November 11, 2020
Interview with LAMP Alumni: Part 3
Venecia Snaith continues our LAMP alumni interview series with her insight and experiences in the industry, PLUS, the LAMP program. For more content on diversity & inclusion from PLUS, you can read posts here on the PLUS Blog, or watch our member webinar series.
Venecia Snaith is currently employed at Ullico Casualty Group as the Lead Senior Underwriter in the P&C department. Her book of business include underwriting fiduciary and D&O/EPL coverages for multiemployer Funds, Municipals, and union entities. In addition to her underwriting duties, she is also in charge of training and development of the underwriting team. She was instrumental in designing quarterly interactive team training sessions to keep the underwriting and claims team abreast of changes in laws, industry risks, and future trends which could impact policy coverages. Venecia enjoys training and development and also makes her expertise available to retail and wholesale brokers in ensuring insureds coverage needs are being met. Venecia is currently finishing a masters degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology with a focus on leadership and diversity, and she is also studying for the RPLU designation.
How did you get your start in professional liability insurance?
I decided to make the switch from general liability specialty when I realized how much broader professional liability insurance was. At that time, I had worked in general liability for nine years and became intrigued with professional liability after attending seminars and listening to industry experts.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far in your career?
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career thus far is finding ways to be an exceptional underwriter without it being a factor in not moving to the next level. I have been told by a superior that they didn’t want to lose me as an underwriter and I feel that this has been a factor in my career stagnation.
How did you hear about LAMP? What made you decide to apply?
I heard of LAMP through a PLUS announcement and decided to apply because after reading what it was about, I felt that LAMP could give me valuable information that would assist in taking my career within the insurance industry to the next level.
What challenges in your career or in the industry were you facing that you thought LAMP would help you tackle?
I felt that LAMP could provide me with a mentor who was versed in the insurance industry; who would be equipped with knowledge, tips, and suggestions that I could utilize in the furtherance of my career. I also felt that LAMP would open up networking opportunities to learn from other seasoned veterans in professional liability as well as hearing from other peers.
What was the most valuable aspect of the programming (e.g. orientation, webinars, mentor, attending PLUS events, relationships with your cohort)? Why?
Every aspect of LAMP was valuable in my opinion. I was intrigued from orientation and the support that was received from PLUS was great. The webinars were informative not only for professional growth, but they also were relevant to how I was as a person outside of the work environment. These webinars really allowed me to see myself more objectively and reevaluate preconceived notions. Working with my mentor Pilar Summerville has been very fulfilling and she has imparted valuable knowledge and suggestions that have help me within my current position thus far.
What takeaway(s) from the program have you implemented in your own life/career and how has it benefitted you?
Definitely assessing a situation before responding and knowing what my goals are and what it will take to accomplish them and also what could be a possible hindrance.
How has LAMP changed your career path?
Nothing has changed as yet; however, I am speaking up more and voicing my professional goals to my superiors.
How do you think LAMP has, or will, impact the PLUS community? Impact the industry? What else do you think companies and individuals should be doing to bring about change?
LAMP has impacted the PLUS community by providing a medium for minority groups to have their professional roadblocks and goals heard and solutions provided. We still have ways to go however, shedding light on the struggles in the professional liability insurance industry as a minority is good step in bridging the promotional gap in companies especially at the executive level.
What advice would you give to someone from an underrepresented group who is thinking of entering professional liability insurance? Someone who is in the field but looking to advance their career?
It is a good career industry to be in and there is always room for growth. Reassessing goals, personality traits, and rapport with other team members is vital in taking the steps to advance your career. Portray the attributes and attitudes that you would want in a leader you would be happy to follow.
News Type
PLUS Blog
Topic
Professional Liability (PL) Insurance
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