Leading the Way

Just take a look at the feature from David Repinski, Cunningham Lindsey’s chief executive officer of the Americas. Repinski recently spoke to college students at the University of Mississippi’s 22nd Insurance Symposium, and shared with us some of his thoughts from the presentation planning process. If you want the keys to a millennial treasure chest filled with golden nuggets of knowledge on how to be a better leader and listener of this generation, then be sure to check out page 32.

If you’re a believer in leading from within, then make sure to read Phil Gusman’s profile of CLM’s professionals of the year on page 28. All of 2017’s winners demonstrate what it takes to succeed: a passion for the work, and a willingness to embrace the fact that claims is all about helping people. Former litigation attorney and leadership expert Robin Sharma sums up our winners’ characteristics best with this quote: “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers.”

Lastly, I’m proud to announce that this year’s Claims College will introduce the School of Leadership. This one-level program provides a comprehensive review of leadership theories and styles as well as practical information for leadership development, and is helmed by two distinguished deans: Jeanette Hernandez, chief operating officer for Carl Warren & Company, and Stephen Johnson, senior vice president, claims, for Assurant. Students will learn about the roles of claims leaders, leadership challenges, leading claims staff to success, and leading across the enterprise. It’s a bold new journey for Claims College’s graduates to embark upon, and we’re excited to lead the way.