Carol McManus, CPIA, CISR, CRIS, MLIS, AFIS, AIAM, CIIP, CLP-A, DAE.-Education Task Force Committee Member
Your name and Region. Do you belong to a local association or are you a MAL? How long have you been a member?
Carol McManus, CPIA, CISR, CRIS, MLIS, AFIS, AIAM, CIIP, CLP-A, DAE. Member-at-Large, Florida Council, Region III.
What inspires you to be part of Insurance Professionals and what prompted you to join?
When I joined IAIP in 2011, it was to become part of a Local Association, SunCoast Insurance Professionals. I had been invited to attend a few meetings, and I was drawn to the camaraderie of the group. At the time I was only interested in what I might be able to get out of it. Some coworkers had been laid off, so I thought I could make connections at other agencies just in case; IAIP offered designations, and I was interested in adding some to my signature line; they offered leadership opportunities, and I didn’t even know how Roberts Rules of Order worked. I decided the cost of membership was worth it – there was going to be a lot in it for me. Our Local Association did not survive the COVID shutdown, but the Regional and National camaraderie and opportunities still inspire me to keep up my membership. After 13 years of participation, I am more interested in what I can do for IAIP – to strengthen it to attract new members who, like me, might be asking, “what will I get out of it?”
Describe a memorable collaborative effort, such as a committee, task force, or program, where you worked effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
Collaboration came immediately after joining when I was elected vice president of my Local Association. I admired the woman who was going to be president for her incredible knowledge of the organization, and I looked forward to learning all about IAIP as her “sidekick”. I attended my first International Convention with her in Orlando. Once you experience IAIP at the International level – and I can’t say this strongly enough – you will take so much pride in just being a member alongside so many amazing people! My own contributions may be small, but I am a small part of something great!
What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a member, whether it was a meeting, a specific project, or a challenging situation you encountered?
I will never, ever forget hearing my name called as the winner of the International CWC Competition in 2016 in Richmond, Virginia. My CWC classmates and I had finished the coursework just under the deadline to compete at Council that year, where I didn’t win. (IAIP will teach you perseverance.) I competed at Regional and won. Off to Convention, I was in another world. I knew the competition and it was stiff. I had to be prepared. Every thought in my head became an impromptu speech. Every conversation I overheard became a critique of word choice, vocal patterns and movement. Most of my speech that day was a blur, but I remember feeling the waves of encouragement coming from the audience. It was thrilling!
What is a good tip on how to share the benefits of membership with an employer?
I think a great way to share the benefits of membership with your employer is to be an amazing employee and give credit to IAIP where it’s due. I am not in a formal leadership position, but I believe that we all lead by example. I have found that the CLP and CLP-A classes have made me a better employee. When my manager (and her manager) comment on my professionalism and expertise, I am happy to say that my skills were honed at IAIP and my passion for education was inspired by the scholarships and awards they offer..
What Insurance Professionals programs have you taken that you would highly recommend to another member?
CWC will help you gain confidence in yourself: your ability to think on your feet and to present your ideas, your work product, and yourself. Our CLP and CLP-A programs have value for leaders, leaders-to-be, and anyone who is part of a team. The new ACR program is great for everyone because every kind of relationship need a little TLC, i.e., “customer service” doesn’t it?
Our organization’s vision statement includes: Insurance Professionals is the leading provider of education, skills enhancement and leadership development to members and partners of our industry. Which part of our Vision statement do you feel has had the biggest impact on your personal or professional growth?
IAIP’s development into a serious education provider has been the most important to me. As a member of the Education Task Force, I am proud to be part of the team that selects that education. And I have to say again that I am a small part of the greatness of the whole of the Task Force, which stacked with folks who have a passion for education and the “alphabet soup” of designations to prove it.
What are your hobbies, interests, or a particular cause you are most passionate about?
I believe in “think globally, act locally” and support several local charities and, of course, the Legacy Foundation, but I budget so that I can afford to send a few dollars in the event a new charity speaks to my heart. This year, I have supported ShelterBox – an international organization that provides portable shelter to those displaced by catastrophes in the Los Angeles wildfires and the Thailand earthquake. Just today I contributed to Selfless Love Foundation after hearing that a local insurance school donated licensing courses to them for some of the young adults they support who have aged out of the foster care system and are looking for career opportunities.
The Hidden Heroes of Insurance Professionals is a collaboration of the Member Engagement and Services and Marketing and Publications Task Forces.