WSIA Executive Panel shares insights on remote, hybrid work
A diverse group of insurance executives discussed the benefits and challenges of remote work.
After sharing the journeys they took to their current roles, a collection of insurance executives imparted insights on remote and hybrid work arrangements during the Executive Panel at the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association Annual Marketplace (WSIA).
Hosted by the association’s U40 Group during the second day of the conference, the panel detailed their companies’ transition to remote work and how it will continue to shape the industry. The panel included:
- Cristi Carrington, principal, director of underwriting, Brown & Riding
- Bryan Clark, president, Gorst & Compass
- Erin Dolan, senior vice president, analytics and communications, RSUI
- Carlton Maner, CEO and global property practice leader, U.S. Division, AXIS
Noting AXIS had used work-from-home arrangements prior to the pandemic for some employees, Maner explained the company was initially skeptical when the pandemic forced everyone to move to remote work. However, he said AXIS soon realized it had already deployed a slew of digital tools, such as Zoom, but they were being underutilized.
“Now that we have to utilize it, we have become more efficient,” he said.
Dolan added these work arrangements do present some work/life balance challenges.
“Everyone has different home environments. You’re in a loft or two people trying to work from one room, whatever it may be. You have to give yourself a lot of grace and you have to give those around you a lot of grace,” she said. “And then reap the benefit from it. It gives you an eye into someone’s personal life that you wouldn’t have in the office, where you see the clean-cut version of them. Working from home, I probably got to know people better.”
For young professionals in the industry working in a remote or hybrid setup, Clark said that it is critical to stay visible to supervisors and managers.
“My recommendation is if you are in the office, make an appointment to be seen by your manager. Tell them what you are doing, tell them what you are learning and ask questions,” Clark said. “It has always been from my perspective that the people who are seen more and who are visible are the ones that get promoted.”
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