Feature Spotlight #49 - Elizabeth Daniel

Elizabeth Daniel | President, Continental Title Company

Some leaders climb the ladder. Others build it as they go—making sure there’s room for everyone else to rise with them.

For nearly three decades, Elizabeth Daniel has been doing exactly that in the title industry. From her very first days answering phones to her current role as President of Continental Title Company, she’s blended grit, grace, and generosity to create a career and a leadership legacy worth celebrating.

From Receptionist to President—One Step at a Time.

Elizabeth’s journey into title insurance didn’t start with a master plan—it started with a help wanted ad. Newly married and eager to support her husband, Garvin, while he pursued his master’s degree, Elizabeth took a receptionist position at Douglas County Title. “It took me about a week to realize I wasn’t actually working for the county,” she laughs. “I had no idea what a title company did—but I was about to find out.”

Within a few months, Elizabeth was asked to step into a closer role, with no formal training. The trial-by-fire approach could have been daunting, but instead it lit a spark in her; a belief that people thrive when given tools, training, and trust. That philosophy would later become one of the pillars of her leadership.

Her natural ability to connect with clients and solve problems quickly propelled her forward. She became an escrow manager while still actively closing transactions. Seeking more work-life balance, she joined a large national lender, gaining a valuable perspective on the lending side of the table, a move she credits with making her a stronger escrow closer.

In 2006, she returned to her first professional love—title—and joined Continental Title as an Escrow Manager. From there, she steadily climbed the ranks: opening new offices, streamlining operations, creating training programs, and building consistency across locations. By 2022, after serving as Regional Escrow Manager, Regional Operations Manager, Vice President, and COO, she was named President.

A Village of Mentors and Champions.

Elizabeth is quick to recognize that her career success has been built on the shoulders of many. She credits her rise to an incredible network of women in the industry who offered encouragement, guidance, and support. “I went through a dark time in my career and came out stronger because of two women—Betsy Russo and Deb Grace,” she says.

“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. That kind of support changes everything.”

Outside of work, her family is her anchor. Married for 29 years to Garvin, she is the proud mother of two sons. She comes from a close-knit family that includes her father, brother, sister, and five nieces and nephews. This group is her home, her tribe, her foundation.

Facing Challenges with Grace.

Like many women leaders, Elizabeth has had to earn her credibility in rooms where she was the only woman—and sometimes underestimated from the start. Her strategy? A calm, confident approach.

“I learned early to listen carefully, stay composed, and give myself space to reflect before responding,” she explains. “That balance of respect and boundaries has served me well.”

She also believes challenges are best faced head-on. “One of the most important lessons my parents taught me was about respect—how to give it and how to expect it. That principle has guided me in every difficult conversation.”

The Why Behind the Work.

Elizabeth’s “why” is rooted in her upbringing. Her father instilled in her a deep work ethic and the value of persistence. Today, she finds her motivation in the people she works with every day at Continental Title.

“This industry is full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities,” she says. “Title is one of the best-kept secrets in the insurance world. Once you find it—and fall in love with it—you’re here for life.”

Leadership with Accountability and Heart.

Elizabeth’s leadership philosophy was shaped by It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, a book about transforming teams through accountability, ownership, and empathy.

Since stepping into leadership, she’s adopted one guiding principle: Be the kind of boss you always wished you had. For her, that means leading with empathy, listening more than she speaks, and creating an environment where people can grow into their full potential.

Her hope for her legacy is simple: “That I truly listened, that I was helpful, and that I made a meaningful difference. If I’ve helped others grow and strengthened our industry, I’ve done my job.”

Beyond the Boardroom.

While Elizabeth’s professional life is filled with contracts, closings, and corporate strategy, her personal passions tell another story. She’s an avid fan of military and espionage thrillers—hooked on series like Orphan X, Sons of Valor, and Tier One. “Anything with a black-ops edge, I’m in,” she admits.

She’s also a self-proclaimed live music junkie. Her first concert was Def Leppard, and she’s since seen powerhouse acts like Metallica and Five Finger Death Punch. “There’s something about live music that recharges me,” she says.

Wisdom for Women of Title.

For women just beginning their title careers, Elizabeth offers this: “Work hard, be willing to learn, and say yes to opportunities that scare you. This industry will give back everything you put into it—and more.”

To her peers and colleagues, she has one request: keep building each other up.

“Our industry thrives when we lead with integrity and invest in people. If we focus on that, the future of title will be stronger than ever.”

Thank you for sharing your story with Her.Collective. You are a brilliant example of strength, empathy, and grace—qualities too often overlooked in the business world. We deeply value the impact you make and the way you continue to champion women in the title industry

*Connect with Elizabeth here: elizabethd@ctitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook