So Millennials, welcome to the “name-that-generation” world. Starting with Baby Boomers, the X, Y and Z Generations, we humans can’t help ourselves when it comes to putting every generation in a neat, new box. And then the fun stuff comes: we older and “wiser” generations bemoan something about the work ethic or their shaving habits. Millennials have been described as everything from more self-centered to more worldly and charitable, and we in captive insurance need to understand this new “thing” if we want to fill our aging industry with new blood.

Well, I don’t buy it. Yes, every generation has its quirks and trends and signature “look” to some degree, but the young people I talk to who are looking at careers in the captive industry remind me why I have hope in darker moments. They are inquisitive, hardworking and want to help others. Yes, they want a better work-life balance, but who the hell doesn’t! In short, they remind me of every generation of young people looking to enter the workplace, make a mark and do good.  While every business and organization should strive to create a welcoming environment for newcomers, and look at crafting a new and better environment that works for all of us, let’s be careful about pigeonholing our younger colleagues and new entrants to our world. I would even suggest dropping the label Millennials and just treat them as the humans they are. After all, it will be their world tomorrow!

In the meantime, we do have a number of sessions at VCIA’s conference  August 7-9 focused on helping the next generation move into the world of captives, including Bridging the Next Generation of Leaders with Current Leaders, Presenting to Board/Management, and a Young Professionals Forum.

Registration opens May 1, so put it on your calendars!  Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.