Her Story
About Krissi
My career path has been quite unique. I actually majored in art at Florida State University, so I was not planning to work in insurance at all. But I have a family that works at State Farm, and they really encouraged me to explore those opportunities and take my creative mindset and apply it in the insurance world. After my undergraduate degree in art, I attended Bernal University where I got my master's degree in organizational leadership, and that helped boost me within the leadership role at State Farm. Today, I have a team of 18 underwriters who handle policies from our agents all around the United States. I coach, develop, and guide them to make the right choices and match price to risk for State Farm. My main area of expertise is commercial auto insurance. I'm most proud of being a part of a Business Resource Group called Women's Networking Group - this is my fourth year, and I really enjoy getting to connect with people all over the enterprise and support developing women within the workforce. I'm currently working on getting my CPCU, which is a designation for insurance professionals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Krissi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have a wonderful support system through family, coworkers, just people that are there to help lift me up when times are rough, or cheer me on when things are great. Having that network of support has been essential to my success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her that she needs to do a lot of self-reflecting first, figure out what is important to her and why. And then after that, find people that she can speak to, whether it's someone she already knows or someone that just has a completely different background than her. Getting those different life experiences can really help guide her with what the next step should be.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest opportunity is really embracing what we call human plus digital. So, being able to incorporate AI and all the advances that are coming, but making sure we still remain human and be there for our employees and our customers. It's about finding that balance between technological advancement and maintaining the human connection.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is really big for me. Along with that comes honesty and realness - there might be a better way to word it, but just being your true self and not putting up a fake wall. Those values of authenticity and openness are what guide me in both my work and personal life.
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