By: Bernd G. Heinze, Esq., President of Heinze Group, LLC
Over the past 36 years, it has been a privilege to continue working in
the insurance marketplace: first as an insurance defense and coverage
trial attorney, vice-president and national chief litigation counsel for
a property and casualty insurance company, executive director of a
professional insurance trade association, and now as a legal and
insurance executive today. During these years, I have been able to
observe what makes a leading professional and the values that will
sustain them as they ascend through their career. Here are five thoughts
to consider:
Differentiate Yourself. There are thousands of insurance professionals in the industry. What makes you stand out from the rest? Be a sponge and absorb everything you can read, observe, hear and see. Then, find one thing, just one thing, and become an expert in it. Be the “go-to” person on that topic in your organization and to its customers. You can start a podcast, blog, or offer to speak at functions.
Stay humble, loyal and caring. No matter what your role is throughout your career, consider the organizational chart as horizontal versus vertical. Take an interest in and treat everyone respectfully and on the same level as you. It is an uncommon trait these days. Remember, what’s more important…a professional title on your business card or the testimony of how you will be remembered? When you’ve made it into a management or leadership role, forget about “empowering” your team. Inspire them! Don’t just give them tools and resources, give them your heartfelt interest, encouragement, and inspiration of goals they can achieve by exemplifying your personal brand of leadership. Share the credit. No one gets where they want to go alone.
Never eat lunch alone. Everyone has a story to tell. The insurance business is still built on trusted relationships. The more we share that golden hour with others, the more we can learn, expand, and foster our professional network. Watch those new ideas and opportunities harvested from a conversation over a salad, soup or sandwich and a Diet Pepsi.
Burn the Boxes. Remember the phrase “think outside the box”? Forget about it. The boxes and those who think outside of them are history. Don’t look back for inspiration from them: you’re not going that way. Think ahead and of writing on a blank canvass or iPad screen and ask the question: “What if?” It’s more important to ask the best questions than having all the answers. In today’s marketplace, we’re all looking for the next big idea or how to change the paradigm. Constantly challenge the status quo and use your own personal skills to creatively develop that new portrait and landscape.
Serve your community. Get involved in a non-profit, your church, temple or synagogue, little league, 4-H, or senior center. Rather than asking “what’s in it for me?” ask “How can I serve?” You will exponentially lift up the lives of others and yours in the process. Life is balancing yourself, family, profession, and spending yourself in a worthy cause.
Today is best time to be in the insurance marketplace. Thanks for what you’ve done and all you’re going to do. You’ve got this. Make a difference. Leave a mark. Be sustainable.
https://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/28171922/qtq80-lNsa73.jpeg14402160Amy Cooperhttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngAmy Cooper2019-10-30 08:52:452019-10-30 08:52:45Personal Sustainability for Today’s Insurance Professional
Connected Claims 2019 is over, and what a conference it was!
Our experience this year was that the conference had great energy, relevant
content, cool technology vendors, and plenty of excellent speakers.
Highlights of the conference were definitely the panel content, the rooftop
party, and the booming exhibit hall.
We loved the speaker set up with individual short
presentations followed by a panel with the same speakers interacting together
and answering the audience’s questions. Our favorite panels were “Accelerate
Claims Transformation Through #ClaimsTech,” “Achieve Data-Driven Efficiency,”
and “Deconstruct Culture, Tech and Customer Needs to Achieve a New Future for
Claims.”
It was a change to hear tech-speak at an insurance
conference and there were several conversations around the agile development
method, straight though processing, and minimum viable product. The
biggest buzz words were RPA (robotic process automation), AI, and
empathy. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the insurance industry!
RISE was on site interviewing speakers, executives, and attendees. Check out our video for highlights of the interviews and a taste of what it was like to be at Connected Claims USA. Full interviews will be available on the RISE YouTube channel
00Amy Cooperhttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngAmy Cooper2019-06-21 05:00:362019-06-21 05:00:36RISE Goes to Connected Claims USA
Your heart is racing and your palms are clammy. You take deep breaths and resist the urge to wipe your hands on your stain-free suit. It’s interview day, and you’re stressed. It’s almost impossible to avoid—nerves and interviews go hand-in-hand, but going in armed with these helpful tips could save your suit and help you land that job.
Preparation Makes Perfect
Do your research. Channel your inner student and study like it’s finals week. Do not underestimate the value of putting in serious preparation time before the big day. Gather useful information about the company or client and the interviewers, and don’t be afraid to use LinkedIn as a tool to help you. They may see that you viewed their profile, but this doesn’t make you a stalker—in this case, it can only serve to show that you’re taking the time to learn about them and the company for whom you hope to work.
Know Yourself
Remind yourself of your achievements; exude confidence with a healthy dose of humility. If you’re interviewing for a claims-specific job, be certain of how many claims you have handled at any given time. If you’re interviewing for a position outside of claims, re-familiarize yourself with your sales numbers if necessary, and be sure of the amount of time you have been with each company. Ensure that you have concrete examples of your accomplishments, and how those accomplishments have helped the company. Furthermore, if a hiring manager asks about your knowledge of a specific tool or software program—such as Xactimate—you should be able to provide real life examples of your experience with it and how it has helped you in your previous positions.
You should also be prepared to address your weaknesses as well as your strengths. When discussing your weaknesses, however, avoid portraying yourself in a negative light. Focus on “faux weaknesses” that could have a positive result for the company, such as working too hard or being a perfectionist. Lastly, think of a few hobbies to share with the interviewer(s) that show them you are the dynamic, well-rounded individual they are looking to hire, not someone whose only hobby is binge-watching their favorite show every night (even if that is the case!).
Suit and Tie
You’ve done all of your research and refreshed your memory with regards to your performance metrics. You’re almost ready. Almost. In order to truly impress the interviewer(s), you need to look the part. It is always safer to overdress—wearing a suit despite the company’s lax dress code shows professionalism. Underdressing in a formal environment sends the wrong message. Make sure what you’re wearing is appropriate for the situation, which means no B’s. Don’t wear an outfit that shows your Boobs, Butt, Back or Bellies. Save the flashy number for a night out on the town after the interview is over. Unless you’re interviewing for a fashion-focused position, keep it simple. It’s hard to go wrong with a clean blue or charcoal/grey suit for men and blue or black suit for women. Avoid brown or tan suits, as these colors don’t tend to inspire confidence.
In addition, avoid distracting the potential employer from your accomplishments and skills with extreme odors at both ends of the spectrum; arrive fresh and clean, but there’s no need to bathe in Chanel No. 5 beforehand, either. Today is about you and your qualifications, not your perfume.
Go Time
The time has finally come. You’re well-equipped with information about the company, your interviewer(s), and yourself, and you’re looking fresh. Now, you need to be certain you have all of the necessary materials to help you. Print and bring multiple copies of your resume, just in case there are more people in your interview than you anticipated. It’s a simple gesture that proves your level of preparation. In addition to your resume, you should also bring a pen and a notebook with a few questions to ask. Even if your questions get answered during the course of your interview, a quick flick through at the end to check that all of your questions have been answered will show the interviewer that you came fully prepared. If you happen to arrive early, instead of sitting while you wait, stay standing. This helps you maintain decent posture, and means you’re ready for a handshake as soon as they come out to greet you. If you’re kept waiting long enough, have a look around the lobby. Take stock of your surroundings and try to use them to your advantage. You might find some information on the wall such as a recent award or staff announcement, or even just the age of the business, which could give you an edge in the eyes of your interviewer(s).
During the interview, don’t ask about benefits or PTO. Think of the first round of interviewing as a first date—you wouldn’t ask your date how many kids they want when you shake hands, so don’t ask your interviewer what the company intends to do for you when you first meet. Save those questions for when you know you like each other.
The End is Nigh
The interview is coming to a close and you’ve done just about as much as you can to show them you’re the right person for the job. But it’s not over yet! Before you leave the room and breathe a sigh of relief, ask the interviewer(s) if they have any reservations about your application, your resume, or yourself as a candidate. Let them know you’re happy to address any concerns they may have. Addressing any doubts that the interviewer(s) may have in person means that you can leave safe in the knowledge that you’ve shown them your best self and all that’s left is for them to decide. Before you run through the goodbye handshakes, be sure to ask about the next steps. This reaffirms your interest in the job, shows that you are proactive, and brings the interview to a natural but firm close. Lastly, remember to ask for the interviewer’s business card or contact information so you can easily follow up with them after the interview.
Don’t You Forget About Me
Show how much you care about the job by following up with a thank you note for every interviewer within 24 hours of your interview. Make sure each note is specific to the person you met, not just a generic note that you’ve copied and pasted for the whole team. If you really love the job, send an email and follow up with a hand-written note. Writing the note by hand adds a personal touch and helps you to stand out in a crowd over-saturated with technology.
Remember that people hire people they like, so go in with a friendly, positive attitude and let your awesome self shine. Follow these tips, take a deep breath, and go get ‘em. You’re destined for success.
These tips are from Chelsea Buzer, Head of Recruitment at Insure National Staffing, and written by Rebecca Kirkpatrick. For more information please contact Chelsea Buzer at Chelsea.midlarsky@insure-national.com or go to Insure-National.com
https://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/28172132/interview-2-1-scaled.jpg17072560Katerina Garavitohttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngKaterina Garavito2019-03-21 17:31:192019-03-21 17:31:19Little Known Tips to Rock the Interview
Deborah Saunders is Senior Director, Claims Management for Comcast NBCUniversal. She is responsible for managing all lines of Comcast and NBCU’s claims programs, including Workers’ Compensation, Auto Liability, General Liability, Employment Practices, Property and Media Professional E&O. Prior to joining Comcast in 1998, Deborah was the Workers’ Compensation Claims Specialist for Campbell Soup Company. She started her career in claims as a representative for Travelers Insurance, where she handled both workers’ compensation and commercial liability claims. Deborah earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts. She also holds Associate in Risk Management (ARM,) Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP) and Certified Claims Professional (CCP) designations and is a certified paralegal.
“I think when people either look at risk management programs in schools or look for a career path when they get out a lot of focus is on underwriting, but I’ve found that claims provides endless opportunities to do good in the world and to satisfy curiosity and the desire to grow.” Deborah states in an interview with RISE founder, Amy Cooper. Deborah discussed more about what her typical work day is like along with some encouraging advice for young career seeking professionals.
What do your mornings
look like?
My alarm is set for 5:25 but I get up between then and 6 am,
depending on the day. I actually have an evening regimen, so I don’t need a
morning one. I lay out clothes, look at my calendar for the next day, and have
my bags packed. That’s a trick I learned from my mom.
What is your commute
like?
I go to the office almost every day that I’m not traveling. I
cross a bridge from New Jersey to Pennsylvania during my commute, which takes
20-30 minutes. I purposely add one mile to my route in order to pass by the
fountain at Logan Circle. It’s one of the many things in the city that makes me
happy so I make sure to enjoy it.
What is the first
thing you do when you start your work day?
A: I pick up coffee on the way in. The first thing I do when
I get to the office is break out the lint roller! I have pets. I update my to
do list for the day and carry over any leftover tasks from the prior day.
Who do you work most
closely with?
I am responsible for a claims team within the Global Risk Management
team for Comcast NBC Universal. There are eight of us in claims, and with our colleagues in
program placement, we make up the risk department. I consider our TPA, brokers,
and insurers partners to be an extension of our team. Not everyone can say that,
but these partnerships are very collaborative.
How do you balance
meetings, email, solving problems, and your own tasks?
I’m not a practitioner of a formal time management
technique. I’ve been here for more than 20 years and I have a lot of practice
pivoting when needed. It’s second nature for me. I have non-traditional work
hours while traveling, which is great catch up time. I travel 2-3 times a month
but usually they are short trips.
Lunch?
Usually I eat lunch at my desk. When I was starting out, it
was Snickers and Diet Coke. I’m doing a lot better with my food choices now, so
I typically get soup or sushi. I try to avoid lunch meetings because I find
them to be inefficient.
You never get through
a day without ______.
On the downside, I never get through the day without falling
into an internet news rabbit hole. I’m extremely interested in current events. On the positive side, I never get through the
day without stopping to be grateful. I have a wonderful family and fun career.
I try to think about it every day.
Who is home waiting for you at the end of your day? What is your
biggest motivation in getting up every morning to do it again?
My husband, who is now retired,
two cats and a dog. Motivation isn’t an issue because I don’t need to motivate
myself since I love what I do. I thought it would be hard to leave the house once
my husband retired, but it’s not.
What changes in the role of technology have you noticed in your
department? Does this change the skills you hire for?
I began my career with paper
files – I’ve been at Comcast for more than 20 years. Yes, it does change at
least some of the skills that you’re looking for. We need people who are effective
and accurate at a much faster pace, with the efficiencies that come with
technology. I appreciate people who are detail-oriented and methodical but need
them to be thoughtful about how they spend their time.
What is the most rewarding/favorite part of your job?
I work with great people inside
my organization – everyone is smart, creative and looking for solutions that
improve people’s lives. I love the diversity
of the business in both within Comcast and in the claims profession. I’ve had
the same role since joining Comcast, but endless opportunities to learn. Almost
every day, there’s something new.
Can you name an innovative solution that made a huge impact for your
area of responsibility?
We use data analytics, as a lot
of people do, but we tried to figure out a way to use it not just for goal
setting, but also to eliminate bottlenecks that stood in the way of resolution and closure. We used data analytics
to set discretionary settlement authority limits with our TPA – we figured out
how much authority we could give them so they don’t have to wait for our
response, while still controlling the dollars. We were able to eliminate 80% of
the instances they had to contact us but still keep control over the vast
majority of the spend. It worked exceptionally well. We’re also looked at how closely we monitor
ALAE. We trust our TPA team as
professionals as long as spend is line with industry benchmarks.
When you were 18, did you envision your life to be like this? What
advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
I absolutely did not envision it.
I have this great career because the path I had in mind didn’t play out the way
I thought. Follow your dreams, but if through circumstance you’re diverted, be
open and curious. Wherever you can, set yourself up for job satisfaction –
there’s always something you can turn into a positive. Find it, build it, focus
on it, and you’d be surprised where it can take you. I could not be happier.
What advice would you give to other women who might be considering a
career in insurance?
This is so important to me. My advice is to consider claims. I think when people either look at risk management programs in schools or look for a career path when they get out a lot of focus is on underwriting, but I’ve found that claims provides endless opportunities to do good in the world and to satisfy curiosity and the desire to grow. It’s perfect for people who think of themselves as lifelong learners. The number one thing I would say if you’re considering claims – call me! I’ll be delighted to tell you why I think it can exceptionally rewarding career.
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Claims Casualty Manager Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc.
Stacey spent time with RISE founder, Amy to discuss her daily routine along with some advice for the new insurance professionals entering this space.
What is your morning regimen?
I get up at a quarter to 5 am, and my regimen is: coffee, shower, and
play with my dog for a while to clear my mind to get ready for the day.
What is your commute like?
I’m very fortunate, I live less than 5 miles from the office so drive
in.
What is the first thing you do
when you start your work day?
The first thing I do is get some administrative tasks done. I get in
before everyone, so I am able to get all my end of day reporting from the
previous day done. This way I’m ready to field whatever people need when they
get in.
Who do you work most closely
with?
I’m in the casualty department within claims. I have one supervisor and
a total staff of 11. Currently I’m looking to fill 2 open positions. I work
most closely with my team, legal staff, and outside counsel. I also have one
property damage adjuster as well.
How do you balance meetings,
email, solving problems, and your own tasks?
I try to schedule my day, and I
allow certain times for different activities. Each person has a specific time,
so if they need attention, we can address it at their time. I live by my
calendar, both personally and professionally.
Lunch?
Lunch is usually at my desk. It
includes a coffee run which takes about 15-20 minutes to reset and refocus,
gets me outside for fresh air, and allows me to step away, because that is
important.
You never get through a day
without ______.
Having plans change. You must always be ready to roll with it!
Can you name an innovative
solution that made a huge impact for your area of responsibility?
We’re using an outside vendor to manage our legal billing, and we moved
to flat fee scheduling, which gives better control over spending. I used this
before at a prior company and it works very well. I’m also working on putting
in place an early settlement bonus. I’m going to tighten up the plan because it
will benefit both us and our outside counsel, and it will cost less in the long
run.
What changes in the role of
technology have you noticed in your department? Does this change the skills you
hire for?
We’re now paperless so that gives people the opportunity to work pretty
much from wherever. Everything is more advanced so we look for people who can
be more independent. We do have several people who work from home remotely
several days a week.
What is the most rewarding part
of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the results and seeing
people succeed professionally. I enjoy winning cases. I also enjoy building
rapport with others in other departments. Watching peers receive promotions is
amazing. Seeing my team expand their roles is the best, because that’s how I
got to where I am today.
What is your biggest motivation
in getting up every morning to do it again?
My family is my motivation. I just want to make them proud. My mother
owns her own successful business so I’ve always wanted to make her proud.
When you were 18, did you
envision this to become your career?
This is definitely not what I
thought I was going to be doing. I don’t think I had a clear vision at 18. I
would encourage others to find something they are passionate about. Just be
open to try things because that’s the only way to figure out what you love. I
happened to fall into it, but I love it. Insurance is much more interesting
than it sounds! People have a preconceived notion that insurance is boring. No
two claims are the same, and you constantly have to think outside the box to
come up with innovate ways to achieve the results, whether it’s utilizing
resources that have served you in the past or finding an outside vendor.
Insurance is anything but cookie cutter.
What advice would you give to
other women who might be considering a career in insurance?
Work hard! Try to get as much exposure as you can, whether that’s
working in different departments or forging relationships with other
departments. Become well rounded so you become a resource. Surround yourself
with the people you want to emulate. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
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While providing some insight about her day to RISE Director, Katerina, Gracemarie states, “The best way to find productivity in my day is to make a to-do list of even the littlest things.” We spoke beyond her day and more in depth about the positives of pursuing a career in insurance in the following Q &A.
What time do you wake up?
If I had to pick a specific time, I’d say around 6:45 am however, with my husband’s work schedule, I tend to fluctuate depending on the time he gets home at night. Most days lately he’s been working from 1 PM to 9 PM which results in my stay up closer to midnight.
How do you get to work?
My morning consists of about a 45 minute drive to work. Throughout my career thus far, I’ve experienced the worst and the best commutes from as short as a 20 minute drive to as long as an hour and a half train and car ride one way on unreliable mass transportation.
What is the first thing you do when you get to the office?
They say your first few agenda items upon getting in the office would be to get yourself situated, get your coffee, straighten up your desk, etc. However, as my career has developed, I find myself dropping my coat in the same spot, logging on and immediately jumping into emails. Half the time it’s over an hour or so later when I pick my head up and realize I need water, breakfast, and a bathroom break. It’s probably not the most productive way to start the day, however, when your mind has been racing the entire way to your desk, you don’t want to lose your train of thought or momentum.
Who do you work most closely with at work?
In this role, I work closest with a number of TPA firms and adjusters. My job requires supervision and oversight of the firms, programs handled, and individual assigned adjusters. However, part of my job is collaborating with the other departments like Operations, Compliance, Legal, Finance and Underwriting.
What does 9-12 look like in your day?
99% of the time, my day begins well before 9 am. From those morning hours through mid-day, most of my time is spent diffusing situations, resolving questions and concerns, and dealing with the last-minute emails not addressed from the night before. If I’m lucky, that will consume the first hour and a half of my morning allowing me to begin my to-do list for the day. The best way to find productivity in my day is to make a to-do list of even the littlest things. It can become daunting if you sit down and realize all the things you still have spilling over that can never get accomplished. Once my morning emails are done though, I find myself able to actually supervise and monitor the claim files being handled. Of course, all of this only applies IF there are no meetings scheduled. Let’s not even begin to address the monkey wrench that throws into the day.
Lunch?
I’m lucky, or unlucky, enough to work for a company who is obsessed with food. At least once a week, there is some sort of lunch being ordered, however, it’s important not only for your health but, wallet to plan your meals. This enables me to not only work through lunch when necessary, but, step away from my desk to accomplish those little things I may not have time for after work, get a manicure and other beauty maintenance, stop at the cleaners, make a doctor’s appointment, etc. At least 2-3 times a week, I step away from my desk for at least a half an hour to sit and socialize with a number of co-workers, but, the rest of the time, I take the opportunity to accomplish personal things. That time is what I make of it. I sure won’t be leaving any earlier if I don’t step away which drags out the little tasks needed to get done in life. Theoretically, it sounds like my lunch time enables me to get it all done, realistically, it never works out according to plan.
What does 1-5 look like in your day?
The second half of my day I try to break up into setting aside time to accomplish tasks and diffusing more problems that arise. Upon returning from whatever I do during that lunchtime hour, I take some time to answer a few emails and calls. By mid-afternoon though, I’ve tried to set that time for meetings, projects, and closing out the needs of others, unless that’s the project I’m working on. By closer to 4/4:30, I circle back to the outside world and begin closing out emails and calls for the rest of the day.
Who is home waiting for you at the end of your day?
I’m blessed to be married for the last almost 2 years to my husband, although after living together for the last 4, the honeymoon stage has long passed. Our children consist of 2 fluffy big brown dogs and a bossy cat. All of whom require an excessive amount of attention when I get home.
What is your biggest motivation in getting up every morning to do it again?
I actually enjoy the work I do and what I’ve learned. When asked what my job is like, I’ve related it to law and order. There’s a claim behind almost every action nowadays. Think of a horrific car crash, hurricane, #MeToo, product recall or the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee complaint. All of these breaking new stories result in some sort of claim regardless of the carrier or who handled the claim. Whether news worthy or not, the claims department of an insurance company is tasked with investigating a complaint and allocating responsibility. It not only provides dinner conversation but, always keeps your day interesting.
When you were 18 did you envision your life to be like this?
At 18 years old, I still envisioned myself as a Special Education teacher working a set work day, lesson planning, summers off, and hoping to have started a family by now. I never wanted to be in the industry nor high powered as I grew up an only child of a successful single parent in the industry. I never appreciated the demands and work. At 18 you’re still jaded by decisions that you may not have appreciated growing up.
What advice would you give to any 18-22 year old making decisions about their career goals?
Try not to pigeon hole yourself. Appreciate the ability to learn and challenge yourself to new skills and career options. As much as you want to believe you’re not trying to live up to expectations from movies, TV shows, social media, etc. Your future and career can be much more enjoyable without having to be some version of TV glamorous. Don’t close off a possible career path because you don’t know what it is or it may sound boring. There’s a cheesy fortune cookie saying I keep on my desk. It doesn’t always work on the daily, but, every once in a while, it keeps me grounded, “Aim for the sky, because even if you miss, you’ll still be among the stars.” Like I said, cheesy, but, if you think about it, if you keep trying and open yourself up to anything, you’ll still find joy and success at the end of the tunnel regardless of whether it’s part of your initial plan.
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Regina C. Cedeño, MBA, CLMP is a Resolution Technical Lead at Blackboard Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AIG. Ms. Cedeño joined Blackboard Insurance Company with over 13 years of insurance experience in the areas of Financial Lines including Errors & Omissions, Professional Liability, General Liability including Automobile, Construction, Construction Defects, and Environmental. Ms. Cedeño is licensed as an adjuster in thirty-two states, and due to reciprocity, she is able to provide claims management in all fifty states. In addition, Ms. Cedeño has experience within three different sectors within the insurance industry, having held positions with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and clients (insureds). Ms. Cedeño also completed the extensive requirements for the Litigation Management Institute hosted at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and was awarded with the designation of Certified Litigation Management Professional (“CLMP”). She is also a member of the Claims and Litigation Management (“CLM”), National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA), and The International Association of Claims Professionals (IACP). Ms. Cedeño received her Master’s in Business Administration from Florida Metropolitan University in 2006 and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a minor in English, from Pennsylvania State University at Altoona College in 2001.
RISE Director, Katerina spent time with Regina to discuss what a day in her life is like, the insurance industry, and suggestions for young professionals entering the space. This is what she said.
What are your mornings like?
My morning starts at 5:30 am. I leave my house by 6:45 am. Time is of the essence because I commute from western NJ to NYC at least 2-3 times a week and to PA at other times. In fact, my preparation starts the night before. It entails sorting the clothes for my two girls and myself, filling their backpacks with all school supplies and mine with work essentials including my laptop. School lunches are prepped the morning of and packed before I depart. Once my mother arrives to take assist my little ones for school, I’m off to work. My commute is usually a three-step process. It’s long at best. I drive approximately 20 minutes to a bus stop. The bus then takes me to NYC Port Authority–approximately 1.45hrs. Then, I take the NYC subway to Fulton Street, and walk three blocks to my office building. The total commute time varies, but it’s usually 2 ½ hours one way.
What do you do once you walk into the office?
The first thing I do is grab a cup of Bustello coffee and a KIND bar. I recommend the almonds & coconuts KIND bar. Then, I look at my emails. At the office I work closely with my Chief Claims Officer and my direct counterparts. I supervise and oversee the claims being handled by our Third-Party Administrator, consisting of 15-20 adjusters. Prioritizing at work is very critical. Ongoing handling of situations never ceases. Generally, priority hinges on the level of severity. I prioritize problem solving first, followed by critical emails and team meetings.
Lunch?
I prefer to dine out at a pub/restaurant with colleagues and friends, but at times meetings keep me in for lunch. I never get through a day without coffee. I need that boost!
How do you get back into work?
Finishing what I started along with resolving new issues and matter. The most rewarding part of my job is resolution–being able to resolve an issue or matter, where all parties are satisfied and agreeable to the resolution.
What do you look forward to after work?
At the end of my work day, I look forward to two smiley faces waiting at the door, calling me, “mommy”. They are the biggest motivation in my life along with my husband–my family motivates me to get up every day to endure the long commute to work.
Can you name an innovative solution that made a huge impact for your area of responsibility?
Yes, but we’re not talking about it just yet. Our innovative solution to claims handling will rely on new technology that we are building. It will have a huge impact not only on my position, but other participants in the insurance industry, including policyholders. Stay tuned!
What changes in the role of technology have you noticed in the workplace?
Technology is now firmly entrenched in the insurance industry. It has enhanced the access to information so that almost everything is available in a paperless environment. Also, technology allows individuals to work remotely, yet communicate instantaneously with co-workers, clients, brokers, policyholders, etc.
What technology skills seem most important now and in the years ahead?
I would say Artificial Intelligence, and the ability to access things from anywhere. Combined, these two technologies open up unlimited possibilities to resolving problems anytime, anywhere.
How is technology improving the customer experience?
Technology helps in two-folds: 1) through the efficiency in retrieval of information, as opposed to receiving by “snail mail,” and 2) the ability to respond instantly to customers to ensure a superior service experience.
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self or any other 18 year old?
At 18 years old, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I never once thought of insurance as a career. At 21 yrs. old, the television show, Law and Order, caught my attention–particularly the investigation aspect piqued my curiosity. From that curiosity, I pursued a career in investigation, which inevitably led to insurance. If I were to give advice to my 18 year old self, I would say, major in Business, and minor in Communications. It would make you a solid performer in any industry. Also, never forget to network. To the 18-22 year olds, don’t worry if you are unsure as to what you want to do with the rest of your life. 80% of college graduates venture into a different direction from their major that they studied. That’s okay. Just find something that you enjoy and look to correlate it with an industry. Then, make that industry or work your passion and continue to build yourself up in the industry. Always network! Look for a mentor! Plenty of us love to take new grads under our wings. Then, remember to stay in touch with those people who helped you along the way and they will remain a constant source for your growth.
https://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/28172153/WEEK.png1123794Katerina Garavitohttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngKaterina Garavito2019-02-26 06:00:082019-02-26 06:00:08A Day in the Life of…
Assistant Vice President Environmental Claims Starr Adjustment Services, Inc.
Ms. Edwards is based in New York and serves as an Assistant Vice President overseeing Environmental Claims for Starr Adjustment Services, Inc., a member of Starr Companies. Ms. Edwards joined Starr in January 2015. Ms. Edwards is an attorney licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey and holds numerous adjuster licenses throughout the United States. Ms. Edwards has more than 22 years of experience handling and overseeing environmental, toxic tort and construction claims, both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining Starr, Ms. Edwards was a law clerk for 4 years before becoming a practicing attorney for 7 years specializing in environmental, toxic tort and mass litigation cases and has held environmental claims positions at AIG, AIU and Zurich for more than 8 years. Ms. Edwards also has approximately 12 years of experience handling and overseeing environmental emergency response and crisis management claims. Ms. Edwards holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
RISE founder, Amy Cooper spent some time with Adena to find out more about what a day in her life really looks like and this is what she said…
What is your morning
routine?
I’m up at 5:30 am to workout. After my workout, I make a
protein shake and a pot of coffee and start checking email until I get on the
train.
What is your commute
like?
I take the train in to the city which is about 40 minutes. My
husband drops me off at the train station or, if it’s a nice day, I walk. Once
I get to Grand Central Station, there it is only about a 5 block walk to the office.
What is the first
thing you do when you start your work day?
I start reading and responding to emails from the second I
wake up.
How do you balance
meetings, email, solving problems, and your own tasks?
I am very type A, so I’m guilty of trying to take on
everything, which is not good. I do realize
I need to learn to delegate tasks better to my team and gain more balance
between work and home. I find it hard to disconnect. So much so that my husband and I specifically
picked a place for our honeymoon where there is no cell service and minimal
email service, to make sure that I disconnected. I keep up by being very good
at multitasking. I also have a crazy
memory and remember details of almost every claim I’ve ever touched. It helps
because I am able to recall things quickly during meetings and remember
situations from the past that are applicable to current claims.
Lunch?
I make myself go out to get lunch, so I can take a break from
my desk and walk around the block. Otherwise, I’d never take a break the whole
day.
You never get through
a day without ______.
My coffee in the morning.
I have a lot of natural energy but that one cup of coffee in the morning
just gets me started.
Who do you work most
closely with?
I work most closely with the person who is my underwriting
counterpart. I sit right next to them, so I end up talking to the head of
environmental underwriting 50 times a day. It’s actually the most effective set
up of any company I’ve ever worked for.
Because he and I work so closely together, there is constant
communication and very little in the way of surprises. When we have a bad claim, he knows about it;
if we don’t like the way something is worded due to claims experience, we
discuss it and work on better language together. If we need a change
endorsement on policy, we deal with it together right away. I also work closely with my team. I oversee two people in New York, one in Philadelphia,
and one in Chicago. Most of my communication with my team outside of New York
is email, phone, and Skype but I do travel to Philly and Chicago periodically
for face-time with my team. Having my team spread out in other locations helps us
to waste less time on travel to claim-related activities around the country but
it is hard to oversee people who I don’t see every day in person.
Who is home waiting
for you at the end of your day?
My husband and two dogs.
What is the most
rewarding part of your job?
Helping people and teaching people. When an insured has a claim, it’s basically
their worst day. We deal with claims
every day but an insured may only have one claim ever in the history of their
business. I like helping insured’s going through their worst day to make that
day not so bad. I try to help alleviate
their fears and anxiety by taking things off their plate but also explaining
things to them every step of the way. I enjoy taking time to coach my team and
my adjusters. When I see a mistake or an
error, I take it as an opportunity for them to learn and pause to discuss and
explain why what they did was wrong and how to incorporate this learning
experience into their knowledge base to improve in the future.
What changes in the
role of technology have you noticed in your department? Does this change the
skills you hire for?
Communication is the biggest change – how to communicate not
just internally but also with insureds. I’ve been doing this a long time, so I
remember back when they had paper files 12 years ago to now being paperless,
both in notes and files. We never print anymore. Also, as my team is spread out
among 3 offices around the country, we hold team meetings mostly via conference
call and Skype. It was hard to get used to at first and it is not without its
issues. When someone works in an office where their boss is not, they tend to
work more independently. I do thing we
lose something by not all being in one place – electronic communication feels
less personal and there is a bit of a disconnect from those not located in New
York.
I hire good people no matter what level. Some are techy and some are not. Most all of our admins are millennials, so
when someone doesn’t know or I don’t know how to handle something technical,
generally, they know and can help. Unfortunately, due to the claims technical
nature of Environmental Claims, my team all has at least 15 years experience,
which is necessary for what we do. This
makes it harder for millennials to break into Environmental claims. Back when I
started, AIG had 7 or 8 Environmental claims departments and a formal training
program. They hired who departments of
people without any experience and trained them from scratch. That doesn’t exist anymore. Environmental claims departments are
shrinking so the hiring criteria is more stringent. Less jobs has caused many
people with experience to no longer be able to stay within this specialty area.
That makes it even harder to start if you don’t have any experience.
What advice would you
give to other women who might be considering a career in insurance?
Do it! Not enough women are in insurance. We need more women
leaders who are strong and won’t take any nonsense. The more women in this
industry, there will be a greater chance for equality in the long term. There
is so much opportunity in the industry for leaders and there is plenty of
opportunity for those who want to rise, especially in claims! My advice is to
work hard! You will stand out if you are creative, take initiative and think
outside the box.
https://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/28172142/WEEK-3.png1123794Katerina Garavitohttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngKaterina Garavito2019-02-25 06:00:342019-02-25 06:00:34A Day in the Life of…
I have always loved connecting people. I am the first one to introduce my work friends to my personal friends. If I see they share a common interest, I really enjoy creating “love” matches amongst my friends and family. So when I graduated from college, it was only natural I would take an interest in the recruiting business to match candidates to like-minded companies. Over the past few years, I have devoted my business matchmaking skills to the insurance industry. Why you might ask? Because the insurance industry is the best opportunity out there! Too many people are overlooking this industry as a viable career opportunity because they think it is boring, and I think it is time we change that stereotype. Here are my top 5 reasons why I believe people should explore a career in insurance.
1. Variety
No matter your skill set, the insurance industry has a position for you. Whether you studied to be a lawyer or an accountant or general business (or none of those!)- insurance has a place for your skills to thrive. People usually think of an insurance sales agent when they think of a career in insurance, but in reality, there are so many more jobs that requires a variety of skills. From critical thinking to negotiating to being tech savvy or good with numbers, there is something for everyone. (Underwriter, Resolution Specialist, Data Analyst, Investigator, and More!).
2. Growth
When I interview people, many ask about growth opportunities, so it is no secret that people want to climb a ladder. Insurance has so many professional development courses, groups, and company training programs that steer you up the corporate chain, that you are bound to move up.
3. Challenging
Working in insurance will challenge you every day. The misconception of insurance being full of boredom is so far from the truth. The insurance industry is always changing and evolving as society and technology changes. I bet no underwriter ever thought they would be insuring Taylor Swifts long, beautiful legs, but now one of them does. The insurance industry will always keep you on your toes and solving problems. If you want to work in an environment that challenges you and gives you new opportunities to learn and grow, then this industry is for you.
4. Flexibility
Work from home, work in the field, work at night. Insurance is known for their flexible schedules that accommodate your lifestyle.
5. Altruistic
Many of us want meaning and purpose in our careers. We want to feel like we are doing something good. When you really think about it, people call on their insurance companies when they need them most. That means that a position in insurance will allow you to make a difference in someone’s life every single day.
Insurance isn’t going anywhere. And with over 400,000 new positions needing to be filled by 2020, this is the time to explore a career in insurance!
About the Author:
Chelsea Buzer, Head of Recruitment at Insure National started recruiting legal professionals back in 2012. She left recruiting and began working in the insurance space where she fell in love with insurance. She recognized the need for new talent to join insurance and re entered recruiting to help fill the gap.
To reach out to Chelsea directly please email: chelsea.midlarsky@insure-national.com
https://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/28172303/5-reasons-PIC-1.jpg7871280Chelsea Midlarskyhttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngChelsea Midlarsky2019-01-05 15:56:022019-01-05 15:56:025 Reasons to Start a Career in Insurance
Everyday people come to me for help. I help them protect their life, their assets, their future and so much more. In exchange for my service I give them a promise. You see, as an agent I work with many insurance carriers and many different policies. It is my job to find the right fit for my client. I make sure that this promise will be there for them if they need it. We all hope that bad things will never happen, but we all know that accidents are inevitable.
Last year a family friend came to me to discuss a new car insurance policy. She was paying a large amount with a company that she was with for over 5 years. I saw that she had a squeaky clean record and knew she would be a perfect candidate for much better valued policies. Only 1 month after trusting in me she was in an accident. The firefighter, police, and hospital were all her hero that day. About a month after her accident she called me to tell me about the incident. She ended her story with a huge THANK YOU! She was saying thank you because of how amazing her experience was with filing the claim. She said she called to make a claim with the company and the claim representative walked her through the entire process and noted that she was covered. My client was so happy that I helped her make the right decision with a great carrier and policy.
On that day I realized how important we are; how important YOU are. On that day, insurance became her hero too. We share a client, and we both want what is best. To our clients I make a promise and you keep it. For that, I thank you!
Kevin Cronin
About the Author:
Kevin Cronin, VP at Cronin Insurance Agency in Boca Raton, Florida. Is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Cinema Studies. Kevin is licensed by the State of Florida as a 2-20General Lines Agent, which allows him to sell all lines of Property and Casualty Insurance. Cronin Insurance Agency has been serving Florida since1993, specializing in Auto, Home, Life and Business insurance. https://www.cronininsurance.com
https://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/28172347/Partners.jpg500769Kevin Croninhttps://cdn.riseprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/28161650/Rise-Redesign-Logo-Blue_Website-Header-250x250-1.pngKevin Cronin2018-12-21 09:21:172018-12-21 09:21:17I Make the Promise, You Keep It
