Leadership defined: Q&A with WSIA President Jacque Schaendorf

WSIA President Jacque Schaendorf is pictured during the 2018 Annual Marketplace in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Shawn Moynihan)

When the announcement was made that you’d been elected President during the Spring Summit in Phoenix, there was a surge of enthusiasm from those in the audience, a palpable feeling shared that this is someone who’s known for getting things done, who is well-liked and extremely capable, and is deserving of the role. I’d love your thoughts on that, and what was going through your mind at that moment.

At that moment, when the current WSIA President, Corinne Jones, passed the gavel to me I turned to look at the audience and thought, “wow, what an extreme honor to have the opportunity to be in this room with so many current and superstar legends in this industry.” I am such a fan of those that established, built and continue to advance the Excess & Surplus lines sector of the insurance industry. Long-term relationships are such an important part of what makes our industry so unique. To see so many of the people that I have developed great friendships with and respect so much, many of whom served in the same leadership capacity that I was stepping into was just such a great moment for me. It was surreal and very special.