Danielle S. Wade, CPCU, CIC
Vice president, Jackson Sumner & Assocs.
Years at company: 4 years
College: University of North Carolina, ‘06
Organizations: AAMGA, NAPSLO, Big I, PIA
Are your top carriers active in attracting younger workers?
I think they do a great job with attracting younger workers; mainly through the internship programs they offer. It gives college students an idea of what the E&S side of the industry is all about. With many baby boomers retiring, we are seeing more of our carriers hiring younger people to fill those positions.
What’s toughest about being young in a field where the average age is 55?
I’ve found it’s hard for an agent or underwriter who has been in the business 30 years to trust someone who’s just been in the business for 4 years. Obtaining my CPCU and CIC designations has really helped me earn that respect more quickly.
How do you balance work and your personal life?
With the addition of my first child in May 2010, the balance between work and personal life has never been more pressing. I’m not sure I’ve got it all figured out just yet, but I’m working on it. Luckily we do not use BlackBerries, so once I leave the office, I really can leave my work there, and vacations are true vacations away from work. That really forces you to get away from work in the evenings and on weekends.
What is an important lesson you learned when joining a professional working environment?
Documentation is everything. Our world is becoming so litigious that it’s imperative to get everything in writing and to document every phone conversation. Even the piece of information that you think isn’t worthy of a time-stamped note could end up being evidence in a courtroom.
Who do you look to as a mentor in this industry?
There are many people who have helped me get to where I am today, but my biggest mentor is definitely my father, Wayne. Not only does he have a great knowledge of the insurance industry, he also is a great business leader. He has shown me how to build loyalty among employees, how to build lasting relationships in the industry and how to use technology to stay competitive and relevant in an industry that is constantly evolving.
How do you see Gen Ys struggle in a professional working environment?
Power struggle is one of the biggest issues Millennials face in their jobs. Many of them are just out of college with a lot of new ideas, ambition and a drive to succeed and move up the corporate ladder quickly. This ambition may not always be received well by industry veterans who may feel that younger workers do not have the experience and may dismiss their ideas without truly listening. I think that it is important for Millennials to take their time and feel out the culture around them before trying to jump up the ladder.