Words of Wisdom from Women to Watch

Chapter 4Hear Me Roar

Caryn Siebert

Vice President and Chief Claims Officer Knight Insurance Group

Growing up in New York as a kid, most of my female role models were elementary school teachers—yes, even my mom! Lawyers, doctors, politicians, local business owners, sports figures, and stockbrokers who surrounded me personally or via my parents were all men. So when I told my parents I wanted to be a veterinarian or a lawyer, it was clear I was going to break the pattern set by friends and relatives.

Fast-forward—not only did I get into law school, but I graduated at the top of my class. One of the largest law firms in the country hired me, and I found some female role models at the firm and at the carriers/brokers with whom I interacted. They and others after them in Chicago, Kansas, Seattle, and California have been influencers in shaping my career. Now I take pride in being a mentor and coach to several female professionals as well as high school and college girls. Naturally, I also mentor and coach male colleagues as we groom them for future roles as well.

Mentoring

Having been on the 2010 Women to Watch list, the president of a national third-party administrator, and now the chief claims officer at a major carrier within a $6 billion holding company, mentorship is key. My career has included several terrific experiences and moves across the country with memorable mentors. Mentors can teach you a variety of things ranging from how to select wine, organize events for 12 ...