2019 Break Out Awards, Midwest: Kimberly Lacker
Posted On: Jun. 1, 2019 12:00 AM CST
KIMBERLY LACKER
Vice president and actuary, specialty pricing
CNA Financial Corp.
Chicago
Age: 36
Kimberly Lacker knew she wanted a career in the corporate world, but was unsure of her exact path when she began to explore life as an actuary, starting with an internship at CNA Financial Corp. She eventually graduated from Evanston, Illinois-based Northwestern University with a Master of Science in predictive analytics, which has enhanced her understanding of the analytic tools and models becoming more readily utilized in the underwriting world.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
To be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and learn as much as you can in whatever role that you’re in. Take advantage of the different roles and the different opportunities you may have, because where you start isn’t going to be where you end up, but what you learn in each role is definitely something you can carry with you and can be an important part of the foundation that you build.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m an introvert, and I think that most people in my professional life would be surprised to know that, but it is my natural state. In a work environment, I adapt to come across as more extroverted, but I’m an introvert at heart. Be willing to put yourself in positions that you don’t feel fully comfortable in, and know that that will change over time. If you had told me 15 years ago that I would be able to stand up in front of a room of 100 people and give a presentation and not get nervous about it, I would have been shocked. There’s value in experience, and you develop greater comfort as you gain confidence.
What is your favorite app or gadget?
What is your favorite meal?
I really like gummi bears. It probably doesn’t qualify as a meal, but I would say that’s my favorite food to binge eat — in a healthy way, of course.