Pam Humphrey
Posted On: Dec. 4, 2011 12:00 AM CST
Houston Regional Executive Senior Vp
ACE USA
Houston
Age: 55
Pam Humphrey, with nearly 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, is responsible for the Houston region's commercial insurance production and underwriting, and developing and maintaining broker relationships for all lines and products offered by ACE USA in the Southwest region. Since taking on her latest role, the Houston region has shown consistent growth and was named region of the year for ACE USA in 2007. Active in the community, Ms. Humphrey has helped create scholarship programs for youth and has mentored inner-city teenagers since 2000.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?
As you initially enter the insurance industry, I would recommend that individuals become proficient in some area of the business. Once you become technically proficient, you can allow yourself the opportunity to broaden your horizons by learning other businesses and product lines. This can help provide you with the skills to progress and take on various management positions.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?
That people tend to value one's responsiveness and listening skills, that it's important to listen to others, understand their points of view, respond to their needs and respond quickly. When someone feels you value them, this goes a long way toward developing positive relationships.
DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR EARLY IN YOUR CAREER?
I didn't really have a mentor, but I always sought the perspective of more-senior people when facing a particular challenge. Sometimes I would tap into the expertise of internal colleagues, and sometimes I had the opportunity to seek the advice of colleagues outside the office, such as brokers or risk management professionals, whose opinion I valued.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB, OUTSIDE OF YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I would probably pursue a career/job teaching insurance or risk management skills and topics, particularly to new entrants to this industry. Doing so can give you more knowledge and skills, and broaden your outlook (and) perspective of the insurance profession.
OUTSIDE OF FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES, WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?
I admire visionaries, whether from a business perspective, such as the late Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, or visionaries of social change, such as Martin Luther King Jr. These are people who can think outside the box by using their talent to look beyond today to make a change in the way we think and act in the world for future generations. As insurance women, we have to see ourselves in that future position and prepare a path and a plan for getting there by education, training and networking to broaden our horizons.
WHAT'S YOUR CAN'T-MISS TV SHOW?
I don't have one particular program in mind. I enjoy murder mysteries, because I like analyzing and solving the problems long before the program is over.
BEYOND WORK, WHAT ONE THING DO YOU WANT TO DO OR ACCOMPLISH IN LIFE?
My goal is to continue to make a difference in the lives of young people—our future—through my involvement serving on nonprofit organizations that engage in advocacy and mentoring activities to help motivate youth.
DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA? IF NOT, WHY NOT?
I use LinkedIn, but not other forms of social media, because I enjoy the one-on-one interaction of people. You really get a sense of someone when you meet them one-on-one.