Lori Seidenberg is the Global Director of Real Assets Insurance at BlackRock, Inc. and has over 30 years of experience in the risk management and insurance space. For five years, Lori also worked in the entertainment industry as an Insurance Claims Manager. In this episode, Lori shares what it was like working for the entertainment industry and how to increase interest and diversity in the workplace, and provides helpful networking tips at the end to help new professionals get ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• A little bit about Lori and her role at BlackRock.

• Lori got started at AllState and fell in love with the insurance industry.

• How does BlackRock see risk?

• Lori learned a lesson early on that you have to look at the written documentation as your source of truth, and not necessarily people’s language or interpretation of insurance policies.

• Insurance policies are black and white. They’re not as scary as you might think.

• Lori shares what her experience was like working in insurance within the entertainment industry.

• Confidentiality is key when working with high-profile celebrities.

• When a celebrity is a real jerk, it really changes your perspective over them as an actor.

• Lori has been in the industry for over 30 years and has seen a wide range of changes to the industry. Women had a stricter dress code back then.

• However, it can be discouraging to see that the insurance industry is still heavily male-dominated.

• What can the insurance industry do to increase diversity?

• When you have three different generations working under the same roof, you get a wide range of perspectives that make it a better place to work.

• Lori shares what makes her slightly different in the industry.

• Lori says if women want to get ahead, learn how to play golf. She explains why it’s important.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Theinstitutes.org

Blackrock.com

Lori on LinkedIn

Kevin Bates joined Leadlease in 2004 and currently serves as Group Head of Risk and Insurance. After making a transition as a corporate finance lawyer into risk management, Kevin has enjoyed every step of the way within this engaging industry. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the industry as a whole, how to bring diversity into the field, and the fact the industry is not innovating fast enough with the ever-evolving markets.

Key Takeaways:

• A little bit about Kevin and what he does at LendLease.

• Kevin explains his role in risk management and how he serves his clients.

• Kevin shares some common misconceptions people might have about his field.

• It’s important that you put the time in to connect with others in the industry. These people will be your peers for the next 20‒30 years.

• Kevin reflects on the types of mentors he’s had over the years that helped him grow.

• What makes a good mentor?

• Men and women apply for jobs differently. If you want diversity, you have to understand these nuances.

• Why has Kevin stayed in risk management for as long as he has?

• Risk management is not innovating fast enough compared to other industries. We’re lagging behind.

• No matter what, you have to enjoy what you’re doing.

• What does Kevin wish he’d learned sooner in his career?

• Kevin shares what he’s currently reading!

• Remember, relationships are key to any successful career growth.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Theinstitutes.org

Lendlease.com

Kevin on LinkedIn

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable, by Tim S. Grover

Black Box Thinking: Why Most People Never Learn from Their Mistakes — But Some Do, by Matthew Syed

Andrew Bent is the Senior Risk and Insurance Manager at Gopuff. Andrew’s extensive experience has led him to work internationally as a risk insurance professional and in this episode, he shares his unique knowledge about risk insurance. You’ll learn what it takes to be a risk insurance professional in this growing landscape, the value of industry disruption, and also Andrew’s process on how to collaborate and be a helpful insurance partner within an organization. 

Key Takeaways:

• How did Andrew get into risk management? 
• Andrew’s extensive expertise abroad has led him to see different cultural perspectives as it relates to risk insurance.
• Andrew compares New Zealand, Canada, and the United States risk insurance policies. 
• Good risk management really is just good organizational management at the heart of it. 
• What value does insurance bring to an organization? 
• What’s a career lesson Andrew has adopted overtime in the risk industry?
• Focus to your best ability on the things you can control! 
• How does Andrew approach collaboration within an organization so that risk management has a seat at the table? 
• What are some of the biggest mistakes Andrew sees some of his clients make? 
• Insurance is a game of trust. If people don’t trust the insurers to pay, they shouldn’t be working with them. 
• As insurance professionals, you have an obligation to be current and relevant. If you’re unable to do that, then the industry will very quickly become disrupted. 
• Andrew talks about what he disagrees with in the insurance industry. 
• What advice would Andrew give his former self? 
• It’s not about the result, it’s about the recovery. 
• What is Andrew currently reading? 
• Insurance professionals need to tell a story on how important and valuable risk management is for people to fully understand it. 
• We need to begin to disrupt cliche views of what risk insurance is. 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Theinstitutes.org

Gopuff.com/go

Andrew on LinkedIn

The Voices of Risk Management is the premier podcast that gives listeners a 30 minute peek into the minds of Risk and Insurance leaders. Every episode, a new guest will be telling their stories of heroics, hard conversations, and just dumb luck. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of risk management!