What's your mantra for success?
My mantra for success is knowledge, skills and career growth opportunity.

What are your future goals in this industry?
I am diligently working toward a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. I will likely, afterward seek an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) certification as well.

How do you balance work and personal life?
Work/life balance is vital for me and I find it to be healthy for my family as well. When I'm at work, I work hard, but when I am home with my family, I like to dedicate my full attention to them. This balance creates an opportunity that gives my best to both worlds. Work/life balance for my company reflects our corporate goals: honesty, value seeking, generosity of spirit and integrity.

How does your office reflect how you work?
I really appreciate working in a very comfortable setting, where we enjoy a business casual dress environment. It is a great benefit to working at AGL Resources.

What do you see GenY/Millennials struggle with in a professional environment? What advice do you have?
I believe newer generations struggle with the desire to have everything now. I encourage all young talent to take a little time to massage or thoroughly learn the depths of each position they earn rather than rushing to move up the ladder. In this way, I believe a person can become more well rounded in the industry and achieve greater opportunities later because they will have obtained more knowledge and skills.

Where do you hope to take your career? What direction would you like your career to go?
I hope to accomplish continued growth in my knowledge and career in the next three years. My goals are to earn my CPCU designation and become a risk manager, a promotion from my current Senior Alternative Risk Specialist position.

Have you ever experienced any “generation gap” issues with your carriers in terms of personal interaction or the products they offer?
No. However, at AGL Resources, we understand the value of diversity, not just in the employees but in their levels of work experience. I think everyone in this business should embrace diversity to maintain a versatile workforce.

What skills do you think young agents will need in 2012?
I would advise young agents to seek a MBA and an industry designation. This continues to be the ongoing interest of senior management.

What sales strategies worked for you in 2011?
Relationships. Fostering great relationships in this industry is key to succeeding personally and professionally.

Chiquita Lovings was featured in the August 2012 issue of AA&B. She is a Senior Alternative Risk Specialist for AGL Resources.