2022 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
DAN PASSANANTI Chief operating officer
Assurance, a unit of Marsh McLennan Agency LLC
Chicago
With a background in mental health, Dan Passananti began his career running a large inpatient psychiatric department. When the job ended, he made the life-changing decision to work for a small insurance brokerage. He was inspired by the many aspects of insurance and moved to Assurance in 2014, where he now serves as chief operating officer.
What is a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?
When I think of how we’ve been able to come together, there’s less of a need to be physically together to move work forward. Previously, you would want to wait until everyone was together to knock something out. Now, the world is your oyster, no matter where anyone is geographically.
What is a problem that needs fixing in your sector?
The insurance industry is administratively heavy and burdensome, so how do we find quicker, smarter and faster ways through technology or other efficiencies for our people to do their work so they can focus on what matters most and that is our clients?
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?
Our industry has a ton of cool and different things that can be accomplished, and we need to think about it that way, rather than the traditional way — that insurance is boring — because it isn’t. It’s extremely fascinating, and if we don’t believe that, we’re not going to attract young people and help them connect to that.
Favorite hobby or pastime?
I really enjoy design. We bought a house recently and it was a blast to pick out couches and rugs, sofas and pillows and design a new kitchen.
What’s your favorite song?
Any song by Taylor Swift.
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