By Katharine M. Nohr, J.D.
Do you remember the episodes of The Big Bang Theory when Howard Wolowitz wouldn’t stop telling people that he’s an astronaut and had been to space? That’s how I feel about attending the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I’ve been joking that it was such an amazing experience that I’ll never stop talking about it. Here’s my effort to link Paris 2024 memories to IAIP. Are there lessons we can learn?
Never Stop Moving.
Fifteen days in France, Zurich and Vienna meant walking as many as 10 hours a day to see sights. I would walk to and from my hotel to an Olympics Symposium, Olympic events, metro stations, and just wander to snap pictures to post on Rae Lynn Zachary’s Facebook “Daily Photo Theme”. There were hundreds of stairs to climb at St. Michel Metro station, up the mountain to see the Citadel in Besoncon, and at the Paris La Defense Arena where I attended swimming. I added more steps when I got lost. It felt like walking a marathon every day. Let all FIT insurance professionals be inspired that you can do it. Just walk and walk and walk and walk.
Focus on Your Specialty.
The “pommel horse guy”, Stephen Nedoroscik, was USA men’s gymnastics team final superman. His spectacular performance led to a team bronze medal at the team finals. It just so happened that my seat was behind the pommel horse. Even though that’s my least favorite gymnastics exercise—I was thoroughly entertained. It turned out that in Stephen’s spare time, he whips through Rubik’s cube in 15.42 seconds. The most interesting thing about Stephen is that in gymnastics, he only excels on the pommel horse, because that’s his focus. He was selected for Team USA because of this superpower. What insurance superpower do you possess that allows you to be the superman or woman for your company?
Don’t Let Anything Stop You.
On July 26, 2024, the day of the opening ceremony, there was coordinated sabotage by arson at multiple train facilities across France. While in Nantes, attending soccer, I worried that the widespread train stoppages would prevent me from taking a train at 5:59am the next day to attend the US versus Serbia men’s basketball game in Lille. Before the trip, I had identified that that was my only transportation option between Nantes and Lille. I was also worried that my train from Lille to Paris the following Monday might be delayed, jeopardizing my ability to attend the men’s gymnastics team final. The French government were also concerned and deployed crews to work round the clock to repair the train infrastructure. I spent much of the day before the soccer event stopping by the train station intermittently to ask for status and inquiring of any other available options. To my delight, my train to Lille was delayed only one hour and my train to Paris was delayed only five minutes. The lesson for IAIP members: When a disaster occurs, put all your energy and resources into resolving the issue. You can do it!
Just Dance!
I didn’t get to watch the Australian breakdancer who wowed the world with her creative kangaroo-like moves and managed to score zero points. However, post-Olympics, I’ve been fascinated with this story. It takes guts to get on the dance floor in front of millions and move, especially if you don’t measure up to the competition. Let’s be bold insurance professionals and enjoy showing our true colors and most glorious dance moves.
Pack Light.
The only way I was able to efficiently move between six cities by trains and planes was to pack light. It took far more preparation to fit all the clothes needed for two weeks in a small section of my backpack than it takes for me to fill a large suitcase. This meant that I had to strategize outfits and hand-laundry days. As insurance professionals, there are many ways we can “pack light”. This might mean focusing our time on what really matters, putting our time and efforts into the people and causes that mean most to us, and eliminate those things in our lives that are excess baggage.
Try the Non-Alcoholic Citrus Beer.
Sadly, there was no alcohol served at Paris Olympic venues. This motivated me to try a beverage that I would ordinally never try. I ordered the non-alcoholic citrus beer that was served in a recyclable Paris Olympics plastic cup. To my surprise and delight, this beverage was delicious. Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone and try something new. For insurance professionals, I think this lesson applies to AI. Commit to trying out new AI applications regularly. You might just find a delicious application that makes your job and life far more efficient.
Don’t Give Up Finding Your Seat.
Beach Volleyball at the Eiffel Tower venue is always a good idea. However, finding my seat was a task beyond the abilities of multiple volunteers who I asked. I kept asking and finally found my seat that turned out to be one of two in the first row! As IAIP members, there are many volunteer opportunities—from committee membership to leadership roles. If you haven’t found the right fit for you yet, keep looking, there’s an IAIP opportunity just right for you.
Embrace the Fan Section.
Pre-Olympics, I was given the opportunity to apply to sit in the fan section for my events. Fortunately, I was assigned to this section for USA versus Serbia men’s basketball in Lille, France, and boxing in Paris. This meant sitting in a special section with event flags, excited spectators, close to the action. Are you a fan of IAIP? Cheer loudly and let your colleagues know that they, too, can join in the fun and become a member.
Ask, Ask, Ask.
I discovered a delightful service at the Paris Olympics: purple clad volunteers at every metro and train station. I made a habit of always asking a volunteer about my metro route and oftentimes learned of a better way to get to my intended destination. When arriving at La Gare de Lyon in Paris, I couldn’t figure out how to exit so that I could most efficiently walk to my nearby hotel. I had to ask five volunteers but finally found the best sortie (exit). As an IAIP member, there are plenty of seasoned members to ask your many questions and many of them like to wear purple. Don’t be shy about asking all of your questions. We are all here to help!
In conclusion, just like my unforgettable experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics, there are endless lessons for IAIP members to take away. From staying active and focused on your specialty, to not letting obstacles stop you, the Olympic spirit resonates with the work we do every day. Whether it’s packing light, embracing new experiences, or continuing to seek out the perfect volunteer role, there’s something we can all learn. So, let’s channel that Olympic energy into our own professional journeys—and always be ready to cheer each other on, no matter the challenge.
Katharine M. Nohr, J.D. is an insurance defense and workers compensation attorney. She is also the Chief Innovation Officer of Sports Futurists, LLC and the author of 5 books. Katharine has been a member of IAIP since 2002 and has served in many leadership roles, including RVP.