News Release: RISE Professionals Announces 2023 Elite 50 Internships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dania Beach, FL, Sept. 19, 2023 – RISE Professionals, a leading organization dedicated to growing, recognizing and […]
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But we are proud to say that Tori Snoddy contributed 90 entries already.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dania Beach, FL, Sept. 19, 2023 – RISE Professionals, a leading organization dedicated to growing, recognizing and […]
Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.
A: Be intentional about your career and where you want to invest your time and energy developing your skills. Of course, it is necessary to deliver the best performance in your current role, as well as looking to future opportunities and the required skills/experience to succeed in progressive roles.
A: The Iowa Hawkeyes will always have a special place in my heart, and you can find me rooting for them, regardless of the sport. Also enjoy watching the Green Bay Packers with my son who just recently started playing football.
A: I find challenges motivating. Whether it is a physical goal like an obstacle race or running a marathon, or a business goal such as developing a disruptive way to deliver a better product and/or service to customers.
A: Memories and experiences. My wife, Katie, and I are purposeful about seeing new places and experiencing as much of the world as possible. It’s a great way to keep grounded and continue learning.
A: Working and cocreating with clients. This is such an exciting time to be in insurance. There are rules and guardrails, which are necessary, but within those boundaries companies are very open to exploring creativity and new ways of doing things.
A: The abundance of opportunities regardless of past experience. Insurance provides a great opportunity to carve out the career that gives you the most satisfaction. So don’t wait for your dream job to find you, figure out what it is and go after it!
A: I am a published poet.
A: The people and the mission. The insurance industry is a tight knit community with huge opportunity for folks starting their career and the RISE team has gone all in on helping this group succeed. I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from working in insurance and wanted to do my part in helping the next wave of leaders.
Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.
A: Get involved early and often on as many different projects you can. Exposing yourself to diverse career experiences expedites the process of discovering both your likes and dislikes which enables you to select/craft roles that align with your skills and interests.
Unlike school which has a prescribed path for next steps, you have to intentionally build the career you want or be subject to the career someone thinks you should have.
A: Any and everything Chicago. I feel obligated to also add Butler Basketball but I haven’t kept up as much the past year.
A: Helping our teams solve seemingly unsolvable problems on a day-to-day basis. When wrapped up in administrative tasks it easy to lose sight that our decisions impact real people, but I find it motivating that we provide solutions to address global risks that impact everyone on earth. That mission makes it easier to fill out expense reports.
A: Not in the traditional sense. I enjoy collecting new experiences. This can range from a far-away trip to a remote location or something as simple as taking a different path back home from the office.
A: Two items stick out. The first being the spontaneity of my role. No 2 days are the same and we continually find ways to solve our customer needs regardless of what it takes. The second item is collaborating with everyone within the large Allianz ecosystem. We are truly a global company and seeing how we work together across several time zones and do so while having fun always makes it easy to come to work.
A: Building strong relationships is just as important as doing your job well. Our industry relies trust and that trust extends outside of your organization. Taking the opportunity to network goes a long way in growing both professionally and personally.
A: The energy within the RISE organization is too difficult to put into words, but it made it impossible not to join. You have to experience an in-person event to fully grasp the allure. What will forever keep me engaged with the RISE team is the mission to help solve many of the gaps within our industry.
Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.
A: Network any and every chance you get. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and reach out to people who are where you want to be. Also, don’t get stuck in a “this or that” mentality. There are many options for success and multiple paths to reach it – don’t restrict yourself.
A: Not in the traditional sense. Growing up my family was into the Olympics, X Games, and MMA – I still enjoy watching them to this day.
A: Seeing people succeed and reach their goals and being part of the journey.
A: Does dog hair on my clothes count? Haha, I have a Golden Retriever and Chocolate Lab it’s a never-ending struggle.
A: I get to connect with and speak to some pretty amazing people on a daily basis.
A: The insurance industry is VAST and it is constantly changing with new technology. It’s not dry and boring there is something for everyone room for all to succeed.
A: RISE has a great vision for supporting individuals entering the insurance space. They’ve been able to create an amazing collaborative space where like-minded professionals from all walks of life and career levels can come together and support each other’s growth.
Jamie Carsey
Managing Director, Claims – Legal and Head of Litigation
Markel
People do not stay in one job forever these days: over the course of a professional career, it is common to seek new opportunities and explore diverse fields. However, I really believed I was the exception. I have wanted to be a lawyer my entire life. What I was going to be when I grew up was never in question. It was a dream come true when I landed at a fantastic civil litigation firm, where I eventually became an equity partner. I loved my law firm life and never thought about leaving it.
But, as they say, “never say never,” because out of the blue, an opportunity emerged for me to take an in-house role with an insurance company. Surprising everyone, including myself, I took it. It turned out to be a great decision for me.
Flexing your mental muscles
There are numerous reasons for lawyers to consider transitioning to a job in insurance.
For one thing, I started to realize that my skillset was not exclusively bound to the legal domain. As you move up in a law firm, you inevitably start getting more “business” or “law firm management” responsibilities. A lot of lawyers hate this; it is way outside of their comfort zone.
However, I found that after I joined the insurance industry, I started tapping into a business side of myself I did not know was in there. Abilities in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, negotiation, and problem-solving are highly valuable in most industries, including insurance. I could not ignore the part of me that wanted to flex my business solutions and leadership muscles beyond the law firm environment.
Similarly, as lawyers, our expertise can start to become a bit niche. Working at my former law firm, I would frequently get a crash course in the underlying matters at issue in the lawsuit—things like the chemical makeup of good versus bad coal; how levee systems work; or the structural integrity of a bridge or skyscraper. My focus, however, was necessarily on the legal aspects.
In insurance, by contrast, you can broaden your interests and expertise to whatever you are passionate about, and your scope is much more likely to be far-reaching. Some people may not think insurance is cutting edge or exciting, but that’s not the case. Insurance is the backbone of our economy. Without insurance, people and businesses wouldn’t be able to take risks. If you read the major headlines of what is going on in the world on any given day—overseas wars, natural disasters, financial crises, or even a big pile up on your local highway—you can be confident that insurance is involved, and that insurance professionals are at the forefront.
Enjoying greater work-life balance
Another reason attorneys might want to consider transitioning to an insurance role is work-life balance. It is no secret that law firm life is demanding: many movies feature plotlines on how hard one has to work to rise through the ranks. Now, this was not a factor for me when I decided to leave the law firm: I was very happy there, and dare I say, I didn’t really have a lot of “mom guilt.” But once I transitioned into my in-house role, I realized I was missing out on more at home than I had thought. As a trial lawyer, you do not control your schedule; your cases do. You always tell your family that you can go on that vacation … unless you are in trial. You will say you can definitely do that hiking trip with your friends from college … unless you are in trial.
When you work in-house, you can just say yes. That is pretty nice. Moving to an in-house role can also free up one’s time to explore personal interests outside of work. It gave me the bandwidth to foster and adopt our second child.
Advancing at your own pace
Along similar lines, insurance also affords professionals the opportunity to set their own pace for career advancement. Law firms can be pressure cookers that thrive on stress. Combining that intense environment with the commonly shared “up or out” mentality—meaning advance up the ladder or potentially be fired—is not every lawyer’s cup of tea. The insurance industry, by contrast, offers opportunities to use one’s legal and non-legal skills in a less-stressful, more-stable environment with numerous, wide-ranging growth opportunities. The insurance industry offers a range of career paths, from underwriting and claims management to risk analysis and actuarial science. Professionals can explore various roles and find one that best aligns with their skills and interests; and they can advance at their own pace.
Speaking of advancement, I have definitely noticed that lawyers who transition to insurance can have very fulfilling careers. The skillsets for law and insurance certainly complement one another. Lawyers make good insurance professionals because both tend to be client centric. Also, insurance professionals deal with complex risk assessment and mitigation strategies daily. Legal expertise can therefore be instrumental in navigating intricate policy issues and crafting innovative solutions for clients. Even the more nuanced side of your legal knowledge can be leveraged in an insurance role, including contract drafting and negotiation, application of regulations, claim advocacy, risk assessment, and problem solving.
Conclusion: Consider broadening your horizons
Switching from law to insurance was a big step for me, but it has been immensely rewarding. Insurance is a dynamic industry that offers potential for growth and fulfillment. If you are a legal professional considering new opportunities, give the insurance industry another look. It provides a welcoming space to leverage your skills, make a difference in clients’ lives, and embrace fresh challenges. It has been a great experience for me.
Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.
A: Keep grinding. The insurance industry is growing and there are a lot of folks retiring, this leaves a large void for those who want to grow and climb in their careers to do so – all it takes is hard work and time.
A: I am a huge fan of The Braves, Steelers, and the defending 2x National Champions, The University of Georgia Bulldawgs! Go Dawgs!
A: Helping others grow. Every day I seem to learn something new about insurance. I love passing this information along to help others learn and develop.
A: I keep all of my old concert ticket stubs. Each time I add one to the box I get reminded of the many awesome concerts I have been to throughout my life.
A: Negotiating resolutions of complex coverage situations.
A: There are thousands of different jobs/roles in the insurance industry. Each role provides valuable experience and insight that can help in seemingly different roles. You don’t have to stay in one job family your whole career. In fact, you become more valuable the more hats you have worn!
A: During college I earned my Private Pilot’s License in addition to completing two Bachelor’s Degrees courses my senior year.
A: I was nominated for and won the RISE award a few years ago. Prior to that I didn’t have knowledge of the program. The more I learned about RISE, the more I was drawn to it.
Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.
A: One piece of advice is hard because success is not a single event, success is a lifetime professional journey. The thing that has stood out to me the most has been developing a smart, strong, and supportive network and this network should include but is not limited to a mentor – someone who can coach you up and teach you things, a sponsor – someone who has access to rooms you don’t even know exist and is willing to speak of your talents, a peer – someone who is going through the trenches with similar goals and aspirations, and a mentee – someone you are guiding along the way so there are more people like you in whatever rooms you enter.
A: I’m a casual sports fan. As a resident and proud Philadelphian, I am obligated to say I support The Sixers and The Eagles. If I had to chose between the two I would say The Sixers because I prefer Basketball to Football.
A: Hmmmm, I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t motivated and if that is the case I have to say that my parents have been my strongest motivators. I am my mother’s child and my father’s daughter. More than my parents I am the village that supports me (aunts, uncles, sister, brother, friends and chosen family) and I want to make them proud. So there’s always a fire inside me pushing me to represent not only myself but them.
A: I would say no, unless experiences count. I’m more an experience something with people vs a material possession person. Don’t get me wrong, I like nice things but I value a great conversation or learning something new with family and friends over a physical object.
A: I’m a problem solver. So the thing that keeps me coming back to my job is figuring out the puzzle of things or improving how things are done so not only are folks working smarter but also better serving our customers. Insurance, at it’s core, is really a people business and if what we do does not solve peoples’ problems or resolve pressing issues, why are we doing it? I also think I gravitate to the idea of the safety net, and that is honestly how I see insurance. Instead of the person you can always count on, it’s a system that we should always be able to tap into when something doesn’t go as planned. And that system should work properly without unnecessary barriers. I like to think of myself as a barrier breaker and that gets me excited to continue because there’s always a new barrier to break.
A: I wish I knew that it’s ok to not know something. It doesn’t make you look bad or hinder you from succeeding. The best leaders surround themselves with the best and the brightest because they recognize they alone will not have all the answers.
A: As a young kid I was obsessed with cowboy boots. I made my mom get me a pair and I wore them with everything…and I mean everything LOL. There’s definitely a Christmas morning picture of me as a young kid in a nightgown and cowboy boots pretending to play a guitar.
A: The community and collaboration amongst the RISE network is second to none; aligning with RISE has allowed me new avenues to expand my own knowledge of the insurance industry and meet great people along the way.
Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.
A: Say yes – to meetings, to opportunities, to attending events and serving in any capacity. Say yes, and good things will happen!
A: Always rooting for the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas Jayhawks (my alma mater!)
A: Hearing success stories from clients and candidates about our matchmaking process. Recruiting isn’t always easy, but it can be life changing when you find the perfect pairing.
A: Passport stamps! I always say I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.
A: Hearing from all sides of our insurance community on best practices, challenges, what they enjoy, and how we can help them. I also love visiting new places for conferences and events, meeting people from all across the country, and serving on boards and organizations with missions I align with. Oh – and working with my team here at Questpro – they are just wonderful human beings.
A: The community and collaboration amongst the RISE network is second to none; aligning with RISE has allowed me new avenues to expand my own knowledge of the insurance industry and meet great people along the way.
Meet Courtney Brace, a visionary Manager of Learning & Development and former Instructional Designer. In her compelling journey, she reveals how Learning & Development has evolved far beyond mandatory compliance training. Discover how Courtney’s expertise transforms the organizational landscape, equipping employees and leaders for unparalleled success. Brace yourself for a captivating exploration of the transformative role L&D plays in shaping careers and propelling organizations forward.
When people think of learning and development within an organization, most of the time they picture mandatory compliance training. But I’m here to tell you there is much more to it than that! Over the years, the Learning & Development department has become a strategic partner to the business. We are here to help move the organization forward and equip employees and leaders to succeed.
As a Manager of Learning & Development and in my previous role as an Instructional Designer, I have seen the impact we have made. Insurance is an ever evolving and fast paced industry, and a lot of people will tell you that they learned what they know on the job from their peers or leaders. We take that internal knowledge and experience and combine it with industry standards to create streamlined learning programs for all employees within the organization. This includes programs such as new employee orientation and onboarding, role-specific technical training for all levels, and career and leadership development.
Learning & Development partners with the business to identify gaps that training could fill or opportunities where learning programs can take us to the next level of service. Once we identify the gaps or opportunities, we work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop the content and determine the appropriate delivery and metrics to measure our success. Outside of the normal instructor-led training and online learning courses you are familiar with, we create:
At AmTrust, one of the most pivotal programs that we have put in place is our Claims Associate Onboarding Program. Prior to this program, there was no formal onboarding process for new Claims Adjusters. The Learning & Development department worked with SMEs throughout Claims to create a comprehensive program to set new hires up for success in their role. It features engaging workshops, interactive online courses, scenario-based learning and on-the-job training opportunities. After implementing the Claims Associate Onboarding Program in 2022, 92% of participants stayed with AmTrust and 76% of participants were promoted within nine months All of which is a true testament to the impact a well-executed learning program can have on employees.
We have taken great strides to transition from simply developing training to more of a learning and performance support partner to the business. I hope this helps you see the benefit that a great Learning & Development team can be to an organization.
Large language models, such as Chat GPT, have emerged as powerful tools with vast potential across various industries. In a recent webinar, industry experts explored the capabilities, risks, and implications of these models. This blog post highlights key takeaways, from the benefits and challenges to risk mitigation strategies and ethical considerations.
Capabilities and Applications:
Large language models, like Chat GPT, process vast amounts of information, enabling human-like responses. They find applications in insurance, healthcare, customer service, and beyond. These models possess the ability to understand context, generate text, and answer complex questions. Their capabilities have significant implications for enhancing customer experiences, improving decision-making processes, and streamlining operations in various sectors.
Risks and Challenges:
One of the primary challenges associated with large language models is the phenomenon of hallucinations. Hallucinations occur when the model generates responses that sound plausible but are factually incorrect. This poses a significant risk, as users may unknowingly rely on misleading information. Understanding the potential for hallucinations is crucial in mitigating their impact and ensuring responsible usage.
Risk Mitigation Strategies:
To address the risks associated with hallucinations, the webinar emphasized the importance of implementing checks and balances. Users must acquire the necessary skills to prompt the model accurately, minimizing the chances of receiving false information. Additionally, exploring the configuration of the models and leveraging the expertise of data scientists can enhance their capabilities and provide better control over the risks associated with hallucinations.
Practical Use Cases:
Large language models have demonstrated their value in practical use cases such as claims settlement. Their ability to process and analyze large volumes of data quickly has resulted in significant improvements in efficiency. For instance, Lemonade’s record-setting claim settlement time of two seconds showcased the potential of these models. Additionally, the interpretation of policy documents and providing human-like responses to legal queries are other areas where large language models have proven their practicality.
Education and Adaptation:
As large language models continue to evolve, professionals across various fields must stay updated with technological advancements. The ever-changing landscape of job roles requires individuals to adapt and develop foundational knowledge in tandem with these technologies. Investing in education and resources that empower individuals with the skills to navigate and interact with large language models responsibly is crucial. Promoting digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning are essential components of this educational effort.
Ethical Considerations:
The responsible use of large language models requires a thoughtful approach that considers various ethical dimensions. Issues like bias, privacy, and consent must be taken into account during the development and deployment of these models. Incorporating ethical considerations ensures that the outcomes are fair, unbiased, and aligned with societal values.
Transparency and Trust:
Transparency plays a vital role in the responsible usage of large language models. Users should have a clear understanding of the limitations and potential pitfalls of these models. Providing explanations and insights into how the models arrive at their responses can build trust and enable users to make more informed decisions.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
Large language models have a wide-reaching impact that extends beyond individual sectors. The webinar emphasized the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Open dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration can help address the challenges and maximize the benefits of large language models across various domains.
Research and Development:
Continual advancements in model architectures, training methodologies, and fine-tuning techniques are essential to improve the robustness and reliability of large language models. Ongoing research and development efforts are necessary to address the issue of hallucinations and enhance the overall performance of these models.
Regulatory Frameworks and Standards:
As large language models become more pervasive in society, it becomes crucial to establish regulatory frameworks and standards to govern their use. These frameworks aim to ensure responsible usage, protect against misuse, and provide accountability. Guidelines and safeguards can help address potential ethical concerns, mitigate risks, and foster public trust in the technology.
Large language models offer tremendous opportunities and advancements in our industry, but they also present challenges and risks. Understanding these risks, implementing effective risk mitigation strategies, and fostering responsible usage are key to harnessing the full potential of these models while minimizing their liabilities. Collaboration, transparency, ethics, education, research, and regulatory frameworks are essential elements in shaping the future of large language models and maximizing their positive impact on society. By embracing these principles, organizations and individuals can navigate the evolving landscape of technology and leverage large language models for the betterment of humanity.
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