Ann Begnaud is the new personal lines practice leader at HUB Carolinas, the regional arm of HUB International, the world’s sixth-largest insurance, benefits and risk services brokerage firm. Ann will be responsible for creating and implementing strategies to retain and drive new business throughout the firm’s Carolinas offices. Most recently, Begnaud served as part of the Signature Client Group at Lockton Companies. Prior to that, she served as a senior account executive at Aon Private Risk Management. Begnaud has more than 15 years’ experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, with a concentration in personal risk.
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What do you like best about your job?
The capacity to do what’s right for customers. HUB International has big-business capabilities with small-business agility. We have significant weight in the marketplace but also the flexibility to customize strategies based on local needs of our clients. During the recent hurricane season, HUB enlisted national support for claims handling and seamlessly transferred service needs to teams unaffected by the storms. This strategy allowed our employees located in at-risk regions to focus on their own safety, while our customers maintained best-in-class service.
What inspires you?
People that deliver more than expected. I am energized by people who are passionate about their convictions but can communicate them in a persuasive, reasonable way.
Who should we be paying attention to?
Generation Z — those born after millennials. This generation was born into a world overflowing with rapidly changing technology. They are hyper-connected, global-thinking and brilliant at multitasking. Abandoning conventional advertising, they prefer to be reached through social media. They value unique products, experiences and job opportunities. We need to learn how to engage this next generation both as consumers and in the workforce, and we need to learn quickly.
What was your biggest challenge this week?
It’s the same challenge every week. Maintaining balance between professional and personal life while trying to excel in both. It’s the key to managing stress and ultimately being most productive. I strive to focus 100% in the moment. As a by-product, I’m learning to say “no” and delegate more often.
Favorite N.C. vacation spot?
The High Country. A perfect day is hiking through Moses Cone, watching football and finishing with dinner at one of the amazing local restaurants such as Artisanal, Bistro Roca, or Eseeola. There is no better way to relax than a weekend in the mountains.
