Chris Wright: A Rising Star in the Insurance Industry

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Welcome back to our blog series featuring past winners of the RISE Award! In these exclusive interviews, we sit down with the brightest young minds in the insurance industry to learn about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. As we continue this series, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also showcasing the impressive accomplishments of these rising stars. Join us as we uncover the inspiring stories of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

For many, the insurance industry may not seem like the most exciting career choice. But for Chris Wright, it’s been the career of his dreams. Wright, who is currently an Associate Manager of Casualty Claims at The Cincinnati Insurance Company, was recently honored with the prestigious RISE Award for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

We caught up with Chris to ask him about his experience and to get his advice for young professionals looking to start a career in the insurance industry.

When asked what the nomination and award meant to him, Chris replied that it was one of the highlights of his career. “I still feel deeply honored to have been selected and I cherish the physical award that I display proudly in my office. From a personal perspective, being honored in such a way gave me a renewed appreciation for all the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into my career and helping others succeed over the past 10+ years.”

But the impact wasn’t just personal. Chris also shared how the recognition he received from his peers and colleagues motivated him to keep working hard and made him want to continue “paying it forward” even more.

With more than 10 years at The Cincinnati Insurance Company, Chris has made steady progress in his career, earning promotions and advancing his skills. He was recently promoted to management as an Associate Manager of Casualty Claims, a position that he sees as the next step in his career with hopes of securing an officer-eligible position.

When asked what advice he would give to young professionals starting out in the industry, Chris emphasized the importance of hard work, embracing continuing education, and not being afraid to ask questions. He also urged them to figure out where they would like to see their career in 5 to 10 years and to set goals along the way, as periodic goals help keep one focused. Lastly, Chris advised that if you’re not asking questions on a daily basis, you’re not learning, and if you’re not learning, you’re not getting better at your job.

Chris’s advice is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into his career. His success in the industry is proof that with the right mindset and work ethic, young professionals can rise to the top of the industry and be recognized for their contributions.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

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Meet Eric Brown: How Recognition and Opportunity in the Insurance Industry Can Impact Your Career

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Get ready to be inspired by the stories of past winners of the RISE Award! In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our aim is to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders while highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals. Join us as we uncover the inspiring journeys of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

The insurance industry can be a tough nut to crack, especially for young professionals. However, with dedication and hard work, recognition and opportunity can come knocking at your door. Just ask Eric Brown, a Senior Business Analyst and BA Supervisor in the Product Management Department at MMG Insurance.

When Eric was nominated for the Rise Award, he knew it was a big deal. “Recognition and opportunity. I was honored to be recognized for my professional contributions to MMG Insurance, the community, and the industry,” Eric said. “This award presented opportunities for myself and MMG, to expand our footprint and build relationships that will further our reputation and growth.”

The award not only boosted Eric’s confidence but also earned him greater respect from others and expanded his personal and professional reputation. “The award definitely increased my confidence and expanded my professional network,” he said.

Since winning the award, Eric has continued to thrive in his role at MMG Insurance, currently in his third year as a Senior Business Analyst and BA Supervisor in the Product Management Department. But his journey in the industry started in 2012 when he applied for an internship opportunity at MMG Insurance, recommended by his college advisor. From there, he worked hard, gained experience, and found his niche in different departments throughout his career.

Eric’s advice to young professionals or someone just starting in the industry is to keep an open mind and explore what the industry has to offer. “There are so many exciting opportunities in the industry, across a multitude of disciplines,” Eric said. “The industry is constantly evolving and has ample opportunity for you to find your niche.”

If you’re a young professional looking to make an impact in the insurance industry, remember Eric’s story. Dedicate yourself to your work, keep an open mind, and always be on the lookout for recognition and opportunity. Who knows? You could be the next Eric Brown, making a difference in the industry and in your community.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

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Meet Zach Brown: A Broker with a ‘Get It Done’ Attitude

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Join us in this exclusive blog series as we dive into the inspiring stories of past winners of the RISE Award! In these interviews, we sit down with award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our aim is to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals who are making a significant impact in the industry.

Zach Brown is a rising star in the insurance industry, having received the prestigious Rise Award. This award recognizes young professionals under 35 years of age who are making a significant impact in the insurance industry. We sat down with Zach to hear about his journey and learn how he excels in the industry.

 

When asked about what the Rise Award meant to him, Zach shared, “The Rise Award meant a lot because there are not very many young people in the insurance space. So it was a great opportunity to meet others like me. Because the insurance industry is on the older side, the people that have taken this award home are the ones that you will see running the industry when the torch is passed.”

 

Winning the award was a significant accomplishment for Zach, who said, “I think that the fact the award is reserved for folks under the age of 35 makes it absolute. When you are 36 you look back and you either took it home or you didn’t. Either way there is no rewinding. The fact that I did have the opportunity to take it home will provide me with tangible proof to show my kids that hard work pays off.”

 

Since winning the award, Zach has gone on to purchase several companies and grow his Venture Capital Firm, New Reign Capital. When asked about his advice to young professionals just starting in the industry, Zach stated, “Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door to help you get what you want. Go get it yourself.”

 

Zach’s ‘Get It Done’ attitude is what sets him apart in the industry. He is an inspiration to young professionals looking to make an impact in the insurance industry.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

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Rising Above the Rest: A Look at Josh Carmona’s Journey in the Insurance Industry

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Get ready to hear from some of the brightest young minds in the insurance industry! Our “Voices of the Future” blog series features exclusive interviews with past winners of the 35 under 35 award for insurance professionals. Through their stories, experiences, and insights, we hope to showcase the impressive accomplishments and unique perspectives of these rising stars. Join us as we uncover the inspiring journeys of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

In this interview, Josh Carmona shares his experience being nominated and awarded for his hard work and dedication in the insurance industry.

What did the nomination and award mean to you?

The nomination was special because it reinforced the confidence my leaders have in me. It showed that all the hard work over the years have been noticed by my peers and leaders.

How did it impact you personally and/or professionally?

After receiving the award I’ve had many conversations with peers, advocating for them to strive for the achievement themselves. Putting it on my resume has led to questions and positive reactions with leaders.

Where are you now?

Since the award, I’ve been promoted to an Underwriting consultant role.

How did you first join/ enter the industry?

I started in our New Loss department. We entered claims information and answered claims calls. From there, I went into a 6-month training program for Underwriting and have since been in our Brokerage Underwriting department.

What advice would you share with young professionals or someone just getting started in the industry?

Learn as much as you can, take courses, get your designations, get involved with organizations like RISE and find a mentor or three.

 

Follow along for the next edition in this blog series to hear from past winners like Josh Carmona and gain insights on how to excel in the insurance industry.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

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Inside the Mind of an Insurance Industry Rockstar: A Candid Chat with Jennifer Holbrook, a 35 Under 35 Winner

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Join us as we dive into the stories of past winners of the RISE Awards! In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with the award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Through these interviews, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals.

The insurance industry is known for being complex, dynamic, and constantly evolving. To excel in this field takes grit, determination, and a willingness to learn and grow. That’s precisely what Jennifer Holbrook, a 35 Under 35 insurance professional award winner, embodies.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer to pick her brain on what it takes to succeed in the insurance industry. In our candid chat, she shared some invaluable insights, starting with what the nomination and award meant to her.

According to Jennifer, the nomination and award were a validation of her efforts to make an impact on her company, community, and the industry as a whole. Being recognized for her successes at such a young age was a huge accomplishment and a testament to the hard work and dedication she had put in over the years.

Fast forward to today, and Jennifer is an Underwriting Supervisor for the Large Account Unit with a team of four direct reports. Her journey to this position wasn’t an easy one, but it was certainly a rewarding one. She attributes her success to being open to unexpected career opportunities and embracing every chance to learn and grow.

When asked how she first entered the insurance industry, Jennifer revealed that it was unintentional. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and experience working in animal rescue, she was looking for room for advancement and financial growth. That’s when a family friend encouraged her to apply at Harford Mutual, where she has been working for nine years now.

Finally, we asked Jennifer to share some advice for young professionals or those just getting started in the industry. Her response was simple but powerful: Embrace every opportunity to learn and network. The insurance industry is relationship-based, and making connections is crucial to success. By keeping an open mind and seeking out new learning opportunities, Jennifer has positioned herself as a rockstar in the insurance industry.

In conclusion, Jennifer Holbrook’s story is an inspiring one that proves that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for making a difference, anyone can excel in the insurance industry. We hope her insights will help inspire and motivate the next generation of insurance professionals to reach for the stars.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from past RISE Award Winners, coming soon!

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

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Insurance Cares Awards First Round of DEI on the RISE Scholarships

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Austin Raymond

Towson University

Mathematics Major with Actuarial Science & Risk Mgmt Concentration, Computer Science Minor

Graduating Spring 2024

Jonas Asplund

University of St. Thomas

Math and Actuarial Science Major

Graduating Spring 2025

Quynh Nguyen

University of St. Thomas

Actuarial Science Major

Graduating Spring 2025

Ryan Scandale

Temple University

Actuarial Science Major

Graduating Spring 2024

Insurance Cares Awards First Round of DEI on the RISE Scholarships to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Insurance Industry

Insurance Cares, a nonprofit organization born out of RISE’s DEI committee that is dedicated to providing equal access to insurance education through scholarships and free educational resources, is proud to announce the recipients of its first round of DEI on the RISE scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support diverse students pursuing careers in insurance by providing funds for tuition, books, and general day-to-day financial needs, as well as mentorship opportunities and access to the insurance community.

The DEI on the RISE scholarship recipients will be paired with mentors who will provide guidance and support as they navigate their careers in the insurance industry. Additionally, the recipients will gain valuable access to the insurance community through networking opportunities, paid internship opportunities within the insurance industry, attendance at industry events, and learning the fundamentals of insurance.

“Not only will this scholarship lessen my financial burdens, but it will also serve as a pathway to connect with an amazing insurance community consisting of like-minded underrepresented RMI students and professionals. I look forward to gaining access to exclusive networking and industry events, being paired with a mentor who can offer me guidance for the next steps of my career, and special learning opportunities to enhance my existing knowledge of insurance fundamentals. The support system that Insurance Cares provides will help to facilitate my growth as an RMI professional and actuarial leader,” says Austin Raymond, student at Townson University.

The insurance industry provides prime career opportunities for students right out of school. It’s no longer for people who love pocket protectors and corny coffee mugs. Careers in insurance are stable, rewarding, limitless, dynamic and offer work-life balance, and we are so excited to provide the funds, tools, and mentorship for rising diverse talent to become the insurance stars of the future!

Quynh Nguyen, student at University of St. Thomas shared, “My career goal is to become an Actuary. It almost seemed impossible for me to be able to find a career that lies within my passion and my financial ability. I wanted a career that could keep me curious and motivated everyday. One that can make a positive impact on many people, and support those who need protections. Once I learned of Actuarial Science, I knew it was the major I had been searching for.”

Insurance Cares is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the insurance industry by providing support and opportunities to underrepresented communities. Through the DEI on the RISE scholarships, Insurance Cares aims to empower and uplift diverse students to excel in their insurance careers, contribute to the industry, and help create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.insurancecares.org

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