I read up on every aspect of my industry as often as possible, and I would recommend that others do not immediately dismiss any idea or concept just because they disagree with it.
Randi Glazer is an underwriting consultant who has enjoyed a lengthy career as a senior insurance professional. Since entering the profession as a property package and inland marine underwriter, Ms. Glazer has served in a variety of demanding roles and has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and insightful leader who understands the value of mentoring. In all of her varied endeavors over many years in the insurance industry, Ms. Glazer has made a concerted effort to adopt a patient and supportive approach in order to ensure that those working under her leadership are able to consistently grow as professionals and enjoy a rewarding career.
Even though her professional responsibilities require frequent travel and long hours, Ms. Glazer has also been quite a prolific author throughout the entirety of her career. Seeking to share her passion and expertise for insurance and underwriting while edifying a broader audience than just those she leads or works alongside, Ms. Glazer has written countless articles along with several books concerning her expert insight into the many subtleties inherent in the insurance industry. Ms. Glazer’s most recently published book serves as a detailed guide for newcomers to the industry, especially for those who may not have access to the kind of mentoring that is so critical during the early stages of a career in the insurance industry.
Where did the idea for consulting business come from?
The insurance industry has changed on a dramatic scale in just a short period of time, and I felt that there was a general lack of understanding in some very critical areas of the field. With our knowledge and experience, we are able to ensure that industry professionals adopt an efficient and pragmatic approach to underwriting.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of my role is that I rarely have a set schedule to follow each day. I am always working with different professionals on a broad range of subjects relating to insurance and underwriting.
How do you bring ideas to life?
My belief has long been that the best ideas are the result of a patient and thoughtful approach. This ensures the idea can be fully developed and incorporated in the most ideal way possible.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Even though there seems to be less mentoring taking place in the insurance industry, there still seems to be a clear demand for it from newcomers. I feel that this reflects an intrinsic desire to learn and to be supported in a way that ensures one’s potential does not go to waste.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
While I advocate for patience and pragmatism in my role as a consultant, I also understand that there are instances in which it is important to utilize a decisive or aggressive approach based on immediate action.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
There is no job I have held that has been perfect in every regard, and while some jobs have certainly been worse than others, there are usually far more positive aspects than negative. In my view, it is simply a matter of focusing on the good rather than the bad.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would focus on adapting my approach to better suit the specific situation more than I did in those early years.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I read up on every aspect of my industry as often as possible, and I would recommend that others do not immediately dismiss any idea or concept just because they disagree with it.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
I focused on sustainable and incremental growth. There was never any point in which our services were adversely affected by sudden or rapid growth, which has allowed us to continue growing at a rate with which we feel entirely comfortable.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
There is always some level of failure that comes with entrepreneurship, and the key is to prepare appropriately by developing contingency plans ahead of time. That way the business itself is essentially insulated from any misstep or miscalculation.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
The way business is done in all fields has changed so much over just a few decades, and it is no longer the case that employees work for one company for decades at a time. This has affected the willingness to invest in training newcomers, so I would recommend a business that provides highly specific mentoring programs that level the playing field.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I rented out a cabin in this quiet, remote area for a weekend with no intention other than to relax and recharge.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
I use an insurance policy software along with an end-to-end underwriting software on a daily basis. The most recent advancements have been absolutely critical from an efficiency standpoint.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” really resonated with me, and I think it is important for both male and female entrepreneurs to understand what women may go through during a career in the corporate world or in any position of leadership.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Sheryl Sandberg has been an important recent influence, and I have always enjoyed Guy Kawasaki’s perspective as well.