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It’s been a blockbuster year for Michele Centeno, as she’s picked up a number of industry awards and recognitions.
None of it was expected, she says, but it’s been more than welcome. In the hyper-competitive insurance world, success breeds success.
Awards “are a very motivating thing,” she says.
Do you know someone who has succeeded above and beyond their peers? Nominations are now open for October’s Insurance Business Awards in Chicago.
“We’re a very competitive industry. People love to compete with each other. It’s mainly friendly competition, I think, but it’s a healthy way to drive people – and it obviously makes money for the company, as it does for them individually.
“These recognitions almost make you realize, hey, I’ve come a long way. This is great.”
Centeno, senior vice president of Arthur J. Gallagher’s risk management services group, says 2017 has been a standout year in her career. Twenty-six years after joining the insurance ranks, she has this year been recognized in magazines and also picked up two Gallagher in-house awards. One of her recognitions was as one of Insurance Business’s 2017 Top Producers.
“This year has been a special year for me. In our positions, we’re all competitive and we’re all trying to do well. At the end of the day it’s all about serving our clients and doing the right thing – but when you’re rewarded for your efforts it has a significant impact on morale.
“It’s had a great impact on my clients, who look at it and say, wow, I’ve hired the right person,” Centeno says. “I’ve had other opportunities with people reaching out to me with their insurance needs [as well]. It has just really made a significant difference in people recognizing me as a successful, hardworking individual in the industry that has a proven track record. People now want to do more with me.
“It [the recognition] absolutely has made an impact. It really makes a difference in what we do. When people are recognized and it’s advertised and shared around the marketplace, it just brings credibility and validity to what you do every day.”
The flow-on affects from her industry recognition this year has actually been a bit of a surprise, she says.
“When you get an award like this, you don’t think it’s that important, but I’ve seen the impact this year of what it’s done for me and the attention I’ve gotten from clients and prospects. It’s like, wow, this really does make an impact. I can’t believe how much it makes an impact.”
Following on from Insurance Business Canada’s highly successful awards, Insurance Business America is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural Insurance Business Awards in Chicago. For a full list of individual and organizational award categories, click here and find out how to become a winner this October!
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