Mercury Risk and Compliance, Inc.’s Post

Facing a challenge? Maybe like a little holiday travel this weekend? Neal Page and Del Griffith most certainly felt your pain. The comedic duo of Steve Martin and John Candy taught us quite a bit about our life and career journey through their multiple transportation challenges during their trip home in the '80s classic, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." 👉 Just when you think you’ve got it on cruise control, smooth sailing is ahead, or any number of bad clichés that every office has plastered on a wall somewhere, you find your career or life delayed, diverted, or catching on fire, and not in a good way. 👉 You’ve hit a rough spot. Maybe you’ve lost your passion. Maybe your passion has been ripped out from under you by a bad manager or life challenge. 👉 In the words of the 80s pop rock band Loverboy, you find yourself “working for the weekend,” which is no way to build a career. 👉 Look, we aren’t perfect. Anyone whose career or life journey is exactly as they dreamed it would be is, in the words of Madonna, a “Lucky Star.” 👉 Your journey will probably look more like the chaotic but incredibly entertaining travels in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure than the substantially less bumpy traipses of The Golden Girls. 👉 So, get ready, because diversions, delays, cancellations, uncomfortable seating arrangements, and even explosions are all going to be part of your professional and life journey. 👉 It will be tough sometimes; no doubt about it, but here’s the cool thing: they will all provide you with opportunities to learn. You will definitely “look back on it and laugh. #careerjourney #lifejourney #enjoytheride

Defining success is a subjective journey, unique to each of us. For me, it transcends hitting targets. It's also about fostering happiness and fulfillment. In the quest for success, finding the delicate equilibrium between a fulfilling private life and a thriving career is paramount! I believe in fostering an environment where personal and professional growth go hand in hand. Because let's face it, a happy life outside the office fuels the drive for success within it. And this is my exact thinking translated into the Allianz Services strategy: happy employees mean happy customers. It's more than a strategy. It's my commitment to a harmonious environment where everyone thrives. In the end, our success story is intricately linked to the happiness of our team, and it extends to those we serve. Here's to mastering the delicate dance of balance! It is my aim that we have access to the tools to ensure a life filled with joy, achievement, and happiness both at home and at work. Check out the video below where, I share more about my personal experience in finding equilibrium. Stay tuned for more career conversations from Allianz Services in the year to come!

During business travel earlier this year, I was fortunate to find myself immersed in a profound moment of introspection, while watching the waves gently lap the shores of Pensacola Beach, FL. While capturing this moment on my phone's camera, a thought crystallized to me about the importance of taking time to truly ponder the pivotal decisions in our lives. In the vast expanse of business, decisions echo across boardrooms, shaping the way we operate, perceive others, and chart our course forward. It's a dynamic dance where choices, both big and small, influence the trajectory of our companies. The weight of these decisions can be daunting, but they are indispensable for growth in every facet of an organization. Navigating the business landscape, we often can feel like a sailor on uncharted waters. Yet, it's precisely during these times of uncertainty that strength is forged. Embrace the challenges, for they are the crucible in which resilience is tempered. Similarly, Life, much like the ebb and flow of the ocean, presents us with a myriad of opportunities, decisions, and choices. Some will lead to positive outcomes, while others may take us down unexpected paths. Yet, regardless of the outcome, choices demand to be made. It's in these moments of decision-making that we sculpt the narrative of our personal and professional journeys. In the tapestry of life, each decision is a thread, weaving together the fabric of our existence. Be intentional, be thoughtful, and trust in your capacity to make choices that align with your vision. When the currents of doubt surge, anchor yourself in the memories of moments of peace, where the mind is clear and the path forward becomes illuminated. So, be strong. Embrace the decisions that lay before you. Whether in business or in life, approach each choice and each day with the wisdom I found one evening from the shores of Pensacola Beach. #taketimetoreflect #businessdecisions #lifejourney #pensacolabeach #thoughtoftheday #staypositive #keepcalm #workhard

Throughout my career in the travel industry, I've learned a powerful lesson: It's not just about the destination; it's about the journey. Each client's story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of goals. Today, I encourage you to reflect on your professional path. How will you make your journey matter? Embrace the learning, treasure the experiences and inspire others by sharing your story. #BusinessGrowth #CareerJourney #InspirationAtWork

Why Your Job Search might Need the "Alaska Airlines Effect? Yesterday, I spotted this Pixar-themed Alaska Airlines plane, and it hit me: You need to stand out to be noticed. It reminded me of a conversation I recently had with my dear friend Dr. Amr Mohsen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM a brilliant Structural Interventional Cardiologist at LomaLinda University (imagine if there is a world cup for cardiologists’ credentials, Amr already won that). He's not just skilled, he's considered the BEST in his field. We talked about how it's not enough to just do your job or collect credentials – you need to excel and be exceptional, to have a distinctive brand and stand out. Hiring a brand comes with more revenue and more recognition. Alaska Airlines gets it. This plane was a traffic stopper in a sea of sameness (can't imagine how crazy my kids would be if they saw it). Their bold branding decision was likely complex (losing maximum sunlight reflection that comes with all white), maybe even costly (more paint more weight, I am not an expert). But the payoff is huge – they stand apart and I stopped to admire it. It made me think...job hunting is tough, especially when you're aiming for top companies. You need to do things that may feel a bit uncomfortable, that demands extra effort. A little extra work, a lot of extra attention. That little extra is the difference between hiring a name and hiring a brand. You don't have to paint an airplane (metaphorically speaking, of course!) to land an awesome role. But if you want to make THE JOB to find you, think about how to make a splash. Be remarkable! What's your equivalent of a brightly painted plane? Note: (I couldn't get a clean shot of the exact plane I saw but photo credits to Alaska Airlines)

Today was supposed to be a straightforward journey back to Boston after a work trip in Buffalo, but life had other plans. My originating flight got delayed, which caused me to miss the last connecting flight to Boston. The end result? I'm stuck in New York for the night, with nothing but my carry-on and an unexpected detour on my itinerary. Of course, I initially hated all these inconveniences—who wouldn't? But I eventually decided to shrug it off and reframe my mind. I reminded myself that these detours are just delays and not denials of my ultimate destination. As I settled into my unplanned evening in New York, I realized how many of life's delays can feel just as frustrating and inconvenient. Whether it's a career setback, a relationship hiccup, or missing out on an opportunity, these moments can make us feel like we're off course. Yet, if my travel experience has taught me anything, it’s that patience is key. Just because there’s a delay doesn’t mean we won’t eventually arrive where we need to go. Sometimes, these detours offer unexpected opportunities, like a chance to explore new places or meet interesting people. So, while my unplanned night in New York wasn't part of the original plan, it gave me a fresh perspective on life's little detours. They might suck in the moment, but they’re just temporary setbacks. With patience and a positive mindset, we’ll eventually get to where we need to be. And who knows? Maybe the detours will add a little extra adventure to our journey. #DelayedNotDenied #LifeLessons #UnexpectedDetours #mirandism #unapologetic #unapologeticdude

Understand Who You Are! Do you understand who you are? Can you find within yourself those answers? It took me quite some time to find out "who I am". In my career I wasn't always bold and upfront. I wasn't always who I am today. I wasn't always confident. I had to find that along the way. I had to understand who I was. I had to do a tad bit of soul searching to grasp who I was and what I wanted to do. I began to find that person when I was managing Reefer. I had interaction with the terminals. I had interaction with the vessels, the planners, the M&R group and Equipment. I had my career world open. But this was also when I struggled the most. I found my BURN during this time. I found who I was and "what I wanted to be when I grew up". LOL But it took that one comment that I was never meant to overhear to help me along my journey. It was that one comment that lit that fire in my gut. It was that one comment that allowed me to find my backbone and straighten it. Sometimes it can be that simple. You can be moving along on autopilot and then something happens, BAM, and there you are. You have arrived at your crossroad. The question though, when that happens, which path will you choose? Will you take that road less travelled? The one that is scary and dark and does not have the sunshine and rainbows in clear view? Or will you choose the easy road? Will you just continue on in your comfort zone? In order for us to "Understand who we are", we have to be challenged. We have to take that fork in the road to the unknown. We have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I know that that type of journey is difficult, but I can guarantee you, it can be the most rewarding. That journey that is fraught with difficulties and uncertainties, can be what helps you to understand who you are. I took that road less travelled. Yes it was fueled because someone pissed me off, LOL, but hey, that was my catalyst. That was the trigger. That was the one thing that I needed to light a fire under my own ass. Would I go back and do anything different... I don't know. I think we all have to go through these journeys to find who we are. If I had done things differently, would I be in the position that I am now? Would I be who I am now? Would I be how I am now? I don't honestly think I would. But I can say, with all certainty, had I not chosen that less traveled path, had I not chosen that difficult road, I would not be who I am right now. I would not trade that. You have to find your BURN, you have to take that journey to "Understand Who You Are". You can do this, I can help. See Your Strength Recognize Your Significance Embrace Your Opportunity #WomenEmpowerment #Strength #Significance #Opportunity

If I could share a lesson that has taught me so much in more ways than one, it would be this: experiencing different parts of the world requires you to make arrangements long before you arrive at that new place. Booking hotels, train/plane tickets, gassing up the car, agendas set, packing your luggage, setting aside money, etc. It took a lot of mental training to understand that my career was going to take the same quality of arrangements and dedication to reach the destination. It deserved just as much effort and investment as a 7 day trip to the islands. This picture of me on the plane may seem like a simple selfie but trust me, it was so much more. In this picture, I was traveling up north for professional development and I can tell you that I was exhausted, excited but exhausted. I really wanted to sleep in and skip the plane ride. This was one of those moments when my mind and my body were not in alignment because my mind was in move mode while my body was in sleep mode. Clearly, my mind won and I am thankful now that I allowed my mind to outrun my body in that moment. As a Black woman who has entered, thrived in, and exited the corporate world on my own terms, I related to many WOC who identified with uncertainty, doubts, and lack of clarity. The corporate world is much like traveling believe it or not. What are presented as security measures are really barriers that we feel hold us back from arriving at that promotion or raise. The destination seems so far, you're watching everyone's plane take off and you're sitting there thinking "When will I board my plane?" So, what does this moment mean for me? It means that even as a successful entrepreneur, (former) corporate leader, mom of 20+ years and wife, there are still moments when I need to realign myself with myself. In moments that I believe are small, there is still much to be learned and achieved. There is still a series of events that I need to get through for my destinations. So, I hear you when you say "It's too much" or "I'm not sure I'm ready". You are! You are ready and yes the evolution of your career is a lot of work but it's also a lot of reward once you step into that new destination. I am calling you to action! I am challenging you to step into your next season with confidence and with grit. I am telling you to accept that it's your time to shake and move on that promotion that you have been pondering on for weeks. I am here not only to encourage you but to invite you into a community of leadership and accountability through my upcoming CEO of You® Academy. It's a chance to network with other women, learn alongside a seasoned mentor, and plant your feet deeper into acceleration. We plan, we talk, we learn, and more importantly, we grow together. Click https://lnkd.in/d66yvTTC to visit the CEO of You® website to enroll. It's time to do this and you do not have to do it alone. Let's go!

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟: 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 "जिंदगी की गाड़ी में हमे अकेले ही चलना है। हाँ, कुछ लोग मिलेंगे हर मोड़ पर जो साथ देंगे, लेकिन आखिर में उड़ान खुद ही भरना है।"✍ Taking a morning flight often means sacrificing sleep, driven by the fear of missing the flight if I’m late. Today, as I #navigated this #journey, I found some parallels to life itself. Here are a few thoughts I’d like to share: ✓𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲: There will always be people in your life who love and care for you. However, there will be moments when you must face challenges on your own. While they may be with you in spirit, their physical presence may not always be possible. ✓𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀: Today, I had to manage my journey to the airport alone, as CA CMA Ratankumar Shriwastav was out of town. While this may seem trivial to some, the constant concerns about #womensafety can make such situations feel daunting. ✓𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: I booked a #cab and arrived at the #airport ahead of schedule. This reminded me that while people (like drivers) may join us for parts of our journey, having #companions for the entire trip is often a myth. ✓𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: We often hear the saying that we come into this world empty-handed and will leave in the same way. However, I've come to realize that the journey itself can sometimes feel equally empty. While relationships, wealth, joy, and even pain are integral parts of our lives, they don’t always bring a sense of completeness or fulfillment. I find myself pondering what truly fulfills us. Is it the connections we make, the experiences we gather, or perhaps the impact we leave behind? This quest for understanding fulfillment is an ongoing journey in itself. 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #Journey #SelfReflection #WomenSafety

🌏 A Year of Exploration and Connection: 56 Flights, 80,000 Kilometres, and Countless Memories 🌏 As I reflect on the past year, I'm struck by the sheer scale of experiences and connections I've been fortunate enough to embrace. Covering an astonishing 80,000 kilometres – that's twice around our beautiful planet – I've been on an incredible journey both personally and professionally. 🛫 56 Flights: A Symphony of Skies 🛬 Each flight, from the first to the fifty-sixth, was more than just a journey from point A to B. It was an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, to meet new people, and to gather insights that only travel can provide. Each takeoff and landing brought with it a sense of anticipation and excitement for the opportunities ahead. (Also a few frustrations as the airlines still haven't realised customers are important 😉 ) 🌐 Connecting with Teams and Clients: The Heart of Our Business 💼 Among the most rewarding aspects of these travels was the time spent with members of our amazing PRP team across different locations. Their dedication, creativity, and passion are the engines that drive our success. Meeting with clients, both new and longstanding, reinforced the relationships that are the cornerstone of our business. Every handshake, every conversation, was a reminder of the trust and partnership we've built over the years. 🎙️ Speaking Engagements: Sharing Knowledge, Gaining Insights 🎙️ From conference halls to intimate meeting rooms, I had the privilege of engaging in speaking engagements that were as enlightening for me as I hope they were for my audiences. Sharing knowledge and experiences is a powerful way to connect, and I’m grateful for each opportunity to do so. 🔄 Looking Ahead: More Flights, More Connections, More Discoveries ✈️ As I embark on another year, I am excited about the new horizons that await. More flights, more destinations, and most importantly, more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. (No doubt next year will be another year of Platinum Status!) To everyone who's been part of this journey – thank you. To everyone I've met- it's been great to connect. Here's to another year of exploration, connection, and success! #Travel #Teamwork #bestteamever #ClientRelations #PublicSpeaking #Connections #PRP