NAME: Sue Janzen
NEW JOB TITLE: Vancouver-based vice president, Pacific and Alberta region, CNA Canada
PREVIOUS POSITION: Vancouver-based vice president and branch manager, Pacific region, CNA Canada
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: I believe the insurance business models must evolve. Tangible and intangible risks will continue to thrive, and the interconnectivity of risks is creating a daunting new risk landscape. For example, a rise in technology reliance is linked to cyberattacks, data fraud and critical infrastructure breakdown. If we are to navigate the new tangled web of interconnected risks, insurers, brokers and risk managers will need to work closely together to build appropriate resilience into assets, processes and systems.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My main goal is to continue our success as a company in the Pacific and Alberta regions by enhancing our teams collaboration and bringing all of our skills and experience together to increase success with our broker partners and provide compelling solutions to our customers.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: A key challenge is understanding the new and existing generations entering the workforce. We have Millennials and Generation Z who want different things from their work life. As leaders, we need to understand these differences, coach and mentor appropriately, to ensure these new generations develop the skills and knowledge they will need to become the new leaders in our industry.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I started at Royal Insurance in 1986 based in Calgary, Alberta. The only thing I knew about insurance was auto insurance and home insurance. I started as a coding clerk back in the day when I was the only one that had a computer on my desk and we had to enter all of the coding through a DOS system, which we had to review the next morning for errors. These were the days of telex machines, rotary phones and when you could smoke at your desk. Can you imagine?
ADVICE: Take advantage of the education opportunities, as most companies will pay to achieve your CIP/CRM and FCIP designations. Build a brand for yourself through industry networking, external and internal relationships and foster those relationships throughout your career.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Event/party planning. I enjoy the research that goes into finding a venue, theme, decorations, food, wine and all that goes into throwing a really good event.
COLLEGE MAJOR: I was not lucky enough to enjoy the college experience. I graduated from high school in 1985 and had a few odd jobs before I accepted an opportunity in insurance.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Im excited to reconnect and build new relationships with our broker partners in Alberta.
FAVOURITE MEAL: I love to share plates with friends and family, so I like tapa style eating, then you get a chance to try all kinds of yummy dishes.
BOOK: I dont have a favorite book, but I do have a favorite author Stephen King.
HOBBIES: Reading, walking and riding my bike on the seawall through Stanley Park. Researching my next vacation, as I love to travel.
TV SHOW: Any reality TV show a guilty pleasure.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Typical Saturday: I go to the gym in the morning to get that out of the way and enjoy the day. I then run my errands early afternoon and, weather permitting, I get in a walk and or bike ride on the seawall/Stanley Park. If raining, I like to read a good book or catch up on my personalized video-recorded shows.
