SABRINA TIMMINS | Age: 36 Vice president, branch manager

CNA Financial Corp.

Dallas

A “people person,” Sabrina Timmins imagined a career on the insurer side would confine her to a desk, and so — degree in risk management from Temple University in Philadelphia in hand — she ventured into broking. She then went back and forth before landing her current spot. “My perception was not accurate,” she said. “Having carrier and broker perspectives has been one of the best things for my career. It has helped give me credibility.”

 

What’s a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?

Pre-pandemic, I was a remote employee. My team was then scattered across the country. We were always on conference calls, but we never used videos. While people hate videos, I love them.

 

What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?

It’s constant communication. At the end of the day, you have to communicate to manage expectations. Having been on the broker side helps me as I am able to put myself in their shoes.

 

What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?

We make fun of ourselves a lot as an industry. We are the brunt of our own jokes. I am an insurance nerd, but I think the industry is a hidden gem. It’s recession-proof. You can travel the world. You can learn about many industries. We need to promote more the positives.

 

Favorite hobby or pastime?

Going to concerts.

 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An attorney, which is how I ended up going into risk management. Someone in college convinced me to not be an attorney; they said it was not a great life.

 

Favorite song?

“Living” by Dierks Bentley. I pay attention to lyrics. It’s talking about living and taking it for what it is and being more positive and embracing the here and now.