License to Lead: Meet Young Agent Audriana Misic
Audriana Misic
Lead commercial account manager
BridgeMark Insurance Solutions
Bismark, North Dakota
Age: 34
Go-to drink order: Margarita on the rocks
Favorite TV show: Anything reality TV. I’m currently binging “90 Day Fiance.”
No. 1 item on bucket list: Go snowboarding in Switzerland
How did you get started in insurance?
I started at a health insurance call center when I was a teenager, and that led me to a captive agency. That’s where I learned more about the industry, but I realized I wanted more. I dabbled in a little bit of sales with supplemental insurance, and that led me to the independent world, where I love it. I feel like I’ve experienced many different facets of insurance, and that experience helped me excel and find my niche.
What do you love about insurance?
The thrill of constant evolution. The learning never stops, and that’s what keeps me motivated. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for explaining coverages to clients and helping them understand the value of what they’re investing in. And that passion has grown now to training and mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals, guiding them to success and helping them fall in love with the industry just like I did.
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Future of the industry?
It’s all about embracing artificial intelligence (AI). Not to replace people but to make what we do more efficient and effective. I see it being more in the consumer’s hands as far as flexibility and allowing them to tailor coverage to their specific needs. I think the industry will just continue to become faster, smarter and more responsive to meet the demands of today’s consumers.
Biggest industry challenges?
I’ve seen my fair share of challenges because insurance is all I know but I feel like nothing really compares to the last few years, starting with COVID-19 and then unforeseen weather catastrophes creating this tough market. It’s been a ride like no other. With that, one of the biggest challenges is explaining how all of this affects clients, especially with premiums being higher than ever. They’ve been tough conversations and I empathize with them but I can’t always fix it.
I have definitely had clients say, “I don’t live in a weather catastrophe area—why does this affect me?” But our neighbors in South Dakota have had crazy hail claims in the last couple years and we’ve experienced that a bit in North Dakota. I explain to them that it’s like pool sharing. We all share the consequences. But I can’t sit there and tell them their rates are up because of hurricanes; they can’t relate to that.
On top of that, training new hires in this rapidly changing industry with shifting markets and eligibility has been a challenge of its own … but I guess that’s what makes it exciting.
Role model or mentor?
Jared Blackwood. He’s the national director for North Dakota with the Big “I.” I’m lucky to call him my boss as well. He constantly pushes me to grow and offers invaluable feedback. He’s inspired me to get more involved within the Big “I” as well. I hope to achieve even half of what he’s accomplished within the association.
Multiple generations in the workplace?
Multiple generations bring a wealth of perspectives and experience, which fuels collaboration, but it can be a challenge to gain everyone’s buy-in. The rapid growth of technology makes it tough for some of the older generation to embrace, but then the younger generation may struggle with a lack of experience, especially with how quickly this industry is changing. Together, it creates a healthy balance.
AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.
