Colleen Giles-Harris
corporate manager,
commercial lines underwriter
R.W. Scobie Inc., Midwest General Agency
Experience: 7 years
College: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, '02
Read another Q&A with Colleen Giles-Harris.
What's your mantra for success?
There is a quote by writer Sam Ewig that I just love: "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." I want to always be the person who is rolling up her sleeves to pitch in. I have a genuine passion to work hard and do good work.
What's toughest about being young in a field where the average age is 55?
Communication is the key to success and sometimes it can be challenging dealing with different personality types and communication styles. Each generation, from the baby boomers to Generation Y, has its own style of communication and interpersonal behavior, and I find that sometimes I need to adapt my communication style to work better with people of the more mature generations.
How does technology fit into your work strategy?
As corporate manager of our centralized office services team, I work with a team of women who handle the office services responsibilities (policy processing, applications handling, claims handling, etc.) electronically for five branch locations. We are very technology driven and work hard to have effective and efficient processes and procedures for our staff. I also am our lead super-user for our agency management system and am involved in making decisions regarding enhancements and changes to the system.
What organizations do you belong to?
I am an active member of the American Assn. of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) and the current president of its Under Forty Organization (UFO) for the 2010-2011 term. Our office also is very active with the National Assn. of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO), the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I) and the National Assn. of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).
Does your age help or hinder your specialty in commercial lines?
I really don't feel that my age helps or hinders me in this business as I think it all comes down to experience. I have been a commercial underwriter for more than 7 years and although I work with retail agents that have been in the business for 20, 30 or even 40 years, I think they know that I have the experience to back up my thoughts and opinions. I also am very lucky to be surrounded by people who have been in the business decades longer than I have and their knowledge and expertise has certainly come in handy.
Do you look to a mentor in this industry?
My biggest mentor is certainly my father, Rob Giles, as he is incredibly encouraging and supportive and has taught me a lot about both the insurance industry and the business world overall. I couldn't ask for a better mentor and coach. However, I would be remiss to not mention Bob Race, who is our current senior VP of underwriting. Bob is a genius with insurance forms and I envy his ability to interpret and understand the most challenging insurance terminology.
