NAME: Rose Hall
NEW JOB TITLE: Washington-based vice president, head of construction innovation, Axa XL, a division of Axa SA
PREVIOUS POSITION: Washington-based vice president, head of construction innovation, Axa XL, a division of Axa SA
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The insurance industry has more of an opportunity to partner with clients than ever before to become much more than a payer of claims, to help solve problems. As we enter the fourth industrial revolution, new technologies are showing great potential in helping us manage risks. The construction industry, for instance, is faced with the challenge and the opportunity to reinvent how the industry builds. From a construction risk management perspective, there is potential to completely disrupt the paradigms of safety, cost, schedule and quality on construction projects leading to fewer worker injuries, project delays and more. Its a unique opportunity to not only control and manage risk on construction projects, but to influence business outcomes previously limited by legacy constraints. Its an inflection point for the entire industry, and by extension, for society as we all benefit from the build world that is only possible through construction. A very exciting time.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: With this new role, Im focused on supporting contractors risk management, innovation and technology adoption goals so they can continue to focus on what they do best building and rebuilding our world.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: The construction industry has always been slow to adopt new technologies and struggles to innovate in a strategic and meaningful way. Most C-suite construction executives are derived from operational excellence rather than creative thinking, so the challenge to innovation is achieving the necessary culture shift to make technology truly effective and lasting. Once contractors embrace innovation and technology, the insurance industry can leverage data analytics to develop new products and services truly tailored to their needs both in coverage and value reducing the cost of risk for everyone.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I took a class on construction of affordable housing in graduate school. Every Friday the lab was to work at Habitat for Humanity for the entire day. It was a great way to learn small bits of each trade through hands-on experience, and a wonderful way to give back to the surrounding community.
ADVICE: Learn as much as you can, from everyone you can. Even the smallest, seemingly meaningless tasks will prove valuable in the future. And be sure to thank those from whom youve learned. A little gratitude goes a long way.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I think I would enjoy contributing to the educational development of the next generation of thinkers by being a college professor at a university known for breakthrough invention and innovation.
COLLEGE MAJOR: My college major was civil engineering with a focus in construction management. This was also my focus for my masters degree.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Im looking forward to working with the industrys most sophisticated contractors to explore just how far we can advance construction through technological modernization. The great thing about creating change in a legacy industry is that theres plenty of room to grow. The construction industry is on the precipice of disruption and Im thrilled to be a part of it.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Predictable as it may be, since Im of Italian heritage, pasta with a marinara sauce is my absolute favorite meal.
BOOK:
HOBBIES: Fitness is a real passion of mine Im a runner, CrossFitter and a triathlete. I also love to travel, golf and am an avid reader and lifelong learner.
TV SHOW: I dont watch much TV, but if Im in the mood for something mindless and fun, its Friends every time. Lately Ive gotten a kick out of Silicon Valley, too the storyline and deadpan humor and is strikingly relevant!
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Be outside in the sunshine, probably doing something active or reading a book.
