Great leaders ‘take time to listen’

Managers should understand that their success is linked to the success of those around them, says young Holborn leader.

As part of our spotlight on LEADERS Under 40, Intelligent Insurer interviewed nominee Hannah Erie, whose career in the reinsurance industry began nearly 10 years ago at TigerRisk Partners where she worked in the US treaty broker team before moving to Holborn in July 2021.

“I am an assistant vice president on the reinsurance broking team at Holborn, a team that is responsible for supporting and placing property and casualty reinsurance programmes for our clients,” Erie explained.

Her role involves collaborating closely with clients to ensure their reinsurance needs are met effectively. “I slid into the reinsurance industry,” she recalled. “I graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota with an economics major and knew very little about the sector.”

A serendipitous encounter then occurred. “As I was applying for jobs, a family friend mentioned that she worked in reinsurance and her company was hiring entry levels.

“After speaking with her more, the position sounded exciting, so I decided to apply, and I have been in this sector ever since,” she said. 

Tough but rewarding

Exactly three years later, Erie still feels excited about her role even though it can be demanding.

“The major challenges I have faced are typical for anyone in the broking role: you feel a deep loyalty to your clients, and they become your friends,” she said. 

“You are constantly challenging yourself to provide the best service for them and to make sure they succeed.”

This loyalty drives Erie to consistently deliver outstanding service to her clients, and despite the challenges, she has found her career in reinsurance to be extremely rewarding.

“As a reinsurance broker, you meet so many talented, interesting, and intelligent people,” she said.

“I feel lucky that I have been able to work with many colleagues who value teaching and supporting others in their careers.”

Erie has had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at all levels of the company.

“I have been given the chance to work alongside C-suite-level individuals from very early in my career and have been able to participate in their decision-making process,” she said.

One of the aspects that excites Erie most about the reinsurance industry is its dynamic nature.

“It is an ever-changing industry and there is always a new challenge to overcome, a new emerging risk, or a different way to get something done,” she explained.

“My workday never looks the same as another, which is fun.”

“I have been given the chance to work alongside C-suite-level individuals from very early in my career.” Hannah Erie, Holborn

Great leadership matters

While this constant evolution keeps Erie engaged and motivated, she highlighted the importance of good leadership in her career.

“The good leaders in my life have always been the people who take the time to sit down and really listen to their colleagues when working through whatever the problems or issues there are,” she said.

“They want everyone at the table to be heard and to know that their thoughts are valued, and they recognise that their success is linked to the success of those around them.”

Would she recommend reinsurance to young people? “Definitely! The reinsurance sector is a very rewarding industry to be a part of.

“You get to work with some amazing people and have the opportunity to make a difference too,” she said.

Looking ahead, Erie revealed her aspiration: “Simply, to continue to grow and learn.

“I have been working in this space for nine years, long enough to know that there is so much more to learn,” she concluded. 

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