Mary Calmer: How Winning a 35 Under 35 Award Helped Her Take Control of Her Career

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.

Mary Calmer, an agribusiness portfolio underwriter at Westfield, had always been determined to succeed in the insurance industry. But as a young professional, she often found herself feeling unsure of her place among more experienced colleagues. That all changed when she was nominated for and won a 35 under 35 award.

For Mary, the nomination was a validation of her hard work and dedication to the industry. It gave her the confidence to step up as a professional, even when she felt like the least experienced person in the room. “I’m no longer holding myself back from opportunities!” she says.

But the award also had a significant impact on Mary’s personal and professional life. It allowed her to meet other young professionals who were doing amazing things in the industry, and to network with them. It also solidified her desire to spread awareness to other young people about the opportunities available in insurance. “Seeing what the other award winners are doing was so inspiring!” she says.

Since winning the award, Mary was promoted at Crum & Forster, and has now started a new role at Westfield, where she continues to make a difference in the industry. But she hasn’t forgotten the struggles she faced as a young professional trying to break into the industry. She has some advice for others just starting out:

“Get on LinkedIn and network,” she says. “Reach out for advice – people are more than happy to help out or find someone who can. Find a local professional group and join. If nothing else, you will make some awesome friends. One piece of advice that always keeps me pushing beyond my comfort zone is ‘if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.'”

Mary’s story is a testament to the power of recognition and community in shaping a successful career. By taking control of her own professional development and seeking out opportunities to connect with others in the industry, she has achieved great success and is an inspiration to other young professionals looking to do the same.

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.