baby son, she joined a casual basketball game with her husband and his friends. One of the players mentioned a receptionist job at his girlfriend’s office.
“I didn’t even know what kind of office it was,” Shyla admitted. “But I applied, got hired, and within six months had my insurance license.”
That job was the spark. Insurance “clicked” for her—it made sense, it was interesting, and she was good at it. She started climbing the ranks, learning every level of the agency along the way.
A Turning Point at Lipscomb Insurance Group
A life-changing moment came after Shyla’s battle with cancer in her thirties. While the job she had during treatment served its purpose, she soon realized she was ready for something more.
A call from a producer at Lipscomb Insurance led to an opportunity to join the company as an account manager. From there, Shyla’s natural curiosity and desire to improve systems quickly got her noticed.
“I kept popping into the president’s office with ideas. Eventually, they just asked me to take over some of the initiatives,” she said.
Her drive and insight earned her a promotion—and a place in the firm’s leadership. Shyla became the first non-family member to be named a partner in the company’s 75-year history.
Changing Perceptions About Insurance
For Shyla, one of the biggest misconceptions about insurance is that it's all about home and auto policies. The truth, she says, is much more complex.
“Even on the personal lines side, every client is unique. And in commercial insurance, two companies in the same industry can have completely different risk profiles,” she explained. “That’s what makes this work so fascinating. It’s never boring.”
A Web of Mentors and Support
When asked about mentors, Shyla hesitated to name just one. Instead, she described a constellation of people—colleagues, friends, and industry peers—who have each played pivotal roles at different times in her life.
From agents who invited her into leadership roles, to fellow professionals she met through industry events, Shyla credits her success to the collaborative nature of the insurance community.
“I meet so many people through NetVU, and many have become friends and trusted advisors,” she said. “They’ve made my journey easier, richer, and so much more meaningful.”
Fifteen Years with NetVU
Shyla has been involved with NetVU (Network of Vertafore Users) for 15 years and attended 14 Accelerate conferences. She recalls a particularly funny memory from one of the earlier events in Atlanta: “We got locked in a park while cutting through after dinner—it was silly and unexpected, but moments like that stick with you.”
More than anything, Shyla values the camaraderie, support, and knowledge-sharing that NetVU fosters. It's a vital part of her professional journey and personal growth. On July 1st, Shyla will become NetVU’s 46th Chairman. During NetVU’s Annual Meeting of Members she spoke briefly about her upcoming tenure as Chairman:
“I’ve been a part of this community for a long time, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that NetVU is always evolving. Why? Because you are. The way we work, learn, connect—it’s changing fast. And NetVU is leaning into that change.”
Final Thoughts
From her humble beginnings in Louisiana to leading one of Dallas’s most respected insurance firms, Shyla Lankford’s story is a testament to what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity. Whether she’s innovating from the inside out at Lipscomb or championing industry collaboration through NetVU, Shyla continues to be a powerful force in shaping the future of insurance.
“Could I have done this without NetVU? Probably. But would I want to? Absolutely not.”