With more than 16 years of expertise in the insurance sector, Tiara Morris is a skilled underwriting specialist. Tiara is presently an Underwriting Technical Specialist at State Auto. She is accountable for engaging with regional underwriting teams to give assistance, instruction, and technical guidance in this capacity.
Tiara began her career as an INROADS intern at Liberty Mutual and has since held a variety of positions at Travelers and Chubb. She was recently appointed the Chair of the NAAIA DFW Foundation and previously served as the immediate past president for the Dallas Forth Worth Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association. Tiara has participated in mentoring organizations like Big Brother Big Sister and likes working with kids and young professionals. She has also partnered with her alma university on a number of events. She was crucial in creating the NAAIA DFW Foundation’s endowment fund as well as the organization’s scholarship program.
Tiara completed the cycle by being named one of the top 50 Alumni finalists for INROADS, Inc. in 2020. She was further honored as an Elite Women recipient and a Rising Star in Insurance Business America Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
Tiara graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Services. She just finished Cornell University’s Women in Leadership Certification Program and has an Associate in Risk Management credential from The Institutes.
Below are highlights of the interview:
What was the idea behind becoming an Underwriting Technical Specialist?
As an Underwriting Technical Specialist, I provide training, support, and technical direction to underwriters in the field. In this role, I get to empower underwriters with tools and resources to make them more confident in their underwriting decisions.
Tell us more about State Auto Insurance Companies and how it is helping clients with their businesses.
State Auto opened its doors in 1921 (we just celebrated our Centennial in 2021!) with the belief that every person deserves affordable insurance, prompt service and fair treatment. That’s the foundation of why we’re still here today.
State Auto is a company that cares. We care about the individual and business customers we serve who rely on us to protect what’s most important to them when they face some of the most difficult times in their lives; the communities where we live and work by giving back with our time and financial resources; our independent agency partners who our customers trust for sound advice and counsel; and each other.
Today we market our personal and commercial insurance products through approximately 3,400 independent agencies, including traditional retail agents, network agents and platform agents. We’ve used our 100 years of industry knowledge to create a suite of products and services that meet the evolving needs of our customers and agency partners, and we’ve made it easier than ever to do business with us.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting to build their career in finance sector?
I would advise them to get an internship or get into a training program. From there, seek out our mentors and sponsors. Build relationships organically and don’t be afraid to officially ask for that mentorship as the relationship progresses.
What gets you up in the morning? What are your responsibilities as the Underwriting Technical Specialist of the company?
I honestly love my job. One of the big draws in joining State Auto for me was that I was getting an opportunity to be in a role that I have always wanted to ultimately do. Not only was it my dream job, but I got to do it 100% remotely. This opportunity gave me so much time back with my family as a wife and mother of two boys.
My current responsibilities include:
- Risk consultation for underwriters when an industry segment or classification is outside of their expertise.
- Developing and facilitating training for manufacturing risks for underwriters
- Securing reinsurance Treaty exceptions and facultative reinsurance placements
- Draft and publish corporate underwriting positions.
- Identify underwriting weaknesses and strengths in the field and develop training and mentorship opportunities.
- Keep an eye on case law, legislation, and regulatory directives to see how they might affect profit and growth.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
Networking has been the #1 contribution to my success. I have been involved with the National African American Insurance Association for over a decade now and I have met so many professionals in my field that look like me and have been able to offer mentorship and advice that I would not have received elsewhere. Networking has landed me on the local news, industry recognition and a slew of public speaking engagements. Even though I graduated from college a while ago, I still stay in contact with my insurance professors, and with those relationships I have had many speaking and mentoring opportunities.
What is the best way to build a great team?
Seek out diverse candidates… people who share different human experiences, including but not limited to race, gender, sexual preference, disability, and education. Diversity amongst your team will bring out the best ideas and solutions and has been proven to contribute to the long-term growth and profit of a company. Have the discernment to identify those with the potential to be a great partner or team member. They should identify their strengths and invest in their professional development.
What advice would you give to the next generation female leaders?
Include affirmations in your daily routine. Remind yourself of what you have accomplished in your education, career, and personal life. You are worthy of recognition. You are deserving of whatever opportunities and accolades that are presented to you. You are not an imposter. You earned it!
What are your future plans to sustain your and the company’s success?
In my role, I know I make a difference when underwriters have the tools and resources to make informed, educated decisions. Better decisions means taking quality risks, which turn into profit. It is my goal to continue to support, train, and advocate for underwriters at State Auto.
Website: www.stateauto.com
