Debbie Coull-Cicchini, Executive Vice President, Intact Insurance
The best advice I received from my mom was to, do what you love. When I speak at non-insurance events, and I say that I’ve built my career on this advice, people often ask, do what you love? And you do insurance?
Yes. I do what I love, and I love insurance.
I chose the insurance industry when I joined Intact Insurance as senior vice president of the Ontario Division in 2005, from a role as the executive vice president of a U.S. bank. I was attracted by the breadth of opportunity the industry offered, but I had no idea just how fascinating this industry was.
Now, 17 years in, I have seen how fast our industry moves, and how innovative, collaborative and aspirational it is. I know how much people in this industry care about helping people. And I know how much we offer to those looking to build a fulfilling career: diverse experiences, the ability to learn on the job and virtually limitless opportunities for advancement for the ambitious.
Brokers and insurers alike are facing a talent crunch. To fix it, our industry needs to attract both emerging and experienced talent. To do that, we need to show career-seekers exactly what’s waiting for them here.
We need them to know that there is a place for all skillsets, from all walks of life, in insurance. We need actuaries, underwriters, salespeople, data scientists, AI experts, programmers, medical experts, designers, communicators and skilled leaders who inspire their teams.
We need them to see that the people who work in insurance are motivated problem solvers who use their skills and talents to help people. In good times, we provide peace of mind. When people start a new business, purchase a company or buy a new home, we are there to help them manage the risks that come with following their dreams. In bad times, whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a catastrophe, we are also there on the ground, making sure people are safe and have what they need to get them back on track.
We need to tell talented people that if they’re looking for a place where they can make a difference, in an inclusive industry that cares, with supportive colleagues who will help them grow, they will thrive in insurance.
This is the story we need to take to job fairs and to embed in our online job postings. We need to showcase how exciting the insurance industry really is and the abundance of opportunities it offers, both to new talent looking for a challenging, relevant path and to seasoned talent seeking a fulfilling lateral move.
Insurance is a job-seeker’s hidden gem. If you’re willing to be challenged, you will find something to challenge you every minute of every day. If you’re willing to learn and grow, you will succeed.
So, when people ask me, Do what you love? And you do insurance? I answer with a resounding yes. Yes! I love what I do, and I do insurance. I love the challenge and opportunity of the industry. I love the creativity of finding the right solutions. And most of all, I love the promise of it: that by working together, we have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
You probably see our industry the same way. If others could see the industry the way we do, they would love it too.
Insurance is a job-seeker’s hidden gem. If you’re willing to be challenged, you will find something to challenge you every minute of every day. If you’re willing to learn and grow, you will succeed.