2006 Women to Watch: Lucille Sgaglione
Posted On: Oct. 8, 2006 12:00 AM CST
Senior Vp, Specialty Claims
Zurich Financial Services
New York
After practicing law, Lucille Sgaglione entered the insurance industry in 1987 working in specialty lines areas. Ms. Sgaglione currently directs what is essentially a small company within a large organization. She manages about 500 claims people in the specialty claims, mass litigation and construction defect areas and has been in her current position for four years.
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "I would encourage the insurance industry to provide more varied opportunities for employees as their careers develop so that people who enter in one discipline can move to another if they choose to do so. That would help maintain talented people."
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "I would tell them that there are many opportunities for career development, and that there is no one clear path for success. Follow your dreams and instincts. Remember that careers are long in development and accommodate many stages of life. They should not feel they are sacrificing their personal life for their careers."
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: As a young professional, I worked for two managers who provided me with the flexibility and support I needed during the time I was dealing with my husband’s terminal illness and raising my young son. What I have learned from them and carried through my career is that we can be productive and achieve results while still creating a humane environment which allows people to meet the many challenges that come to all of us.