Entries by Tori Snoddy

,

The 5 Cs of Insurance

Author: Dana Ducommun

Marketing Manager, MC Consultants, Inc.

(760) 930-9966

dana.ducommun@mcconsultants.com

Happy 1-year Anniversary!  What is it that I am celebrating, you ask?  That would be my 1-year anniversary as a RISE committee member.  The various RISE committees engage young professionals to either join the RISE organization or further involve those that are already affiliated.  As a fellow member of the student committee, I wrote this article from the perspective of education through engagement; for every one of us can offer our own unique perspectives of the insurance industry from the various positions we hold and companies we serve.  Take me, for example.  I am writing this article from the perspective of a marketing professional who read author Shwetank Verma’s article “5 Cs of Transformation in Insurance” and asked myself: how can I breakdown the 5 Cs, relating each to a real-life scenario with a marketing twist?  I decided it best to put my student hat back on to do so.  After all, we never quite graduate from learning and adopting new skills.

Prior to my marketing career, I was a student.  As a student, I focused on methods that would help me better understand a topic, often incorporating real world situations so I could relate an unfamiliar topic with a familiar topic.  That was how I best retained information, so I decided to take that approach for this article, which outlines the “5 Cs of Transformation in Insurance” which are: Communication, Customization, Connection, Cognition and Consensus.

Let’s go back to my method of relating an unfamiliar topic to a familiar topic: We all have heard of the 5 Cs of a perfect diamond to take into consideration when investing in an engagement ring in advance of a marriage proposal.  This is where my marketing wheels start spinning (insert movie trailer voice as you read my tag lines below!)

  • The 5 Cs of Insurance and How to Pick the Diamond in the Ruff Claims Professional
  • The 5 Cs of Insurance and How to Pick the Perfect Fit
  • The 5 Cs of Insurance…& CLARITY Too
  • RISE and Shine in Insurance, Like a Diamond
  • Why is insurance so expensive? That’s like asking why a Diamond is so expensive.
  • Ensure you’re a 5 Cs Claims Professional…Insure it like you would a Diamond!

Do you see where I am going with this?  Let’s take it one step further, and breakdown the 5 Cs of Transformation in Insurance like that of 5 steps to a marriage proposal:

1. Communication (THE PROPOSAL):

The article states “At its core, insurance is a promise. Now, there isn’t much value in a promise if you can’t communicate it!” 

Breakdown: Effective communication is more than verbal words; it is a perception and overall feeling that shows your customers you are committed to them and their best interest at heart.  Keep things interesting and ask yourself: is the information I’m conveying informative?  Strive to establish trust by showing you can simplify and create content that is of benefit to the customer, keeping in mind a good proposal is one that is accepted, not rejected.

 

2. Customization (THE ENGAGEMENT RING):

The article states “Yet, for insurance customers, the tools and recommendations we provide look remarkably similar, if not the same.”

Breakdown: Insurance (both home and life) lacks personalization for insured customers.  No two customers are the same, yet recommendations and renewal prices are similar.  Customizing risk coverage to the individual may be an opportunity to improve this.  The article suggests how the generation of large data-sets can supersede underwriting tables and embrace customization.

 

3. Connection (THE PRE-PROPOSAL):

The article states “The key challenge for companies today lies in getting noticed. To get noticed, you have to be part of your customers’ conversation. The challenge is to engage without interrupting.”

Breakdown: How can you connect with a customer with little to no interaction?  The article describes how the innovation of future ancillary services could be the solution to increasing connections and loyalty between companies and their customers.  There is room for improvement for the insurance industry to improve overall customer satisfaction and connection is a part of that recipe.

 

4. Cognition (THE MENTAL COMMITTMENT):

The article states “Learning algorithms, whose results improve with experience, will enable us to find patterns in large data sets and make predictions more effectively — about people, processes and entire systems.  Ultimately, these technologies will completely transform the entire insurance organization.”

Breakdown: There is a cognitive effort happening in the insurance world, which is learning algorithms and making predictions.  The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be transformative for analyzing ways to improve processes and customer experiences.  These technologies can be used for detection, monitoring, automation, analysis, prevention, etc.

 

5. Consensus (TIL DEATH DO YOU PART):

The article states “For instance, a Life insurer is the epitome of the trusted intermediary – you expect it to honour its promises after your death.”

Breakdown: Customers want to feel like they are being cared for during and after their natural lives.  This trust is shown through actions and proven commitment.  The article describes how transformation in insurance requires “digital fluency” and the importance of making it easier for start-up companies to find companies and formulate commercial agreements, and the impact this may have on better understanding the customer through all phases of life.

In summary, as processes become more digital, it is important to stay diligent in preserving the human aspects in the industries we serve.  As a marketing professional, I strive to promote my employer’s forensic consulting services through personal interaction, placing client satisfaction at the forefront of my objectives.  MC Consultants’ forensic expertise includes investigation of construction defects, construction site accidents and injuries, accident reconstruction, traffic and roadway claims, product failures and first-and third-party property damage analysis, just to name a few.  Over 200 colleagues of mine work together to apply their expertise, skills, and knowledge in forensic consulting support of primarily first and third-party claims. 

The takeaway here is simple:

by engaging with our industry colleagues about what we individually do, we educate one another on the resources that are available for the if, and when, you need that diamond in the ruff professional to serve you…and provide clarity too!! 😉 

 

Reference: 

Article: “5 CS OF TRANSFORMATION IN INSURANCE”

 

Author: Shwetank Verma (Jan 5, 2017) Shwetank Verma is the co-founder of Leo Capital, an early stage fund and an open innovation consultant. Previously, he led open innovation at MetLife Asia.

 

Article/Quote source: https://www.insurancethoughtleadership.com/leadership/5-cs-transformation-insurance#:~:text=The%205Cs%20of%20transformation%20in,you%20can’t%20communicate%20it!

 

/0 Comments/by

Navigating Change: How AI Is Reshaping the Landscape for Insurance Agents

By: Jon Corrin

Co-founder & CEO

XILO

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming one of the largest topics of conversation in the insurance industry, primarily due to its potential impact on traditional processes and customer experiences. Although AI has been in research since the 1950’s, large tech companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google and Facebook have recently advanced the math, science, and programming behind it making it much more usable to modern people. These advancements are moving so fast, AI now has the ability to pass the bar exam in the 90th percentile and It even helped Google’s research lab, DeepMind, discover millions of new crystals which would have equated to nearly 800 years’ worth of human research efforts. Now, a lot of insurance agents are asking themselves whether AI is going to take their job, or worse, is AI going to take over humanity!?

 

The short answer is no, it won’t take your job as an insurance agent (or take over humanity); but it will change your job and the insurance landscape over time. Before I get into the whys and how’s of the change AI will drive, it’s important to remember that the demise of insurance agents has been preached by many uneducated of the industry or by those who would profit from it since the days we were all still logging into AOL over dial-up … When I first started my InsurTech company XILO, built for insurance agents to help them fight back against technological disruptors, big direct writers like Lemonade and Next Insurance prophesied that insurance agents would be obsolete by now. They then later rolled that statement back and started working with independent agents a few years later. Lemonade is now seemingly working on “synthetic agents” to try and generate a profit but still admit to the power of independent agents in their announcement of these terminators and may have trouble convincing consumers, who are very uncomfortable with the idea of AI Insurance Agents, to buy through a synthetic agent.

 

As someone who’s been in software programming for a decade and AI/Machine Learning for the last few years, I want to assure you that AI is not the next terminator and that agents are needed for AI to help improve the insurance industry. The changes that will affect an insurance agent’s job will vary from one product line (personal lines) to another (life and health). But there are a lot of commonalities that will change for all insurance agents. For the sake of keeping this article to a readable length, I’m going to list some of the broad changes you will see as an insurance agent.

Insurance agents will have to field new objections and questions as customers become more informed on their risk

As AI advances on modern consumer apps like ChatGPT, the customer’s ability to research their risk before talking to an agent increases significantly. Studies have already shown that over the last 10 years a majority of insurance shoppers start their journeys through online research and I expect that will trend upwards while they also become more informed on their risk given the ability to Q&A with an AI chatbot. Companies like Perplexity.ai, who recently raised about $74m from the likes of Jeff Bezos, are making it easier for consumers to not only ask AI questions, but to reference credible sources to increase the quality of the answers provided. If you’re selling personal lines insurance, be prepared for consumers to try and prescribe themselves the coverages they need with an estimated price range, similar to what doctors faced when WebMD became popular. If you’re in commercial insurance, be prepared for a more sophisticated and educated buyer. Agents will need to start handling new types of objections or Q&A driven by this change. They’ll also need to fact check their customers given the misinformation that can be provided by AI chatbots in the short-term as companies like OpenAI figure out how to increase the validity of the responses of their chatbots.

 

Insurance agents will get new features to automate workflows but will have to learn the nuances of these new systems

With venture capital (VC) investment in AI increasing, BrokerTech/InsurTech companies like mine will also start heavily investing in AI in order to stay at the forefront of the software market. Top tier VC firms are telling me about their excitement in technology that leverages AI to automate insurance agent workflows, making it a big focus for the next few years. This means insurance agents will be getting features and services that will make their lives significantly easier. In my blog, I’ve already written about a few use cases that could save agents a lot of time, including:

  1. AI can synthesize client documents to help with discovery and E&O
  2. AI can extract data from policy dec pages and Acord form to help automate data entry
  3. AI can extract data from phone calls to help automate data entry

These are just a few examples, but there are many more including:

  1. AI can help detect fraud based on client profiles
  2. AI can help score and prioritize clients based on their profiles
  3. AI can identify additional opportunities to help round out accounts by scanning your book of business
  4. AI can help service customers by answering questions that don’t require an agent
  5. AI can help you with email and digital marketing by writing creative content

 

 

Fortunately, and unfortunately, these new features are going to come at a rapid pace given the nature of tech startups and our competitive landscape. That means management will be implementing new features and platforms that you will have to learn that may disrupt how you currently operate. We know first-hand, some of those will stick, and some of those will phase out quickly. My recommendation is to double down on the ones that truly drive efficiency in your process and that remove steps, as this will help with the next change that I’m suggesting.

 

Insurance agents will be expected to adopt technology faster than their competitors

We’ve seen it first-hand; some agencies adopt technology easily and improve workflows continually so they can deliver a better customer experience. Other’s struggle to adopt new technology for various reasons. I know it’s challenging, especially for those that have been conducting business the same way for decades. But one thing is certain with the advancement of AI, your competitors will be driving technology changes that will improve their customer experiences and competitive advantages. Commercial insurance agents will start using features like I mentioned above so that they can quickly read through summaries of all interactions and documents stored on a client to seem highly informed on a customer prior to going into a renewal conversation making it a much more personalized experience for them. Personal insurance agents will start running analysis on their books of business to identify new cross-sell opportunities driving up retention on those clients. Life and health agents will start using AI bots to synthesize carrier PDFs to help better inform customers on their coverages and policies. These things have already started happening and will only improve over time. As an insurance agent, it will become your duty to adopt new AI technology to better service your customers.

 

New risks will require insurance and old risks will change

One of the easiest examples to point to when talking about how AI will change the risk we’re insuring is to take a look at the autonomous driving industry. Autonomous vehicles are programmed with AI that can make the vehicles capable of driving themselves. Some studies have shown that autonomous vehicles are already 50% as safe as humans and are expected to pass them in the future. But there’s also plenty of bad publicity out there where autonomous vehicles have put people in danger. One thing’s for sure, we know as these things improve, more services will come out to robotaxi people to and from work and more cars will come out with autonomous capabilities. This will have a huge impact on personal auto risk. Another big personal risk coming is from a category of AI called “DeepFake”. DeepFake AI technology enables someone to create videos and audio that is identical to virtually anyone given existing video or audio of that person. In some cases, I’ve seen professors able to create videos using AI of themselves speaking that appears 100% real from just a few minutes of recorded video to train the AI on. This presents a whole new risk category for insurers that agents will need to learn the nuances of as it could also increase fraud significantly.

 

These are just a few examples of how the job of an insurance agent will change due to advancements in AI but the list could go on. AI at its core is a scientific concept that requires a lot of research to advance. This means we don’t fully understand its potential which has many overestimating it (terminator) and many underestimating it (it’s a fad). My recommendation is to stay right in the middle. Stay educated on what’s new by following journals that write about how the insurance industry is using AI or what new risks are on the horizon. Ask your carriers what they’re doing in AI and how it will affect you so you can be ahead of the game and not behind it. Try not to overwhelm yourself with all the new features and platforms coming out as a lot of it will be a waste of your time, but do not reject AI altogether as your competitors will be using it to drive a better customer experience.

In closing, as the insurance landscape evolves with AI’s integration, remember that it’s not about fearing the change but embracing it. By staying informed, adaptable, and open to the myriad of ways AI can enhance your capabilities as an agent, you’ll not only future-proof your career but also provide unparalleled value to your clients. AI won’t replace you; it will empower you to be more efficient, knowledgeable, and competitive in a quickly transforming industry.

/0 Comments/by
,

Meet the New RISE Student Committee Leadership!

Prepare for RISE’s newest committee launching this February! Introducing the RISE Student Committee. Get ready to meet Milena, Quynh, and Lauren, the superstars leading the charge, and discover how their collective passion fuels a mission to bridge the gap between students and the world of insurance, offering a platform for learning, networking, and community building.

Milena Russo

Innovation Manager, AmericasAXA XL

Quynh Nguyen

Student
University of St. Thomas

Lauren Angelina

Senior Underwriter
Allianz

Q: What drives your passion for Student Engagement?

Milena: My passion for student engagement is deeply rooted in the belief that remembering our origins and giving back is pivotal for growth. I’ve accomplished so much in a short period of time because of mentors who generously shared their knowledge with me. Now, it’s my responsibility to pay it forward. In the insurance realm, there’s a wealth of career avenues that often go unnoticed by students. I’m driven by the desire to illuminate these paths, making them aware of the diverse opportunities within the industry. If we don’t invest in the younger generation, who will pave the way for their success? It’s about creating a supportive community and ensuring that the knowledge and mentorship I received continue to shape the next generation’s journey.

Quynh: As a college student who initially had no knowledge nor connections in the insurance industry, I benefited greatly from the guidance and support provided by the RISE professionals, enabling me to expand my network and broaden my understanding of the field. Recognizing the significance of such experiences for college students, I am committed to helping others gain access to the resources and support offered by the RISE Student Committee.

Lauren: I first joined the insurance industry as a freshman in college and found it shockingly welcoming towards newcomers. After two more insurance internships during college, I have a unique viewpoint of joining the business as a student and want to share my positive experience. Now, nine years on from the first internship, I really think this industry is the best-kept secret. I wish more people knew how wide the range is of fulfilling career paths within our field- particularly, people who are in the stage of life where they are deciding what to study & which career paths to try, students.   

I’m especially passionate about student engagement because I really believe there’s an extraordinary opportunity unfolding for students entering the business now. We’re on the cusp of major disruption, driven by two key forces: a massive wave of retiring baby boomers creating hundreds of thousands of job openings and a technological revolution reshaping risk assessment, pricing, and management. I can think of a specific demographic perfectly positioned to address both disruptions- one that’s not retiring anytime soon and was basically born navigating new technology, making them innately talented adapting to it.  It’s optimal timing, as they’ll have the benefit of learning from all the wisdom & experience of the generation nearing retirement, adding value immediately by bringing their tech-savvy & fresh perspectives, and soon having unlimited growth potential from expected retirements in the coming years.
 
Students jumping into the insurance industry now will be in the right place at the right time- that is, only if they know the opportunities exist and understand their power to shape the landscape. That’s where I want to help.   

Q: What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

Milena: I’m most thrilled about the prospect of connecting with new faces and sharing my experiences in the hope of making a positive impact on at least one person. My vision for the committee is to break stereotypes surrounding the insurance industry, showcasing that it can be dynamic and enjoyable, and doesn’t require a conventional career trajectory. There’s a vast landscape of unexplored avenues within insurance that often go unnoticed, and I’m excited to shed light on these possibilities. For me, the crux of our committee’s purpose lies in creating a genuine community. I want students to grasp the intricacies of the working world, offering them more than just high-level answers that often fall short. My focus is on bringing realistic examples to the forefront, providing students with a clear understanding of what they’re stepping into and fostering an environment where they can navigate the professional landscape with confidence.

Quynh: I am excited to connect with other students and offer insights from my experience. While some might think careers in the insurance limit to agents, brokers, or underwriters, there exists a wide array of other opportunities awaiting to be discovered within this field. Thus, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community for students, allowing them to explore different career paths in the insurance industry.

Lauren: My vision for the committee in this inaugural year is a foundation for intentionally developing the future of the business. We’re looking to bridge the gap between current students & professionals, while demystifying the diversity of career paths & facilitating knowledge transfer between generations.

I envision greater industry awareness & appeal among students, paving the way for attraction & retention of top talent. I’m excited about the upcoming advocacy & outreach, connections to internship & networking opportunities, mentorship, reverse-mentorship, engaging students in R&D initiatives, & innovative workshops connecting students with experts to brainstorm current challenges. Imagine mock negotiations, case studies solved alongside underwriters, or even shadowing an actuary for a day.   

Q: Why should people join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

Milena: I encourage individuals to join because our industry is fundamentally a people business. The connections and relationships you cultivate will hold more significance than any specific skill you acquire, and you never know when a connection will come back around (it’s a small world, and insurance is smaller!). By becoming a part of our network, you’re not just joining a group; it’s an opportunity to build a go-to network with folks who are in a similar phase of their career as you are, facing similar struggles as you. Too often times questions are left unasked or unanswered due to hesitation. This can be a place where individuals can openly discuss, learn, and grow together. Joining isn’t just about the tactical skills you gain; it’s about fostering connections and building a supportive community that can be invaluable throughout your professional journey.

Quynh: Whether you are a student or not, joining the RISE student committee opens doors to networking with like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. This committee serves as a place where professionals can give back and contribute to nurturing the next generation of the industry. It also provides students with opportunities to connect and gain deeper insights into the field. People are the cornerstone of the industry, so by helping students, we are actively building a brighter and better future for the insurance field!

Lauren: This committee empowers both students and professionals to actively shape the trajectory of the insurance industry. It’s also brand new, so it’s a rare chance to be a part of building from scratch.   

 
Beyond the benefits for students, joining this committee offers growth opportunities to current professionals. They’ll gain exposure to the next generation’s needs and perspectives, share their wealth of experience, and play a pivotal role in developing new talent. This is the chance to connect with potential recruits and build lasting relationships with future insurance leaders.   
 
For students, it’s an opportunity to develop skills through workshops and interactions, foster a professional network, and actively contribute to shaping the industry’s future.   
 
Regardless of career stage, all members will make an impact creating dialogue between generations, building a future-ready business, and driving sustainable growth.    
 

Dive into action with the RISE Student Committee! Discover diverse and exciting career paths, change preconceived notions about the industry, and become apart of a supportive community. Join the Student Committee today – your perspective and passion can reshape the landscape for students and professionals alike!

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

/0 Comments/by

Navigating Your Path: St. John’s Graduate Programs in Insurance

For early-career professionals in the insurance industry, the journey to success often involves continuous learning and skill enhancement. At RISE®, we’re committed to empowering professionals like you by providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and connections to aid in your career development. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on St. John’s University’s graduate programs in insurance – a valuable resource for RISE members looking to elevate their careers through advanced education.

St. John’s Graduate Programs Overview:

  1. MS Actuarial Science:

    • Tailored for those aspiring to excel in the actuarial profession.
    • Evening classes available in person, online, or a combination of both.
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships, including the prestigious Promise Scholarship for eligible candidates.

  2. MS Enterprise Risk Management (ERM):

    • Focused on equipping professionals with skills to manage enterprise-level risks.
    • Flexible course options – attend classes in person during evenings or online (synchronous and asynchronous).
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships, with the opportunity for the ILOTY fellowship.

  3. MS Risk Management and Risk Analytics (RMRA):

    • Comprehensive program offering insights into risk management and analytics.
    • Evening classes offered in person or online, with academic scholarship opportunities and eligibility for the ILOTY fellowship.

  4. MBA in Risk Management:

    • Specialized MBA program concentrating on risk management.
    • In-person, online, or hybrid course options.
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships.

  5. MBA in Enterprise Risk Management:

    • MBA program with a focus on Enterprise Risk Management.
    • Flexible course delivery – attend in person or online.
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships, along with eligibility for the ILOTY fellowship.

Advanced Certificates:

St. John’s also recognizes the unique needs of early-career professionals. For those seeking a more manageable academic commitment, advanced certificates in Risk Management and Enterprise Risk Management offer a streamlined 15-credit program. These certificates serve as an excellent starting point and seamlessly transfer into the respective MS degrees.

Admission Details:

  • Rolling admission with opportunities to start classes in September, mid-January (MS RMRA and MS ERM), and fall-only start for MS Actuarial Science.
  • Application process through grad.stjohns.edu/apply.
  • Required documents include the application, resume, short essay, one letter of recommendation, and college transcripts.
  • International students with foreign credits must submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation from a NACES member.

Your journey to success in the insurance industry is supported by RISE and enhanced by educational opportunities. St. John’s University’s graduate programs in insurance offer a flexible and comprehensive pathway to advance your career. Whether you’re an aspiring actuary, risk management expert, or seeking an MBA with a focus on risk, St. John’s provides the resources and scholarships you need. Elevate your career with education tailored to the dynamic world of insurance, and let St. John’s be your partners in professional growth.

/0 Comments/by

Meet Your New Innovation Committee Co-Chair: Silvia Diaz-Roa

Silvia Diaz-Roa

Co-Founder at ClaimDeck

Silvia Diaz-Roa combines her passion for technology and insurance to bring innovative solutions to the insurtech industry. As the co-founder of ClaimDeck, she’s transformed insurance claims litigation with her unique blend of digital expertise and operational efficiency. With dual master’s degrees from Yale in Health Policy and Business Administration, Silvia’s academic background fuels her drive for excellence. She’s recognized as a 2023 RISE 35 Under 35 Award recipient. Known for her vibrant energy and forward-thinking approach, Silvia is dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of insurance professionals.

Step into the realm of innovation with the dynamic force that is Silvia Diaz-Roa, your newest Co-Chair for the Innovation Committee! In this interview, Silvia shares the drive behind her passion for transforming challenges into opportunities within the insurance world. Drawing inspiration from her firsthand experiences in Insurtech, she unveils her vision for the committee -a space where cutting-edge ideas take center stage, creative problem-solving is the name of the game, and yes, a sprinkle of fun is non-negotiable. 

Join us in discovering why being part of the Innovation Committee isn’t just about staying ahead; it’s about shaping the future of insurance, where members actively contribute, learn, and make a real impact.

What drives your passion for Innovation?

Innovation, to me, is the engine that propels industries forward, especially in the dynamic world of insurance. My passion for innovation stems from its transformative power – the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, and ideas into tangible solutions.

Having worked in Insurtech, I’ve witnessed firsthand how inventive approaches can revolutionize traditional practices, making processes more efficient and customer-centric. This fuels my drive to foster an environment where new ideas are not just encouraged, but celebrated, leading to groundbreaking developments that benefit both professionals and clients in the insurance industry.

 What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

My vision for the Innovation Committee this year is to create a place where insurance professionals can both contribute and benefit from a collective pool of forward-thinking ideas. What excites me the most is the prospect of harnessing our collective talents to not only keep pace with the rapid changes in the insurance industry but to be the trailblazers that define its future.

I aim to focus on three core areas: firstly, by introducing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for folks to present to their organization; secondly, promoting a culture of creative problem-solving and continuous learning through brainstorming sessions; and finally, just having a bit of fun 🙂

Why should people join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

Joining the Innovation Committee offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the future of the insurance industry. It’s not just about being part of something groundbreaking; it’s about actively contributing to and driving change. By participating in our initiatives, members will gain invaluable experience in innovation-driven projects, expand their professional network with like-minded peers and industry leaders, and develop skills that are crucial in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Most importantly, it’s a chance to make a real impact – to bring in fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo, and contribute to initiatives that could redefine how insurance works for generations to come.

We are the future!

Join the Innovation Committee and be at the forefront of transformative change. Your ideas are the catalyst for innovation that shapes our industry’s evolution. Be the driving force behind progress—join the Innovation Committee today!

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

/0 Comments/by

Meet Your New DEI Committee Co-Chair: Brandi Lewis

Brandi Lewis

President & Chairwoman at Health Plus Trans

Brandi Lewis, the Chairwoman of www.healthplustrans.com has consistently been a model of success and empowerment. Brandi is a vision-driven, goal-focused, forward thinking business executive with expertise in team management, proven business turn-around strategy, a business operations specialist, proven history of innovation and being an out of the box thinker.

Furthermore, Brandi’s ability to build consensus among executive teams and stakeholders, harnessing team strengths to promote transparency and influence positive change has been repeatedly proven.

Brandi believes in the three G’s “Get involved, Get it Done, and Get Results” without excuses

As our committees embrace a new chapter with fresh leadership, Brandi Lewis takes the Co-Chair role of the DEI committee and brings a passionate perspective focused on generating awareness and fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity. In this interview, Brandi delves into the impactful initiatives she envisions, driven by the urgent need for change within the insurance industry. Her vision isn’t just about awareness; it’s about fostering authenticity, driving innovation, and amplifying opportunities for all. Join us in discovering Brandi’s compelling journey and her vision for transforming the DEI landscape.

What drives your passion for DEI?

Among America’s largest insurance companies there has been little change in racial, ethnic, and gender representation among employees and ancillary vendor partnerships.

People of color are underrepresented in executive level positions, with an average of 16.2% of executives identifying as people of color in the insurance industry currently. Women are underrepresented in executive level positions, with an average of 33.5% of executives identifying as women.

Even more disturbing is the average amount of money spent with diverse suppliers amongst  insurance companies equates to 1.2% with minority and women owned suppliers as a percent of overall procurement spend combined.

My passion is bringing awareness to these staggering statistics stated above.

Change starts with action, actions start by identifying why change is necessary.

 What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

My vision is to create an environment that fosters acceptance and openness for minorities to lead as their authentic self. Being authentic is a distinctive competitive advantage that fosters powerful, impactful and influential leadership. Anytime any of us can be who we really are in an environment; we always outperform. This is a key factor that demands being intentional when building trust in a competing environment.

Why people should join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

Having a range of talent decreases reliance on any one group during times of constrained staffing, thus adding flexibility. Diversity increases innovation and provides more opportunities to collaborate and develop new business opportunities within companies talent and vendor partnerships.

My vision aligns purpose for employers, customers, and investors and calls for more corporate social responsibility (ACTION) that promotes competition and enables revenue.

Join the DEI Committee and be part of a transformative movement toward a more inclusive industry. Your voice matters in shaping lasting change. Together, we’ll advocate, innovate, and champion lasting change that resonates across all levels of our industry.

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

/0 Comments/by
,

Meet Your New DEI Committee Co-Chair: Nic Gaither

Nic Gaither

WC Unit Manager at Amerisure

Nic is Claims Unit Manager at Amerisure, where he is responsible for managing the Memphis and Richmond Worker Compensation teams handling claims for TN, MS, VA, MD, and Washington, D.C.. Since joining Amerisure in 2016 as Field Claims Specialist in Workers’ Compensation, Nic has been focused on achieving the best outcome for claims. He brings over 25 years of claims experience with 10 years in management and claims handling in 18 jurisdictions. Nic earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Hampton University. He currently serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador for the company, as well as a member of The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA).

As we embrace the new year, our committees at RISE are transitioning into a fresh chapter with new leadership. Meet Nic Gaither, the 2024 Co-Chair of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. In this interview, we’ll explore Nic’s vision and goals for shaping a more inclusive future within RISE. Join us as we uncover Nic’s insights and aspirations for leading the DEI Committee in 2024.

What drives your passion for DEI?

My passion for DEI comes from a personal place for me. I’ve experienced that feeling of exclusion: others not wanting me in the room, not wanting me to hold the positions that I’ve held, not wanting me on their team and not respecting me for what I know and can do. That type of hurt stays with you as a constant reminder that change is needed. I had to force individuals to SEE ME, HEAR ME and RESPECT ME!

 

 What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

My vision is that we can continue to spread the knowledge of DEI, help foster understanding in others in order to make DEI relevant to everyone. DEI is not just for marginalized groups anymore, it is for everyone. That’s a message I that hope this committee can convey to others. I want to introduce the younger generation to a more multicultural industry where they can thrive. I’m looking forward to the RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala and other events where we will have a positive impact in the lives of others.

 

Why people should join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

My fear is that people are having DEI fatigue right now. By joining our DEI committee, others will see that the fight lives on. DEI initiatives are not just a passing trend but a necessary shift in cultural thinking. We will be looking to demonstrate a holistic approach to create lasting change by reinvigorating long tenured professionals and introducing this newer generation to a better industry. We can speak for the ones not being heard and show up for the one not being seen. Some changes have been made, but in order for change to continue, we need people with diversity of thought and we need voices with innovative ideas and new vision.

 

Join the DEI Committee and be part of a transformative movement toward a more inclusive industry. Your voice matters in shaping lasting change. Together, we’ll advocate, innovate, and champion lasting change that resonates across all levels of our industry.

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

/0 Comments/by
,

The Journey to Leadership: A Conversation with Greg Crabb

Gregory J Crabb
President & Chief Executive Officer
Amerisure

Amy Cooper, RISE Founder & CEO interviews Greg Crabb, CEO of Amerisure. Greg shares insights into his career journey and the relevance of his legal background in the insurance industry.

Amy Cooper: How did you get started in the industry?

Greg Crabb: When I was in law school at Emory University in Atlanta in my second summer, I applied and was selected into the Governor’s Internship program, and the program placed me with the State Board of Workers compensation.

I was working with the judges, the administrate law judges there. And candidly, what I was  mostly doing was helping write their opinions for them. They would give me some guidance, and then I’d write it and go from there. And then that actually became  a part time job in my third year of law school, where I still helped  draft some of their opinions. And so that led me to move into the insurance space after law school and, first legal, then claims, then underwriting, and strategy,

Amy: Do you feel like being a lawyer, having that background has helped you become a CEO or in any of your responsibilities now?

Greg: Yes, absolutely. I mean, we’re a heavily regulated industry, and so it’s helpful from that angle. And then there’s claims where having a legal background is helpful in understanding some of the complexity in the claims environment as well as some of the policy language and underwriting exposures.

But we have really good people who make the decisions. So it’s not that I’m making the decisions, but it helps, I think, to understand some of the risks and rewards.

Amy: What is the best piece of career advice that you ever received?

Greg: Yeah, so I think the best advice I received, and I know some people push against this, but is to follow your passion. And so for me, I have always tried to follow my passion.

For example,  when I was in undergrad, I was supposed to go into the business school after my sophomore year, but was more fascinated by the liberal arts. And so I chose to be a history major. And I remember having a conversation with my dad , telling him I wasn’t going to go in the business school, I was going to be a history major. And he said, you’re going to be digging ditches for the rest of your life and slammed down the phone.

I’ve followed that passion all the way from moving out of legal into claims, moving out of claims into an underwriting role, and then eventually ending up in this role. I also do remember having a passion to build things as well as to be in a leadership role to help make things better even before I was in insurance.

And so I’ve always followed that passion, and it hasn’t let me down.

Amy: Why is now the best time to start a career in insurance?

Greg: I think overall, people don’t recognize enough that insurance is a noble industry. We help people. We help businesses. We put lives back together. We help people in some of their darkest times of need. And so I do get invigorated by that noble cause from a macro standpoint.  

From a micro standpoint, there’s a lot of complexity in our business and we face many challenging decisions day in and day out in every aspect of what we do – be it risk management, underwriting, pricing a policy, or paying a claim or not. 

Also, there is the question of how our industry will evolve in such a complex, and ever changing world today. So all of those things get me excited to go into work, and I think it’s also why somebody should look at the insurance industry. You can be part of a noble profession.

There’s lots of growth opportunities for folks in all the different roles, and our industry is going to continue to be relevant into the future. There is always going to be a need for what we provide in terms of capital and services for the larger economy.

Amy: Do you want to do a plug on why people should want to work at Amerisure?

Greg: So Amerisure specifically, we win Best Places to Work in Insurance. Best and Brightest in the Nation.

Our employees are in our company’s mission so when we make decisions, employees are always front and center. And that leads to an employee value proposition that wants to help people grow, wants to help people succeed and creates an environment that wins those awards.  We are over 110 years old, but we are constantly challenging ourselves to be better.

Greg’s insights underline the significance of legal expertise in insurance, the value of passion in career decisions, and Amerisure’s employee-focused culture.

/0 Comments/by

Meet the Mentors Shaping the Future of Insurance: Tim Roberts

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of the insurance industry, recognition is due to those who not only excel but also dedicate their time and knowledge to mentor the next generation of professionals. The Mentor of the Year Finalists represent a group of exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the RISE Community and beyond.

In this exclusive spotlight series, we take a closer look at their journeys, motivations, and the insights they’ve gained throughout their careers. Whether you’re an industry veteran seeking inspiration, a newcomer looking to break into the field, or simply curious about the inner workings of the insurance world, these finalists have a wealth of knowledge to share. Join us as we engage with these luminaries, gain invaluable perspectives, and celebrate their achievements in this exciting and enriching series.

Meet Tim Roberts, VP - Workers Compensation at Everest Insurance and 2022 Mentor of the Year Finalist:

Q: What aspect of your job in the insurance industry do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome it? 

A: The most challenging aspect in my job is maximizing the talent of the people that I work with.  That is accomplished by assessing where people will be most successful and creating opportunities for people to be in the most advantageous situations.

Q: How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the insurance sector? 

A: I read a variety of industry publications and stay connected to my contacts in the industry.

Q: What is one book or resource that has had a profound impact on your career or personal growth? 

A: The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge

Q: If you could have a conversation with one influential figure, living or historical, who would it be and why? 

A: Barack Obama, as I would like to know how he was able to maintain his composure with all that he had to deal with

Q: In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a successful leader in the insurance industry? 

A: Adaptability, relatability, willingness to make decisions and problem solving skills.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career change into the insurance industry?

A: Learn everything you can about the industry, as you will find it is a dynamic and rewarding career.

/0 Comments/by
,

RISE Announces 2024 Strategic Planning Board

Dania Beach, FL, Nov. 8, 2023– RISE, a leading organization dedicated to growing, recognizing and advancing the best young professional talent in the insurance industry, is thrilled to announce the members of the 2024 Strategic Planning Board. This dynamic group of individuals will collaborate closely with RISE’s leadership team and Advisory Board, charting an inspiring course for the organization’s continued growth and success.

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 group spearheads initiatives and turns our long-term aspirations into reality.

Visionaries Shaping Tomorrow

At the heart of RISE’s mission is a vision to create a pipeline of high achievers who will not only steer the organization toward new horizons but also contribute significantly to the Insurance industry’s continued growth. The Strategic Planning Board is a testament to this vision.

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.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 Strategic Planning Board members and eagerly look forward to embarking on this journey of innovation, inspiration, and impact. Together, we will shape the future of RISE and continue to champion the organization's commitment to progress and excellence."

Tori Snoddy, Director of Operations

Meet the 2024 Strategic Planning Board:

Awais is the SVP of Strategy & Transformation at Crawford & Company, driving the future of claims through cutting-edge technology, fostering a dynamic culture, and optimizing operational excellence. With a diverse leadership background spanning front and back-office roles, he has successfully led strategic transformations for claims, IT, and digital insurance solutions at State Farm, Chubb, and Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies. Awais’s impact in the industry is recognized through accolades such as Mentor of the Year and the R.I.S.E.’s ’35 Under 35′ award, showcasing his outstanding contributions to his company, community, and the insurance sector as a whole.

Awais Farooq

SVP, Strategy & Transformation, Crawford & Company

After graduating from Clemson University in 2017, I joined Canal Insurance as a Commercial Truck Small Fleet Underwriter. After 2 years, I began Underwriting Large Fleets. Since joining the Large Fleet team I took on a Supervisor position and was recently promoted to Manager which allowed me to take on Operations teams as well as our Fleet Underwriting Team. Developing team members to have strong and technical Underwriting skills as well as improving operational efficiencies is my current focus. I am also working towards my CPCU designation In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and hiking.

Bailey Harr

Fleet Renewal Manager, Canal Insurance Company

Caitlin McPhillips is a Senior Claims Professional at Berkley Construction Solutions. Previously, she was a Senior Complex Claims Specialist at Vela Insurance Services and handled New York Labor Law, Property Damage and Construction Defect claims. Prior to joining Vela, Caitlin was an associate attorney at a highly regarded national law firm and litigated New York Labor Law cases. She was awarded a 2022 RISE 35 under 35 award, an award that recognizes upcoming talent in the insurance industry.

Caitlin McPhillips

Senior Claims Professional, Berkley Construction Solutions

Chris Cutrer is a SIU Field Supervisor with GEICO in Columbus, OH.  He has been with GEICO for nearly 8 years and has worked as a claims adjuster and SIU investigator prior to becoming a leader within SIU.  Prior to working in the insurance industry,  Chris worked in law enforcement.  Chris has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from The Ohio State University.  In his spare time he enjoys lifting weights and participating in Scottish Highland Games.  Chris was a winner of the 2023 RISE awards for 35 under 35.

Chris Cutrer

SIU Field Supervisor, GEICO

Dr. Claire Muselman is a prominent figure in the workers’ compensation field, known for her innovative and inclusive approach to risk management and insurance. As the founder of CM Advising, she has made a lasting impact by infusing her unique style, characterized by glitter and sparkles, into the industry. Celebrating nearly two decades of experience, she also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of WorkersCompensation.com and has introduced transformative initiatives such as the Workers’ Recovery Unit and the Workers’ Compensation Center of Excellence.

Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Claire is a media influencer, with a history as a podcast co-host, a co-founder of The Transitions, and a mentor through Rising Insurance Star Executives (RISE). She is a prolific writer, contributing to platforms like Bloom, WorkersCompensation.com, and Captive.com. In academia, she shares her expertise as a Professor of Practice at Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership Development in the School of Education.

Dr. Claire is a strong advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity, serving as an Ambassador for the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation and the Kind Souls Foundation. Her dynamic speaking engagements nationwide reflect her commitment to empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership. Her ultimate mission is to inspire positive change that transcends industries and encourages others to strive for nothing less than extraordinary.

Dr. Claire Muselman

Professor of Practice in the Zimpleman College of Business & Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at Drake University; COO at WorkersCompensation.com; Founder at DCM.

Ema is a Digital Transformation and Change Management expert with over a decade of corporate training and enterprise software sales experience. She is the Co-Founder of Roloff Consulting, a consulting firm that focuses on helping sales teams transform their process. Ema has conducted over 300 expert interviews in the space of Digital Transformation and Innovation within insurance and beyond. She has been recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Digital Transformation and Sales, a RISE 35 under 35 Award Winner, named in Lightico’s Innovators Top 100, and a ‘Making Waves’ Honoree by InsurTech Hartford.

Ema Roloff

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Roloff Consulting

Jarrod Zea has been with Ringler since 2007. He assist both plaintiffs and defendants navigate the settlement process. He attends settlement conferences, mediations, and court hearings. Whether it be Medicare, trust
solutions or needs based government benefits, he works to find solutions that moves cases towards resolution. He
holds the Certified Structured Settlement Consultant designation from Notre Dame University and is a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary. By creating a settlement strategy and plan, a case can reach resolution in more timely and effective manner.

Jarrod Zea

Settlement Consultant, Ringler

Khalid Brammer-Blackman is the Retail Excess Construction Lead at Arch Insurance Group, where he, alongside a team of underwriters, works on expanding Arch’s business within the retail excess space within the Construction insurance group. With over ten years of insurance experience, Khalid received the RISE 35 under 35 in 2023, which has added to his visibility in the industry. He graduated from Florida State University’s Masters of Risk Management and Insurance and York University (Toronto, Canada) Disaster and Emergency Management programs. He hopes to work with the rest of the strategic board on expanding the RISE brand as an organization, as he firmly believes in the organization’s initiatives.

Khalid Brammer-Blackman

Vice President - Retail Excess Construction Lead, Arch Insurance Group

Lael Chappell serves as the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Desq in their New York Office. Lael is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of Desq’s brand and marketing strategy and leads Desq’s pipeline development and solicitation of the industry’s top underwriters to build opportunities on the Desq platform.

Lael received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia, obtained full alumni status as a graduate of the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School, and has an Executive MBA from the EMBA Global Asia Program jointly conferred by Columbia Business School, London Business, School, and the University of Hong Kong.

Lael Chappell

Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer, Desq

Mary is a Portfolio Underwriter at Westfield. Prior to this, she was an Associate Underwriter on the commercial agribusiness team at Crum & Forster, and has worked in personal lines underwriting and personal auto pricing at Farm Bureau Financial Services. Mary is also involved in her local Iowa CPCU Chapter and currently serves as the Director of Member Activities. In addition to the CPCU, AINS, and AFIS designations, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Northwest Missouri State University.

Mary Calmer

Portfolio Underwriter, Westfield

Mohamad is a multilingual professional with international experience in both project and risk management in the construction field. He has been overseeing all the risk management activities in many local and international multi-billion dollars projects such as Mega 4800 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant, Complex TBM tunnels under the Suez Canal, and huge Metro Lines. He has developed a formal risk management department from scratch in an international construction company after seeing and realizing the need of such approach to a successful completion of projects. He has proven experience in using Monte Carlo Simulation in anticipating project duration, budget and contingency. He co-lead the successful three Guinness World Record Holder largest Water Treatment Plant in the world in the capacity of Assistant Project Manager. He shared the responsibility with the project director as the PMO, interface and coordination manager in the High-Speed Rail Project in Egypt.

Mohamad ElHelaly

Project Management and Construction Internal Audit, Afreximbank

Nicole Velino has been in insurance for 8 years.  Nicole is employed by Falvey Insurance Group and works in the claims division for cargo shipments. She resides in Rhode Island, has one daughter Ava Grace, and loves all things Christmas. Nicole was a 2021 RISE Professional Award Winner and looks forward to being part of the ever- growing insurance industry.

Nicole Velino

Claims Associate Group Lead, Falvey Insurance Group

Owie Lei Agbontaen began his career in 2016 and quickly made a splash in the New York and Boston Insurance markets. Now in Chicago, Owie is currently an Assistant Vice President at Sompo International, leading the Business Development efforts in the Midwest. Owie is responsible for supporting all of Sompo’s product offerings in the Upper Central region and expanding Sompo’s footprint in the Midwest. Prior to the business development role, Owie grew Sompo’s Midwest middle market P&C book in the Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Institutions, and Professional Services verticals from the ground up.

Owie is originally from Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing, and a minor in African and African American Diaspora Studies. He is currently the Vice Chair and Dir. Of Finance of the newly established Young Risk Professionals’ (YRP) Chicago Chapter, an organization focused on connecting professionals in the risk & Insurance industry through networking, mentoring, and education. Professionally, he has been recognized as a Rising Star and a Hot 100 professional by Insurance Business America and was also awarded a 35 Under 35 Rising stars Award by RISE Professionals.  More recently, Owie was awarded the Emerging Leader Award by NAAIA at their annual conference in October.

Owie Agbontaen

AVP, Business Development Sompo International

Pam is an accomplished leader and highly active member of the insurance industry in Central Illinois, soon to be serving as Past President of the largest chapter in the world – Central Illinois. Through her involvement with the local CPCU chapter and RLI Toastmasters club, she has promoted the insurance industry to professionals and young people in the region. Pam also participates in mentoring college students through the U of I Axis Risk Management program. Pam was named on the Rise 35 under 35 list in 2023. Pam holds the CPCU, AINS, and AU designations. She has a degree in Actuarial Science from Bradley University. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors through hiking and gardening.

Pamela Goerlich Findley

Sr Product Manager, RLI

Petyah Pierre is an experienced HR/Risk Management Claims Analyst with extensive experience in insurance benefits to include Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, Social Security disability, and Long-Term Medical disability. Petyah has been an employee of The Broward County Sheriff (BSO) for over six years as a Sr. Human Resources Analyst in the Workers’ Compensation section overseeing in excess of 600 open claims. She has an Associate in Risk Management, 6-20 All Lines Adjusters License, and Certified in Workers’ Compensation Litigation.

Petyah is member of National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) Florida Chapter, The Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) South Florida Chapter, RISE Professionals, and actively participates in both The Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation along with Dive In, a Global Festival for Diversity and Inclusion in Insurance. She is a freelance writer for BLOOM magazine which covers everything workplace, wellness, industrial health and safety, holistic living, clean beauty, living sustainably, travel environment, and happiness. Her most recent piece is titled “Black Hair in Corporate America.”

Petyah Triche

Assistant Manager - Workers' Compensation, Broward Sheriff's Office

Rachel Jenkins is an experienced professional in the insurance industry, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of XN Capital, a startup focused on scaling access to captives and other alternative risk structures. Prior to her role at XN Capital, she worked as the Managing Director of Founder Shield’s client advisory team, where she established herself as a leading customer success professional with over 12 years of experience in the insurance sector. Before that, she spent several years with Marsh, advising on risk management for major financial institutions and insurance companies globally.

Apart from her successful career, Rachel is passionate about mentorship and supporting younger and diverse candidates in the insurtech industry. She finds inspiration in helping others further their careers and is actively involved in mentorship initiatives. Outside of her professional endeavors, Rachel is deeply involved in her family’s non-profit organization, which focuses on rehoming and job placement for homeless and non-violent offenders. This work gives her a strong sense of purpose and allows her to make a positive impact in her community.

Rachel Jenkins

Chief Operating Officer, XN Capital

Raisa Lyons

Underwriter, Bass Underwriters

Scott currently serves as Vice President, Strategic Accounts for Ethos. In this role, he partners with clients to develop technology-enabled solutions that help improve operational workflows and reduce expenses. Over the last 7 years, Scott has held several leadership positions, developing and empowering the next generation of leaders in our industry – a professional passion of his. Outside of work, Scott and his wife love to travel and enjoy new experiences with their two children. Scott is a fitness enthusiast and recently completed his first marathon.

 

Scott Francis

Vice President, Strategic Accounts, Ethos

My name Tania Sanfiel, and I have nine-year tenure at Assurant in Property & Casualty (P&C) claims. At Assurant I currently lead our Renters Claims Operations, Digital Initiatives and Claims Customer Experience. During this time, I have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the industry, beginning my journey from the grassroots of property claims handling to leadership roles that span claim management and operational performance enhancement.

Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to transformative projects aimed at streamlining and elevating customer experiences. This has involved the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupled with business rules, to automate less complex claims for our renters’ product. Additionally, I spearheaded the creation of automated event-driven text messages, expanded digital payment capabilities to include EFT, push to debit, and eCheck, and harnessed tools like Hi Marley to establish an asynchronous channel for adjusters to keep customers informed.

More recently, I’ve been at the forefront of modernizing our legacy systems, particularly as the Claim Center product owner, leading our transition to the cutting-edge Guidewire platform. My journey at Assurant has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to enhancing customer experiences, making me a dedicated contributor to the dynamic landscape of P&C claims.

Tania Sanfiel

Director, P&C Claims, Assurant

Taylor joined the Risk Management and Insurance industry in 2014 when she began working for Lockton Companies in a client service role. In 2018, Taylor joined Questpro Consultants as their Campus Recruiting Manager where she helped launch their newest division, QGrads, serving to attract college graduates into our industry.

Taylor now serves as the Vice President of Business Development for Questpro, an insurance-specific staffing firm with a national presence. In this role, Taylor oversees new business sales across all service lines, grows relationships with existing accounts, and manages a national sales team based throughout the country. As a member of the University of Texas-Dallas RMI Advisory Council, Taylor also serves as an Associate Member of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Southeast Division Board, as well as a Director with the Dallas Chapter of Young Risk Professionals. Taylor has earned national recognition through earning the Rising Insurance Star Executive (RISE) award in 2021 and earning the Emerging Leader in Insurance Award by APCIA (the American Property Casualty Insurance Association), AM Best, and ICM (the Insurance Careers Movement). Taylor’s role has allowed her the opportunity to collaborate with candidates, companies, and hiring managers across the country and has given her a unique insider view on our industry and the current trends and challenges we all face as we look toward hiring the next phase of insurance professionals.

Taylor Jones

Vice President, Business Development Questpro Consultants

Walter Davenport II

Head of Process Coordination & Strategic Data Analytics Allianz

Awais Farooq – SVP, Strategy & Transformation, Crawford & Company

Bailey Harr – Fleet Renewal Manager, Canal Insurance Company

Caitlin McPhilips – Senior Claims Professional, Berkley Construction Solutions

Chris Cutrer – SIU Field Supervisor, GEICO

Dr. Claire Muselman – Professor of Practice in the Zimpleman College of Business & Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at Drake University; COO at WorkersCompensation.com; Founder at DCM

Ema Roloff – Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Roloff Consulting

Jarrod Zea – Settlement Consultant, Ringler

Khalid Brammer-Blackman – Vice President – Retail Excess Construction Lead, Arch Insurance Group

Lael Chappell – Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer, Desq

Mary Calmer – Portfolio Underwriter, Westfield

Mohamad ElHelaly – Project Management and Construction Internal Audit, Afreximbank

Nicole Velino – Claims Associate Group Leader, Falvey Insurance Group

Owie Agbontaen – AVP, Business Development, Sompo International

Pamela Goerlich Findley – Sr Product Manager, RLI

Petyah Triche – Assistant Manager – Workers’ Compensation, Broward Sheriff Office

Rachel Jenkins – Chief Operating Officer, XN Capital

Raisa Lyons – Underwriter, Bass Underwriters

Scott Francis – VP, Strategic Accounts, Ethos

Tania Sanfiel – Director, P&C Claims, Assurant

Taylor Jones – VP, Business Development, Questpro Consultants

Walter Davenport – Head of Process Coordination & Strategic Data Analytics, Allianz

/0 Comments/by