The insurance industry moves at the speed of light. No sooner are you finished perusing a policy, reviewing an endorsement, or checking claim details than the policy becomes dated or the details change.
Because everything moves so quickly today, it's worth noting that life is short and precious. If you were to leave this world at this very second, what would your legacy be? Did you pass along something (career learnings, heritage, etc.) to make the industry, or perhaps more importantly the world, a better place? What I ask of you is to do just that—seize each day's teachable moments as opportunities to leave your mark.
Hint: it's very easy. It starts with patience and kindness and morphs into something you may be familiar with—“Paying it Forward.” I first became familiar with the concept after reading Catherine Ryan Hyde's novel of the same name.
Opportunities to pay it forward abound in the insurance industry—from mentoring young insurance professionals (or even young professionals teaching “seasoned” professionals how to maximize their social media usage) to volunteering to serve on local insurance non-profit boards or committees (such as RIMS' local chapters, CPCU, etc.)
As a board member of Delaware Valley (DelVal) chapter of RIMS, my colleagues and I have the opportunity to give back to the industry by fostering an environment of continuing education for today's insurance professionals and enabling future generations of insurance professionals to thrive. Through its charitable efforts, the DelVal chapter has raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Spencer Educational Foundation to date. Additionally, members receive reciprocity through the added benefit of key learning from other insurance professionals.
Serendipitously, I recently attended the 22nd Annual Paradigm Award luncheon honoring Sue Schick, CEO of United Healthcare. To my delight, Sue mentioned the concept of pay it forward, gave personal examples as both a “receiver” and someone who did a good deed. One poignant part of Sue's speech rings true for anyone looking to get involved and truly make a difference: “By engaging in the world, you can help change it.”
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