2011 Keys to Success executive panel
New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals hosted an executive panel—Keys to Success in Business—April 6, 2011, at the offices of ADP/Statewide Insurance Agency in Florham Park, N.J.
During the event, four panelists shared their insight, opinions and experiences about what led them to their current positions in the insurance industry. Thomas Wilkens, assistant vice president of Professional Risk Placements LLC and vice president of NJYIP, served as moderator.
The panelists included: Jon Bannett, vice president, manager of DVUA of New Jersey; Donna M. Cunningham, CPIA, co-owner and president of ADP/Statewide Insurance Agency and president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc.; John D'Agostino, CIC, CPIA, CRM, vice president of D'Agostino Insurance Agency and past president of PIANJ; and Marianne Ferrera, CPCU, managing director, commercial accounts, The Travelers Cos. Inc.
Some of the recommendations shared by the panelists included: the need to balance business and personal life; the importance of formal preparation and continuing education to set a person apart from others in the industry; the need for networking—on both business and community levels; the ability to quickly sort the myriad of daily problems and determine which ones to tackle; the capability to multi-task; and the talent to handle disappointments by always getting up and trying again.
Bannett cautioned those present, "Make sure you don't get lost in insurance. Find success in other parts of your personal life."
The panelists agreed that goals change through life and it is important to see changes or trends as they occur. They noted that success is a result of accomplishments and the little moments along the way, as well as happiness in whatever you do.
Regarding mentors, the panelists agreed that their advisers had influenced their development and careers positively. They said mentors should be positive people, who are willing to listen and give honest feedback and appraisal, and they should be individuals you can approach about anything.
Following the panel discussion, the panelists and attendees joined NJYIP at an informal reception at Vanderbilt's Sports & Spirits for networking.
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