Fela Abioye has spent the last 13 years working in the commercial insurance industry, mostly for The Hartford. From workers' compensation claims representative to general property and casualty production underwriter, Fela also continued his education, securing a Senior Claim Law Associate, SCLA designation, and a Chartered Property Charter Underwriter and CPCU designation. Fela is currently a Managing Director responsible for the profit, loss, and growth of a middle market book of business while leading a team of production underwriters. In 2021, Fela launched The How to Corporate podcast, a show dedicated to helping working professionals advance their careers. Fela joins Chris Hampshire in today's episode of the In The Know podcast to discuss career development, crafting your personal brand, and the questions you need to ask yourself when considering a major career move.

Key Takeaways

• Fela's professional journey from life insurance to The Hartford.

• Underwriting appeals to Fela because no two risks are ever the same.

• The impact that the CPCU designation has had on Fela's career.

• The motivation behind the How to Corporate podcast.

• Topics covered in Fela's podcast range from talent shortage to career growth.

• Extracurricular activities help Fela give back to the insurance industry and the community.

• Why does Fela think more people should consider a career in the insurance industry?

• Fela's methodology for decoding why you might feel held back in your career.

• Navigating office politics when you're not in the office full-time.

• Tactics for building a personal brand that speaks for itself.

• Creating career opportunities for yourself starts with intentional relationship building.

• Consider your long-term "why" when looking at making a major career move.

• A five-year look at the changes within the insurance industry.

• Fela's thoughtful advice to his early career self.

Quotes

• "I fell into the insurance agency, but it's been one of the greatest experiences of my life."

• "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for other folks looking out for me… and I find it my duty to do the same for others."

• "There are so many opportunities within this industry to do so many different things, it attaches to nearly every single skill set out there."

• "Be the owner of your own career. Development doesn't start with your manager, it starts with you."

• "What do you want people to think of when they think of you? Decide that first, then act accordingly."