William Nichols’ background in investment banking and finance gave him a deep knowledge of mergers, acquisitions and insurance. In 2007, when he was looking for a relocation, a friend at Amwins suggested he take a closer look at the company. Mr. Nichols was hired as the head of mergers and acquisitions and has never looked back.
What is your top tip for remote working?
Take a break. You may go from one meeting to the next, but unlike in the office, you don’t have the opportunity to step into the hallway and chat because we have too much going on at home. You go from meetings to dinner and you don’t have time to relax. Take a moment to breathe. I wish I had done this more often.
What advice do you have for navigating the current insurance market?
Manage expectations – don’t wait until the last minute for surprises. People are afraid to deliver bad news, but it has to be delivered at some point.
Therefore, it is important to manage expectations and explain the facts of the situation to customers. We sit between retailers and insurers and do not want to surprise anyone at the last minute.
How will your work change in the future?
I don’t think our company will be in a permanent remote working situation, but some meetings and conversations may no longer require travel. I hope video conferencing stays and people don’t go back to just using the phone, because it’s nice to be able to see a face.
What would surprise people about you?
I married my high school sweetheart. My parents also met and married in high school, so it must be a family tradition.
What habit or hobby have you adopted during the pandemic?
Family dinners. Since I had to travel less, I had more time for dinners with the family. I also enjoyed cooking and grilling.
