Last week, the RMI MBA and MSBA (Masters of Science – Business Analytics) students came together for some insightful events that highlighted the dynamic and exciting nature of our program and the RMI industry. To start the evening, we had a discussion called “What Is Risk and How Does Insurance Help Manage Risk?” led by one of our experienced professors, Ty Leverty. This conversation was a great example of how the diverse backgrounds of each student makes our conversations more valuable and enriches our learning experiences. This dialogue not only deepened our understanding of the industry, but also allowed us to meet students we may not otherwise have had the chance to.
Following this, we had the privilege of attending the first Weikel Leadership Speaker Series lecture where we heard from UW alumnus, Richard Lane. Richard and Dean Vallabh Sambamurthy discussed how to build a legacy and how crucial it is to diversify where and who we learn from. Traditional hierarchies can hinder our ability to think creatively, and often box us into relationships and roles that may not align with our aspirations. Because of this, it’s important to expand our networks, personally and professionally, to get a holistic view of what we aspire to do. Richard shared that building a legacy is a collaborative process, and it’s important to surround ourselves with those who can encourage us to take risks and help us grow. He also shared the idea of having a “secret life”—a side of ourselves for our passions and interests that keeps us grounded—and to use it as a reminder of who we want to be.
One of my favorite themes from the discussion was that legacy building should not be done retrospectively, rather, it is a forward-thinking process rooted in self-awareness and intentionality. Deciding what impact we want to have, both personally and professionally, begins with a clear vision of who we want to be and making choices aligned with that vision, while also having a constant willingness to learn. During the Q&A section, I asked Richard how he was able to balance building a legacy while also building credibility in his career, and he reemphasized the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people. He spoke about the importance of mentorship and how having someone who understands our ambitions and who can advocate for our abilities is crucial to being successful. He shared the importance of relating to people, rather than looking up or down on them, and that the most effective mentors are often mentees, too.
Engaging in these discussions was a great way to start the year and was an exciting way to learn outside of the classroom. As we continue our academic journeys and grow into leaders, it’s important to remember look at our lives holistically and invest in diverse learning experiences, mentors, and passions, to live and leave the legacies we want.