Chelsie Tysdal says she has never looked back since entering the insurance industry 10 years ago, calling it the industry’s best-kept secret. Despite knowing nothing about insurance, she was offered a job with another wholesaler right after her first interview. Today, she heads up Burns & Wilcox’s personal, professional and corporate banking business and manages her own company book.
What is the current status of your sector in the insurance market?
My team is heavily focused on commercial property insurance, and since we are in California, everything is difficult to place. Everything seems to be wildfire-prone, and no insurer is interested in coming into the California market and offering solutions.
What problem needs to be solved in your sector?
We’ve had to provide extensive training to retail brokers on what information we need – which helps us be more successful in the market. We want them to view wholesalers as partners rather than an access point. It’s more about discussing relationships/partnerships with retail brokers, but also about providing market knowledge.
How do you apply risk management principles in your personal life?
If you’re in risk management or anywhere in the insurance food chain, you don’t necessarily jump into a side business. It makes me a lot more cautious and risk averse, but that’s a good thing because I think about the costs and of course the risks.
What would surprise people about you?
I was an NCAA Division I athlete in college and lived in Sweden for six months where I played and coached softball.
Which destination is at the top of your travel wish list?
Australia and New Zealand. I have a great interest in hiking and the great outdoors and have developed a love of white wine.
