Desmond Marryshow

Desmond Marryshow is a Chartered Insurance Professional with an educational background in marketing and risk management. Over the past 5+ years he has worked diligently to showcase the human side of insurance to his clients. His desire to help others began early in life. As an immigrant to Canada, he witnessed the kindness from his mother to extend a helping hand to those in need. Despite the lack of access to resources, and systemic barriers that still exist today, she did her best with the options that were available. For that, he is grateful, and attributes much of his compassion, empathy, and kindness to her.

Prior to joining insurance, he held a variety of roles, although none left him truly fulfilled. In fairness, it wasn’t only the job themselves, but also the life events surrounding him at the time. When he changed his focus to find a career that would provide opportunity and financial security, that is when he discovered insurance. He believes a lot of his success to date comes from showing gratitude, having an open-mind, being grounded in the present moment, and finding the resilience to move forward in life.

Desmond also enjoys speaking candidly about his own journey with mental health. He felt it was important to share this part of his story. Growing up he struggled with coming to terms with his sexuality, while experiencing racial trauma and body dysphoria, which led him to eventually seek professional help for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Today, he expects those in a position of influence, to be mindful in their words and actions, and intentional in holding space to create a safe environment. “My goal with working with our ERG’s is to build safe and supportive social engagements, so our members can thrive anywhere within the industry. Authenticity exists when we bring our humanity with us into the workplace. I suppose I’ve put myself out there now, but the feeling of anxiousness is now behind me, and I’m excited to lead the way towards a better future.”

During his spare time, he enjoys playing recreational soccer, weightlifting, and connecting with nature and a good book. He encourages others to try and physically go outside each day and interact with different communities. “The world itself is daunting. Nobody truly knows how we got here, but somehow, we have to try our best to find joy and pleasure in the time we’re given. I knew this to be true when I first set out on my travels. Now, 15+ countries in, and I’m still learning new things about myself, others, and our world - that could never be fully experienced or understood being online.”