Insurance Professionals Builds Leaders. Let me say that again, Insurance Professionals Builds Leaders.
Insurance Professionals offers both sides of the Leadership coin. I can’t think of another professional association in our industry that can say that.
One side is our Certified Leadership Professional and Advanced Certified Leadership Professional Designations that teach you leadership soft skills.
The flip side, and I’d say the more important side, is the experience side. There are so many opportunities within Insurance Professionals to put your new leadership skills to use in a supportive environment. This experience can then set you apart from the competition the next time you go for that promotion.
In the past, we saw leadership opportunities from the bottom up – State and Local Committees, Local President, Council Director, Regional Planning Committees, Regional Vice President. However, with the loss of Local Associations and State Councils, we must rethink our approach.
One way is to make use of committee co-chairs; this adds another leadership position but also adds an opportunity for mentoring and succession planning.
RVP’s have Director positions for Marketing, Education, Membership, and Members-at-Large. These positions don’t need to be stand-alone positions. Directors seek out a co-chair, form a committee, and remember you don’t have to do it alone. Stretch those delegation skills. I’m applying this strategy myself and have co-chairs for every task force.
Leadership also comes in the form of mentoring and knowledge transfer opportunities. Watch for opportunities to be an Onboard Buddy to a new member. An Onboard Buddy will check in with new members periodically during the first year or two of membership to answer any questions, send suggestions on how to get involved (refer back to Building Block #2), and be a general connection to the world of Insurance Professionals and what we have to offer.
By fostering a collaborative culture and encouraging the sharing of ideas, we not only empower individual members but also strengthen Insurance Professionals as a whole.
Leadership is not just about holding a title—it’s about inspiring others, fostering growth, and building a legacy that endures. Whether you’re stepping into your first committee role or guiding a team through strategic initiatives, every leadership experience within Insurance Professionals is a chance to refine your abilities and make a meaningful impact.
Remember, the journey to leadership is unique for each member. Embrace opportunities as they arise, seek out mentors, and don’t hesitate to step beyond your comfort zone. Together, through intentional development and real-world experience, we will continue to shape tomorrow’s leaders—today.
Lisa R Hardin, CPCU, CPIW, AIC, AIS, ACS, AINS, SCLA, DAE, CLP
2025-2025 IAIP International President
Lisa Hardin has been employed with Sentry Insurance for 35 years. She works as a Claims Specialist for Sentry’s National Accounts division, handling complex auto, general liability and products claims. She is currently serving as the IAIP International President.