Entries by Tori Snoddy

Shifting the Focus: From ROI to ROIP (Return on Investment in People)

By: Amy Cooper, Founder & CEO of RISE®

For decades, businesses have fixated on ROI—return on investment. It’s a metric designed to evaluate the profitability of a decision, project, or asset. But in an era where talent is the engine of innovation, growth, and customer satisfaction, it’s time to broaden our perspective. Enter ROIP, or Return on Investment in People.

ROIP is the philosophy and practice of measuring the impact of investing in employees’ growth, well-being, and satisfaction. It shifts the narrative from treating people as costs to recognizing them as the most valuable assets a company can nurture.

As businesses embrace automation and AI, the value of human creativity, empathy, and ingenuity will only grow. ROIP isn’t just a concept—it’s the future of work.

Amy Cooper

Why ROIP Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology evolves overnight and customer expectations are sky-high, your workforce is your competitive edge. Machines and systems can automate tasks, but creativity, empathy, and problem-solving remain uniquely human strengths.

Here’s why focusing on ROIP is crucial:

1. Retention Saves Money: Replacing an employee can cost 50–200% of their annual salary due to recruitment, training, and lost productivity. Investing in people reduces turnover and keeps institutional knowledge in-house.

2. Engaged Employees Drive Success: Gallup research shows that highly engaged teams are 21% more profitable. Employees who feel valued and supported are more productive, collaborative, and innovative.

3. Stronger Culture Attracts Talent: In competitive industries, a company’s reputation as an employer can make or break its ability to recruit top talent. When people are invested in, they spread the word, strengthening your brand.

What ROIP Looks Like in Action

Investing in people goes beyond higher salaries. It’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally. Here’s how companies can achieve high ROIP:

1. Training and Development
Invest in continuous education, leadership programs, and upskilling opportunities. When employees grow, so does the company. RISE offers leadership training and opportunities for your leaders to develop their human skills.

2. Health and Wellness
Prioritize mental and physical health through robust healthcare plans, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements. If you are looking for ways your remote employees can benefit from connections, RISE offers several opportunities through our committees and programming to participate virtually and lean into their flexible work arrangements.

3. Empowering Leadership
Leaders play a key role in ROIP. Equip managers with tools to coach, support, and inspire their teams. RISE’s mentorship program is a perfect place for your leaders to be trained as RISE Certified Mentors and learn how to support and coach their team.

4. Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
Create a workplace where every voice matters. Diversity and inclusion initiatives not only boost morale but also lead to better decision-making and innovation. RISE’s DEI Committee offers a safe space for connection. If your company is looking for direction on initiatives, RISE offers programs you can adopt such as a Reverse Mentorship Program.

5. Recognition and Rewards
Acknowledge achievements, both big and small. Appreciation motivates employees and reinforces positive behaviors. Nominate your rising stars and leaders for any of the RISE Awards – 35 Under 35, Mentor of the Year, LEAD, and Innovator of the Year – for a chance to publicly acknowledge how much you appreciate them.

Measuring ROIP

While it’s easier to calculate ROI on equipment or campaigns, ROIP requires a more nuanced approach.

Key metrics include:

• Employee Engagement Scores: Surveys can gauge satisfaction, alignment with company values, and overall morale.

• Retention Rates: High retention signals a positive return on investment in employee well-being and career growth.

• Productivity Metrics: Engaged employees are more productive, and their outputs can serve as a proxy for ROIP.

• Innovation Rates: Track new ideas, patents, or solutions emerging from your workforce as a result of their empowerment.

Qualitative feedback is just as valuable. Exit interviews, employee testimonials, and performance reviews can offer insights into whether your people feel valued and supported.

The Long-Term Impact of ROIP

Focusing on ROIP isn’t just about altruism—it’s smart business. Companies that invest in people create a sustainable, resilient workforce ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Consider the long-term impact:

• Reduced turnover creates stability.

• Empowered employees become brand ambassadors.

• Innovative teams drive business growth.

In an economy where customer loyalty is tied to exceptional service and experiences, your employees are your frontline. Investing in them pays dividends not only in dollars but in reputation, culture, and impact.

The Future is People-First

The world is changing, and so must our metrics for success. As businesses embrace automation and AI, the value of human creativity, empathy, and ingenuity will only grow. ROIP isn’t just a concept—it’s the future of work.

By prioritizing people, businesses can thrive financially while becoming places where employees feel valued, engaged, and proud to work. Partner with RISE to unlock the full potential of your workforce and achieve the ultimate return on investment in people.

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Skip the Degree, Secure the Career: Why Insurance Trainee Programs Are a Hidden Gem

 

 

By: Amy Cooper, Founder & CEO of RISE®

As a millennial, I’ve watched our generation bear the brunt of sky-high student debt, a gig economy promising “freedom” but delivering instability, and the stigma that success only comes from a four-year degree. But here’s the truth I wish I knew earlier: the golden opportunities we’ve been chasing might not be on a college campus—they’re in industry-specific trainee programs, like those in insurance.

For decades, society pushed the same narrative: go to college, get a degree, and you’ll land a stable, high-paying job. But that path isn’t the only road to success. For those who want to skip the student debt, enter the workforce quickly, and build a meaningful, lucrative career, insurance trainee programs offer a game-changing alternative.

The insurance industry is a cornerstone of our economy, offering stability, competitive salaries, and endless opportunities for growth. Yet, it often flies under the radar as a career option. Let’s explore why this path deserves more attention—and how it can lead to financial freedom and professional fulfillment.

 

Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the one everyone else is making—it’s the one that gets you where you want to be, faster.

Amy Cooper

Insurance Trainee Programs: An On-Ramp to Career Success

Insurance trainee programs are designed to take people with little or no industry experience and equip them with the knowledge and skills to thrive. One of the biggest advantages of entering the insurance field is the earning potential, even at entry-level. These programs often pay a full-time salary while providing on-the-job training and covering licensing fees.

• Entry-Level Pay: Most entry-level roles in claims, underwriting, or customer service start around $50K–$60K annually. In high-demand areas like catastrophe adjusting or specialty claims, starting salaries can push closer to $70K.

• Bonuses and Perks: Many roles also offer bonuses tied to performance, overtime pay for catastrophe response, or commissions in sales-related roles.

But the real appeal lies in the upward mobility. The insurance industry has a well-defined career ladder with opportunities for growth at every step:

• Mid-Level Earnings: After a few years of experience, professionals in roles like senior adjuster, claims examiner, or account manager can earn between $80K and $100K.

• High-Level Earnings: As you climb into management or specialized positions, six-figure salaries become the norm. Claims managers, underwriters specializing in high-risk policies, or regional directors often earn between $120K and $150K, with top executives bringing in even more.

 

Beyond the Paycheck: Why Insurance is an Ideal Career Path

What makes insurance unique is its combination of stability, variety, and purpose. It’s an industry that touches every aspect of life—home, health, business, and even travel. This diversity offers countless roles to match your interests and strengths, such as:

• Claims Adjusters: Investigate and resolve insurance claims, helping people during challenging times.

• Underwriters: Analyze risks and determine policy terms for businesses and individuals.

• Catastrophe Specialists: Respond to natural disasters, often earning significant overtime pay.

• Sales Professionals: Build relationships with clients and enjoy uncapped earning potential through commissions.

The beauty of insurance lies in its adaptability. If you start in claims but discover you love analytics, you can pivot into underwriting. If sales excites you, you can build a book of business with unlimited earning potential. The opportunities are vast, and many companies offer tuition reimbursement or advanced certifications to support your growth.

The Fast Track to Financial Freedom

Unlike traditional college pathways, insurance trainee programs allow you to skip the four-year degree and start earning immediately. Companies often prioritize transferable skills—like communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail—over formal education.

This is a major advantage:

• No Student Debt: Avoid the crushing burden of student loans, which can take decades to repay.

• Paid Training: Get paid to learn on the job, with companies covering licensing fees and providing mentorship.

• Quick Entry: In as little as six months to a year, you can go from no industry experience to a licensed professional earning a competitive salary.

For those who value financial independence and a direct route to success, it’s hard to beat this setup.

A Career for the Modern Generation

Millennials and Gen Z are redefining what it means to have a successful career. We prioritize work-life balance, meaningful work, and financial security—and insurance aligns perfectly with those values.

• Flexibility: Many roles offer hybrid or remote options, allowing for greater work-life balance.

• Stability: Insurance is recession-resistant, providing peace of mind in uncertain economic times.

• Impact: Helping people recover from losses or plan for the future brings purpose to your work.

The Smart Path Forward

The old idea that success only comes from a four-year degree is outdated. Insurance trainee programs offer a faster, more affordable way to achieve financial stability and professional growth.

If you’re looking for a career path that combines competitive pay, stability, and endless opportunities for advancement, it’s time to consider insurance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, this industry offers a clear and rewarding path to success—no degree required.

Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the one everyone else is making—it’s the one that gets you where you want to be, faster.

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RISE Announces 2025 Strategic Planning Board

Dania Beach, FL, Nov. 14, 2024– RISE®, a leading insurance community dedicated to empowering early–career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources, is proud to announce the members of the 2025 Strategic Planning Board.

The Strategic Planning Board is the driving force behind RISE’s long-term vision. Comprising of dedicated RISE members who have been handpicked for their exceptional talents and unwavering commitment, this impressive group of individuals will collaborate closely with RISE’s leadership team and Advisory Board to spearhead initiatives and turn our long-term aspirations into reality.

This year’s board members will have the unique opportunity to:

  • Collaborate with RISE’s Leadership Team: They will work hand in hand with RISE’s visionary leadership, bringing fresh ideas, strategic insights, and their exceptional talents to the table.
  • Transform Vision into Reality: Members will take part in crafting and executing initiatives that align with RISE’s long-term goals, helping to turn aspirations into accomplishments.
  • Network with Purpose: The Strategic Planning Board offers a valuable network of like-minded, high-achieving individuals, fostering new connections, partnerships, and opportunities.
  • Shape Their Leadership Path: Board members will enhance their skills, refine their strategic thinking, and elevate their leadership style through hands-on experience.

The chosen members were selected after rigorous evaluation and represent a cross-section of expertise, passion, and dedication that epitomizes RISE’s values. This opportunity promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey of these high-achieving individuals, and we are thrilled to be a part of that journey.

Meet the 2024 Strategic Planning Board:

Awais Farooq

SVP, Strategy & Transformation, Crawford & Company

Bri Allen

Casualty Broker, McGill and Partners

Chelsey Boyle

Associate Claims Specialist, Tokio Marine HCC

Chris Cutrer

SIU Field Supervisor, GEICO

Dr. Claire Muselman

Director of the MS in Leadership Program, Drake University

Cody Pavlat

Manager, Content Design & Knowledge Management, AF Group

DJ Gargano

Senior Client Services Manager, CNA

Ema Roloff

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Roloff Consulting

Gracemarie Mende

Director of Auto, Claims, Arch Insurance Group

Jenna Contreras

National Market Relations Manager, Risk Placement Services

Kaitlyn Dudzinski

Vice President - Environmental, Westfield Specialty

Kayla Pigeon

AVP, MSP Compliance, Sanderson Firm PLLC

Krista Scott

AVP Territory Leader, Zurich North America

Kyle Matthews

Managing Director, The Hartford

Lael Chappell

COO, Stealth Startup

Lindsay Tanner

Auto Unit Manager, Westfield Insurance

Pamela Goerlich Findley

Sr Product Manager, RLI

Quron Berry

General Liability Claims Supervisor, Utica National Insurance Group

Rachel Jenkins

Chief Operating Officer, XN Captial

Ryann Foelker

Strategy Design Director, American Family Insurance

Tania Sanfiel

Director, P&C Claims, Assurant

Walter Davenport II

SPB Advisor

Scott Francis

SPB Advisor

Awais Farooq – Crawford & Company 
Bri Allen – McGill and Partners 
Chelsey Boyle – Tokio Marine HCC 
Chris Cutrer – GEICO 
Dr. Claire Muselman – Drake University 
Cody Pavlat – AF Group 
DJ Gargano – CNA
Ema Roloff – Roloff Consulting
Gracemarie Mende – Arch Insurance Group 
Jenna Contreras – Risk Placement Services
Kaitlyn Dudzinski – Westfield Specialty 

Kayla Pigeon – Sanderson Firm PLLC 
Krista Scott – Zurich North America 
Kyle Matthews – The Hartford 
Lael Chappell – Stealth Startup
Lindsay Tanner – Westfield Insurance 
Pam Goerlich Findley – RLI Insurance Company
Quron Berry – Utica National Insurance Group 
Rachel Jenkins – XN Captive 
Ryann Foelker – American Family Insurance 
Tania Sanfield – Assurant

"Big cheers to our 2024 Strategic Planning Board members! We're excited to dive into a new year of fresh ideas, bold moves, and real impact. Together, we'll keep pushing RISE forward, building on our mission of growth, connection, and leadership."

Tori Snoddy, Director of Operations

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